Cloudways has powered over 100,000 businesses worldwide, but changes since DigitalOcean’s acquisition in 2022 have prompted many WordPress professionals to look for alternatives. According to G2’s 2026 Cloud Hosting report, Cloudways maintains a 4.7/5 rating, but newer competitors now match its performance at lower prices.
Fortune Business Insights projects the managed cloud hosting market will reach $527.07 billion by 2032. W3Techs data shows WordPress powers 43.4% of all websites globally.
Follow this guide as it compares five Cloudways alternatives based on independent performance testing, verified user reviews, and pricing analysis.
Table of Contents
- Quick Summary / TL;DR
- Why Users Are Switching from Cloudways in 2026?
- How We Ranked These Cloudways Alternatives
- Comparing the Best Cloudways Alternatives in 2026
- Cost Comparison: Cloudways vs Alternatives
- Feature Comparison Matrix
- How to Migrate from Cloudways
- Common Mistakes When Switching Hosts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Expert Picks by Goal
Quick Summary / TL;DR
Here is a quick expert guide to Cloudways alternatives for you:
| If You Want To… | Use This | Expected Impact | Migration Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Save 40%+ on hosting costs | xCloud | ~40% cost reduction | 15-30 minutes |
| Get premium managed WordPress | Kinsta | Enterprise-grade performance | 1-2 hours |
| Start with minimal budget | SiteGround | Google Cloud at $2.99/mo intro | 1 hour |
| Maximum developer control | RunCloud | Full root + panel flexibility | 30-60 minutes |
| Run a hosting agency | GridPane | White-label + client billing | 1-2 hours |
Expert Recommendation: According to G2’s 2026 Best Software Awards, Kinsta ranks #1 for premium WordPress hosting with a 4.8/5 rating from 930+ verified reviews. For cost-conscious users, Cloudways Alternatives, independent reviewers at OnlineMediaMasters and Blog Marketing Academy cite xCloud as delivering approximately 40% savings versus Cloudways.
Best for Beginners: SiteGround — Google Cloud infrastructure with a beginner-friendly interface
Best for Developers: xCloud — Free tier + full root access + OpenLiteSpeed support
Best for Enterprise: Kinsta — Google Cloud C2 machines + 99.9% uptime SLA
Why Users Are Switching from Cloudways in 2026?
Understanding why WordPress professionals are migrating helps identify which Cloudways Alternatives best fit your needs and long-term hosting strategy. According to Trustpilot and Capterra reviews, three main factors are driving the switch to another hosting:
1. Pricing Concerns
Cloudways adds markups to base cloud provider costs. Here is what independent price comparisons show:
| Server Type | Direct Cost | Cloudways Price | Markup |
|---|---|---|---|
| DigitalOcean 2GB | $12/mo | $28/mo | 133% |
| Vultr HF 2GB | $24/mo | $60/mo | 150% |
| AWS/GCP | Varies | Higher % | 150-200% |
2. Limited Server Control
Cloudways does not provide root SSH access. Based on developer forums and Reddit discussions, this affects users who need:
- Custom NGINX configurations
- OpenLiteSpeed server installation
- Advanced security hardening
- Custom PHP extensions
3. Post-Acquisition Changes
Since DigitalOcean acquired Cloudways in September 2022, Capterra reviews (4.2/5 rating) mention concerns about:
- Support response quality variations
- Billing complexity issues
- Feature development pace
How We Ranked These Cloudways Alternatives
This methodology evaluates Cloudways alternatives using frameworks established by G2, Capterra, and independent reviewers:
| Criterion | Why It Matters | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | Direct pricing comparison at equivalent specs | High |
| Performance | Server response times, uptime guarantees | High |
| User Reviews | G2, Trustpilot, Capterra verified ratings | High |
| Server Control | Root access, configuration flexibility | Medium |
| WordPress Features | Caching, staging, one-click tools | Medium |
| Support Quality | Response times, expertise level | Medium |
| Migration Tools | Free migrations, documentation quality | Low |
Data Sources: G2 (3M+ verified reviews), Trustpilot, Capterra, BuiltWith, W3Techs, and independent benchmark testing from OnlineMediaMasters, HostingStep, and WPShout.
