Managed cloud hosting delivers blazing-fast site performance, but figuring out pricing can feel like decoding a secret language. Cloudways is one of the most popular managed cloud hosts, but its pay-as-you-go, infrastructure-based pricing model leaves many users scratching their heads.
This guide breaks down exactly how Cloudways pricing works in 2024, including all plan costs, hidden fees, available discounts, and tips to slash your bill. No fluff, no jargon—just clear, actionable info.
How Cloudways Pricing Works
Unlike shared hosting that charges a flat monthly fee for a pre-set resource bundle, Cloudways uses a modular, pay-as-you-go model built on top of five major cloud infrastructure providers:
- DigitalOcean
- Vultr
- Linode (Akamai)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
You first choose your preferred infrastructure provider, then select a server size with specific RAM, CPU, storage, and bandwidth allocations. Billing is calculated hourly, so you only pay for the resources you use, with no long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
You can scale your server resources up or down at any time, and your bill adjusts automatically for the remaining billing cycle.
2024 Cloudways Pricing Plans by Provider
All Cloudways plans include core managed hosting features: free SSL, automated daily backups, 24/7 expert support, built-in caching (Breeze), and a free migration for your first website. Below is the entry-level pricing for each infrastructure partner:
| Infrastructure Provider | Entry Plan Cost (Monthly) | RAM | CPU Cores | Storage | Bandwidth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DigitalOcean | $11 | 1GB | 1 | 25GB | 1TB |
| Vultr | $11 | 1GB | 1 | 25GB | 1TB |
| Linode (Akamai) | $14 | 1GB | 1 | 25GB | 1TB |
| AWS | $36.51 | 1.7GB | 1 | 20GB | 2GB |
| Google Cloud | $33.18 | 1.7GB | 1 | 20GB | 2GB |
Mid-tier and high-tier plans scale up in cost as you add more resources. For example, DigitalOcean’s next plan up is $22/month for 2GB RAM, 1 core, 50GB storage, and 2TB bandwidth.
Why DigitalOcean and Vultr Are Most Popular
DigitalOcean and Vultr offer the lowest entry-level pricing, making them ideal for small blogs, portfolios, and low-traffic business sites. AWS and Google Cloud are better suited for enterprise sites with high traffic and compliance needs, as they include advanced security and global infrastructure features.
Hidden Cloudways Costs to Watch For
Cloudways is transparent about its base pricing, but there are a few optional add-ons and overage fees to keep in mind:
- Bandwidth overages: Most plans include 1TB of bandwidth. Extra bandwidth costs $0.12 per GB for DigitalOcean, Vultr, and Linode; AWS and Google Cloud overage rates vary by region.
- Email hosting: Cloudways does not include email hosting. You can add Rackspace Email ($1/email/month) or Elastic Email (pay-as-you-go) as an add-on.
- On-demand backups: Automated daily backups are free. On-demand manual backups cost $0.05 per GB of backup size.
- Extra site migrations: Your first website migration is free. Additional migrations cost $15 per site.
There are no setup fees, no credit card fees, and no penalties for cancelling your plan at any time.
Cloudways Discounts & Money-Saving Tips
Cloudways does not offer traditional annual contracts, but there are plenty of ways to reduce your bill:
- 3-day free trial: Test all features with no credit card required. You only start paying if you choose to upgrade to a paid plan after the trial.
- Referral program: Refer a friend to Cloudways and you’ll both get $25 in account credit.
- Scale down when possible: If your site traffic drops, scale your server resources down to a cheaper plan in one click. Billing adjusts hourly.
- Promotional codes: Cloudways frequently offers 20% off your first 3 months of service for new users (check their homepage for current promos).
As noted in G2’s 2024 managed hosting pricing report, Cloudways ranks among the most transparent hosts for avoiding unexpected bill hikes.
Is Cloudways Pricing Worth It?
Cloudways is more expensive than shared hosting (which starts at $2-$5/month) but far cheaper than hiring a developer to manage an unmanaged VPS. You’re paying for:
- 24/7 expert support (no wait times for critical issues)
- Automated security patches and backups
- Built-in performance optimization (caching, CDN integration)
- Easy scaling as your site grows
For beginners who want reliable, fast hosting without learning server management, Cloudways pricing delivers strong value. Intermediate users will appreciate the flexibility to customize resources without long-term lock-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cloudways have a free plan?
No, Cloudways does not offer a permanent free plan. It does offer a 3-day free trial with no credit card required, so you can test the platform risk-free.
Are there setup or cancellation fees?
No. Cloudways charges no setup fees when you launch a server, and no penalties if you cancel your plan at any time.
Can I switch my infrastructure provider later?
Yes, but you will need to migrate your site to a new server hosted on your preferred provider. Cloudways offers free migration for your first site, or you can pay $15 for additional migrations.
Does Cloudways pricing include email hosting?
No. You will need to purchase a third-party email add-on (like Rackspace or Elastic Email) at an additional cost if you need email hosting for your domain.
Ready to try Cloudways for yourself? Start your 3-day free trial today – no credit card required. Upgrade to a paid plan only when you’re 100% sure it’s the right fit for your site.
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