Comparing the Best Cloudways Alternatives in 2026
Below is a detailed comparison of the leading Cloudways Alternatives, ranked by value, performance, and user satisfaction:
| Rank | Provider | User Rating | Starting Price | Root Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | xCloud | 5.0/5 Trustpilot (297+ reviews) | Free / $5/mo | ✅ Full | Cost-conscious developers, agencies |
| 🥈 | Kinsta | 4.8/5 G2 (930+ reviews) | $35/mo | ❌ No | Premium WordPress, enterprise |
| 🥉 | SiteGround | 4.5/5 G2 (800+ reviews) | $2.99/mo | ❌ No | Beginners, budget users |
| 4 | RunCloud | 4.7/5 G2 (50+ reviews) | $8/mo | ✅ Full | Developers wanting panel control |
| 5 | GridPane | 4.6/5 G2 (30+ reviews) | $50/mo | ✅ Full | Hosting agencies, resellers |
🥇 xCloud – Best for Cost Savings & Server Control
Among modern Cloudways Alternatives, xCloud maintains a perfect 5.0/5 rating on Trustpilot, positioning it as one of the strongest Cloudways Alternatives for cost savings and server control. Users consistently praise responsive support, cost savings, and platform reliability.
Independent reviewers at OnlineMediaMasters tested xCloud against Cloudways on identical server specifications and documented approximately 40% cost savings with comparable performance. Blog Marketing Academy’s 2025 review highlighted xCloud’s “bring your own provider” model as a key differentiator.
According to xCloud’s 2025 Year in Review, the platform now manages over 100,000 websites across 10,000+ servers globally. Unlike Cloudways, xCloud offers full root SSH access and support for OpenLiteSpeed servers, two features developers frequently request.
Key Features
- Free Tier: 1 server + 10 websites at $0/month, no credit card required
- Root Access: Full SSH root access (Cloudways doesn’t have this)
- OpenLiteSpeed: LiteSpeed web server support for optimized WordPress performance
- Multi-Cloud Support: Connect servers from Vultr, DigitalOcean, Hetzner, AWS, Google Cloud, Linode
- Managed Option: Fully managed servers starting at $5/month
- Unlimited Sites: No restrictions on websites per server
How to Get Started with xCloud
Getting started with xCloud is pretty simple. xCloud allows you to bring your own server or enjoy fully xCloud-managed hosting with a next-gen hosting platform. Follow these steps:
Option A: Free Tier (Self-Managed)
- Sign up at xCloud with your email
- Connect your cloud provider (Vultr, DigitalOcean, Hetzner, etc.)
- Deploy a server in your preferred region
- Add your WordPress sites through the dashboard
- Configure SSL and caching settings
Watch the detailed guide:
Option B: Managed Hosting ($5/mo)
- Choose a managed server plan
- Select server location and specs
- xCloud handles all server maintenance
Detailed Guides:
- Visit the xCloud knowledge base to learn with step by step guide
- How to Migrate from Cloudways
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ ~40% cheaper than Cloudways at equivalent specs | ❌ Newer platform (launched 2024) |
| ✅ Free tier with 1 server + 10 sites | ❌ Requires selecting your own cloud provider |
| ✅ Full root SSH access | ❌ Fewer data center locations than enterprise hosts |
| ✅ OpenLiteSpeed + NGINX options | |
| ✅ 5.0/5 Trustpilot rating (297+ verified reviews) | |
| ✅ White-label reseller hosting available |
Best for: Developers, agencies, and WordPress professionals who want maximum control and cost savings. Works well for users comfortable selecting their own cloud provider or those migrating multiple sites from Cloudways.
🥈 Kinsta – Best for Premium Managed WordPress
According to G2’s 2025 Best Software Awards, Kinsta ranks #1 among premium Cloudways Alternatives for WordPress hosting, particularly for enterprises seeking hands-off management.The platform won “Easiest to Use” and “Best Support” in G2’s Winter 2025 reports.
Kinsta runs exclusively on Google Cloud Platform’s C2 compute-optimized virtual machines. According to Kinsta’s official documentation, the platform serves over 120,000 businesses in 128+ countries and maintains SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications.
Industry analysts at WPMarmite and Tooltester rate Kinsta’s performance as “arguably one of, if not the best, specialist hosts on the market.” Trustpilot reviews (4.7/5 from 680+ users) highlight exceptional support quality, with Kinsta reporting an average response time under 2 minutes.
Key Features
- Google Cloud C2: Compute-optimized virtual machines on every plan
- 37 Data Centers: Broader geographic coverage than most competitors
- Cloudflare Enterprise: DDoS protection and CDN included on all plans
- MyKinsta Dashboard: Award-winning, intuitive control panel
- 24/7 Expert Support: WordPress specialists with < 2-minute average response
- Free Migrations: Unlimited basic migrations included
How to Get Started with Kinsta
Getting started with Kinsta is straightforward:
- Choose a plan starting at $35/month
- Create your MyKinsta account
- Request a free migration or create a new site
- Kinsta’s team handles the technical setup
Detailed Guides:
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ #1 WordPress host on G2 (4.8/5 rating) | ❌ Premium pricing ($35/mo minimum) |
| ✅ Google Cloud C2 infrastructure | ❌ No root SSH access |
| ✅ <2 minute support response time | ❌ Visitor-based pricing can scale costs |
| ✅ 37 global data centers | ❌ No email hosting included |
| ✅ SOC 2 + ISO 27001 certified |
Best for: Businesses, high-traffic websites, and users who prioritize reliability and support over cost. Works well for those who want hands-off management with enterprise-grade infrastructure.
🥉 SiteGround – Best Budget-Friendly Managed Hosting
SiteGround is one of the most beginner-friendly Cloudways Alternatives, running on Google Cloud Platform infrastructure while keeping competitive introductory pricing.
According to G2 (4.5/5 from 800+ reviews) and Trustpilot (4.6/5), SiteGround delivers strong value for beginners and budget-conscious users.
W3Techs data indicates SiteGround hosts approximately 2.1% of all websites globally, making it one of the most widely adopted WordPress hosts. The platform’s Site Tools dashboard and 24/7 support receive consistent praise in user reviews.
WPBeginner and HostingStep recommend SiteGround for users stepping up from shared hosting who want better performance without managing server infrastructure.
Key Features
- Google Cloud: All plans run on GCP infrastructure
- Site Tools Dashboard: Modern, user-friendly control panel
- Free CDN: Cloudflare integration included
- Staging Environment: Available on GrowBig and higher plans
- Daily Backups: Automatic with easy restore
- SuperCacher: Built-in caching technology
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Google Cloud infrastructure | ✅ Free migration for the first site |
| ✅ $2.99/mo introductory pricing | ❌ Limited server control |
| ✅ Beginner-friendly interface | ❌ Resource limits on lower plans |
| ✅ 24/7 expert support | ❌ No root access |
| ✅ Free migration for first site | ❌ Single data center on starter plan |
Best for: Beginners, small businesses, and users looking for an entry point to Google Cloud performance at an affordable introductory price.
4. RunCloud – Best Server Panel for Developers
RunCloud is one of the most flexible Cloudways Alternatives for developers who want panel-based control without managed-hosting lock-in. It allows users to connect to any VPS and manage WordPress sites through a centralized dashboard. G2 users rate RunCloud 4.7/5, with developers praising its mature feature set and documentation.
The platform supports NGINX, Apache, and hybrid configurations with Git deployment workflows. Based on independent reviews, RunCloud appeals to developers who want panel-based management without being locked to a single hosting provider.
Key Features
- NGINX + Apache Hybrid: Flexible web server configuration
- Git Deployment: Push-to-deploy workflows
- One-Click SSL: Let’s Encrypt integration
- File Manager: Web-based file access
- Database Management: Built-in phpMyAdmin alternative
- Atomic Deployment: Zero-downtime deployments
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Mature, well-established platform | ❌ No free tier for unlimited sites |
| ✅ Excellent documentation | ❌ Less WordPress-specific than xCloud |
| ✅ Git integration built-in | ❌ No OpenLiteSpeed support |
| ✅ Developer-friendly features | ❌ Interface feels less modern |
| ✅ 4.7/5 G2 rating | ❌ $8/mo minimum vs xCloud’s free tier |
Best for: Developers who want stable, panel-based server management with strong documentation and Git workflow support.
5. GridPane – Best for Hosting Agencies
GridPane is a specialized Cloudways Alternative designed for hosting agencies and professional WordPress developers managing multiple clients who need advanced server management features.
G2 reviewers rate GridPane 4.6/5, highlighting its security-first approach and agency-specific tooling.
The platform emphasizes security hardening, advanced caching configurations, and white-label capabilities for reseller hosting businesses.
Key Features
- Advanced Security: Server hardening and proactive monitoring
- Nginx + Redis: Performance-optimized stack
- Client Billing: Built-in invoicing and reseller tools
- Multitenancy: Manage multiple clients per server
- Backup Integration: Multiple backup destination support
- One-Click Staging: Environment cloning for testing
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Best-in-class agency features | ❌ Higher starting price ($50/mo) |
| ✅ Advanced security tooling | ❌ Steeper learning curve |
| ✅ Client billing built-in | ❌ Overkill for simple sites |
| ✅ Strong community support | ❌ Smaller user base than competitors |
| ✅ White-label capabilities |
Best for: Established agencies managing 20+ client websites who need integrated billing, advanced security, and professional-grade workflows.
Cost Comparison: Cloudways vs Alternatives
2GB RAM Server Monthly Comparison
| Provider | DigitalOcean 2GB | Vultr HF 2GB | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudways | $28/mo | $60/mo | Managed markup included |
| xCloud | $12 + $0 (free tier) | $24 + $5/mo | Pay provider + panel fee |
| Kinsta | N/A | N/A | $35/mo (visitor-based) |
| SiteGround | N/A | N/A | $14.99/mo (GrowBig) |
| RunCloud | $12 + $8/mo | $24 + $8/mo | Pay provider + panel fee |
| GridPane | $12 + $50/mo | $24 + $50/mo | Pay provider + panel fee |
Free Tier Availability
| Provider | Free Option |
|---|---|
| xCloud | ✅ 1 server + 10 sites |
| RunCloud | ❌ No free tier |
| GridPane | ❌ No free tier |
| Cloudways | ❌ 3-day trial only |
| SiteGround | ❌ Paid only |
| Kinsta | ❌ Paid only (30-day refund) |
Feature Comparison Matrix
| Feature | xCloud | Kinsta | SiteGround | RunCloud | GridPane |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root SSH Access | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| OpenLiteSpeed | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Bring-Your-Own-Server | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free SSL | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Staging Environment | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Redis Cache | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free Migration | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ (1 site) | ❌ | ❌ |
| White Label | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Unlimited Sites/Server | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free Tier | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
How to Migrate from Cloudways
Pre-Migration Checklist
Whenever you’re going to migrate from Cloudways, keep in mind these steps:
- Audit Current Sites: Document all domains, databases, and configurations
- Export Backups: Download full backups from Cloudways
- Document DNS: Record all DNS records before migration
- Plan Timing: Schedule during low-traffic periods
- Reduce TTL: Lower DNS TTL to 300 seconds 24 hours before switching
Migration Methods by Provider
| Provider | Migration Method | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| xCloud | Full server migration tool or Migrate Guru plugin | 15-30 minutes |
| Kinsta | Free concierge migration service | 1-2 hours |
| SiteGround | Free migration (1 site) or $30/site | 1-2 hours |
| RunCloud | Manual or plugin-based | 30-60 minutes |
| GridPane | Plugin-based migration | 1-2 hours |
Common Mistakes When Switching Hosts
1. Underestimating Server Requirements
Avoid downgrading server specs to save money. Match or exceed your current Cloudways configuration, especially RAM allocation, which directly impacts PHP workers and site performance.
2. Ignoring DNS TTL Settings
Reduce DNS TTL to 300 seconds (5 minutes) before migrating. This speeds up propagation when switching servers and minimizes downtime.
3. Forgetting Email Configuration
Cloudways uses Rackspace email as an add-on ($1/mailbox). Plan email hosting separately with services like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or your new host’s email solution.
4. Skipping Staging Tests
Never migrate directly to production. Test on staging first. Most alternatives have one-click staging environments.
5. Not Maintaining Backup Access
Keep your Cloudways account active for at least 7 days after migration as a safety net. Create manual backups before making the switch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get root SSH access with Cloudways alternatives?
Yes. xCloud, RunCloud, and GridPane all provide full root SSH access. Premium managed hosts like Kinsta and SiteGround do not have root access as they handle server management internally.
Which Cloudways alternatives has the best value for money?
According to independent testing from OnlineMediaMasters, xCloud delivers approximately 40% cost savings compared to Cloudways at equivalent server specifications. Its free tier (1 server + 10 sites) makes it accessible for testing before committing.
Which alternative is best for WooCommerce stores?
For WooCommerce, xCloud has excellent value with OpenLiteSpeed support and Redis object caching. For fully managed solutions, Kinsta’s Google Cloud C2 infrastructure and WooCommerce-specific optimizations make it a strong choice despite higher pricing.
How long does migration from Cloudways take?
Most migrations complete within 15-60 minutes, depending on site size. xCloud’s full server migration tool can transfer entire Cloudways servers with all sites in a single operation.
Which alternative has the best support?
Kinsta leads in support quality according to G2 reviews, with <2 minute average response times. xCloud maintains a perfect 5.0/5 Trustpilot rating from 297+ verified reviews, with users consistently praising fast, knowledgeable support responses.
Can I host unlimited websites?
xCloud, RunCloud, and GridPane allow unlimited websites per server (constrained only by resources). Kinsta and SiteGround limit site counts based on plan tiers.
What’s the most underrated Cloudways alternative?
xCloud is frequently cited as underrated due to its newer market presence. Despite launching in 2024, it now manages 100,000+ websites and has earned a perfect 5.0/5 Trustpilot rating from 297+ verified reviews—one of the highest ratings in the hosting industry.
What’s the most underrated Cloudways alternative?
Start with xCloud’s free plan to test the platform risk-free. For premium managed hosting, Kinsta has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Most providers also have pre-sales consultations to help assess your specific needs.
Expert Picks by Goal
Choosing the right Cloudways alternative depends on your priorities, budget, and technical requirements. Here is what industry experts recommend:
| Your Goal | Best Choice | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Value | xCloud | ~40% cost savings vs Cloudways |
| Best Free Tier | xCloud | 1 server + 10 sites at $0/month |
| Best Premium Support | Kinsta | <2 min response, G2 #1 rated |
| Best for Beginners | SiteGround | Google Cloud at $2.99/mo intro |
| Best for Developers | xCloud or RunCloud | Full root access + panel control |
| Best for Agencies | GridPane | White-label + client billing |
| Best for Enterprise | Kinsta | SOC 2 + ISO 27001 certified |
Your Action Plan
- Get started: Sign up for xCloud’s free tier or Kinsta’s 30-day trial
- Test first: Migrate one test site and compare performance metrics
- Scale up: If results meet expectations, migrate remaining sites
- Clean up: Cancel Cloudways after confirming all sites are stable
The cloud hosting market has changed since DigitalOcean acquired Cloudways. Modern alternatives now match its performance with better pricing, more control, or superior support. Pick the one that fits your workflow and test it with a single site before committing.
