Sharing Our Firsthand Experiences
At HostScore.net, we’ve used both Cloudways and Digital Ocean for different development projects, giving us firsthand experience with their strengths and limitations. Our front-end operations run seamlessly on Cloudways, thanks to its managed services, while some of our backend scripts rely on DigitalOcean for its raw power and flexibility. This guide offers an inside scoop based on real-world usage, providing a detailed and practical comparison of the two platforms.
Digital Ocean & Cloudways Belong to the Same Owner
Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform designed to simplify server management, while DigitalOcean is a developer-focused cloud infrastructure provider offering highly customizable hosting environments.
The two became closely tied when DigitalOcean acquired Cloudways in 2022.
Quick Summary
Feature-wise, Cloudways prioritizes ease of use with managed services, while DigitalOcean stands out for its unmatched flexibility and control tailored to technical users. Pricing reflects their differing approaches: DigitalOcean is cost-effective, but Cloudways justifies its premium by saving time and reducing technical complexity. Use cases underscore their unique strengths – Cloudways shines for small businesses, agencies, and WordPress users, while DigitalOcean is perfect for developers and custom applications.
Keep reading for a detailed comparison of these two platforms and insights to help you decide which is the best fit for your needs.
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What is Cloudways?
Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform designed to simplify hosting by handling server management, updates, backups, and optimizations. Unlike traditional hosting providers, it doesn’t own physical servers but instead partners with leading cloud infrastructure providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Vultr, and Linode.
This allows we clients to choose their preferred infrastructure while leveraging Cloudways’ streamlined platform for easier management.
Proprietary Control Panel with User-Friendly Features
Cloudways’ proprietary control panel includes features like one-click app deployment, automated backups, staging environments, server resources monitoring, bot protections, team collaboration tools, and built-in caching mechanism. These tools make the host especially appealing to small businesses, digital agencies, and users without advanced technical expertise.
By abstracting the complexities of cloud hosting, Cloudways offers a faster setup process and ongoing maintenance and allows users to focus on growing their websites or applications.
Click here to visit Cloudways online
What is DigitalOcean?
DigitalOcean is a developer-focused Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provider that delivers flexible, high-performance cloud computing resources. Its core offering, Droplets (virtual servers), gives users complete control over their infrastructure, enabling customization to fit diverse technical needs.
Wide Range of Use Cases in Tech
DigitalOcean supports a wide range of use cases, including website hosting, video streaming, game development, data analytics, AI/ML workloads, blockchain applications, IoT development, and eCommerce platforms. Its solutions are designed to cater to developers and small-to-medium-sized businesses seeking reliable cloud infrastructure.
The platform uses a transparent pay-as-you-go pricing model, making it budget-friendly for startups and developers. However, DigitalOcean demands a certain level of technical expertise, as you are responsible for server configuration, optimization, and maintenance. Its key strengths include granular control, a powerful API for automation, and detailed documentation, making it an excellent choice for tech-savvy professionals building on a reliable, scalable cloud platform.
Click here to visit Digital Ocean online
How Do Cloudways and DigitalOcean Compare in Features?
Both Digital Ocean and Cloudways platforms cater to cloud hosting but serve different audiences. Below is a detailed summary table comparing Cloudways and DigitalOcean features.
| Category | Cloudways | DigitalOcean |
|---|---|---|
| Service Type | Managed cloud hosting platform. | Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) with full control over resources. |
| Infrastructure | Uses third-party cloud providers (DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Vultr, Linode). | Owns and operates its infrastructure, offering compute resources like Droplets, Managed Kubernetes, and databases. |
| Ease of Use | Extremely user-friendly with a proprietary control panel for managing servers, applications, and backups. | Requires technical expertise; provides a custom control panel focused on managing Droplets and resources. |
| Application Support | Primarily web applications like WordPress, Magento, PHP, and Laravel. | Broad support, including web apps, databases, containers, and custom applications. |
| Developer Tools | Git integration, staging environments, one-click app deployment, and pre-configured settings. | Extensive API, CLI tools, and integrations with platforms like Terraform and Prometheus for automation and monitoring. Donest not cover Windows hosting though, |
| Backup Options | Automatic backups included in plans with one-click restore options. | Optional backups available for an additional cost; requires manual setup and management. |
| Flexibility | Allows users to choose from multiple cloud providers and adjust resources easily through the dashboard. Limited customizability due to its managed nature. | Fully flexible with granular control over server configurations and integration options for third-party tools. |
| Integrations | Limited to cloud provider integration and basic tools. Less depth in custom integration options compared to DigitalOcean. | Strong integration ecosystem through a robust API. Compatible with a wide range of third-party tools for automation, monitoring, and deployment. |
| Customization | Limited due to managed services. Users rely on Cloudways’ pre-configured server settings and optimization tools. | High level of customization available, from server configurations to network settings. Requires technical expertise for optimal results. |
| Signup | Order Cloudways | Order Digital Ocean |
DigitalOcean: Developer’s Playground
DigitalOcean provides a streamlined, functional custom control panel specifically designed for developers. Its primary focus is maintaining server and network infrastructure uptime, leaving the rest—configuration, setup, and management—entirely in the hands of the user.
This approach is ideal for those who prefer full control and customization but requires a high level of technical expertise.
Cloudways: Managed Hosting for Non-Techies
Cloudways takes a different approach with its proprietary control panel and tailors its services for non-technical users. The platform simplifies cloud hosting through pre-configured settings and user-friendly features for tasks like app deployment, server scaling, and automated backups.
With a responsive technical support team, Cloudways is an accessible option for users seeking a hassle-free hosting experience.
Key Takeaways
From our experience:
- Choose Cloudways if convenience and time savings are your top priorities. Its managed hosting features are ideal for business websites, online stores, or users without extensive technical skills. By handling many technical complexities, Cloudways minimizes user error and streamlines day-to-day operations.
- Choose DigitalOcean if you value full control and customization. While it comes with a steeper learning curve, it’s an excellent choice for developers working on large-scale or complex projects.
How Do Cloudways and DigitalOcean Perform?
Performance is a key factor in cloud hosting, and both Cloudways and DigitalOcean deliver fast, reliable hosting. However, their performance outcomes differ based on their operational models and user responsibilities.
DigitalOcean’s performance is primarily determined by the user’s ability to configure and optimize its infrastructure; while Cloudways’ performance heavily depends on the infrastructure provider chosen (e.g., DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud) and its built-in optimization tools.
DigitalOcean Performance: Customization Equals Potential
DigitalOcean’s performance hinges on the user’s ability to configure and optimize its infrastructure. It provides robust hardware with data centers across North America, Europe, and Asia, ensuring low latency and high reliability.
However, the platform’s do-it-yourself nature means performance optimization is entirely user-driven. Success depends on tasks like:
- Configuring server settings for your specific needs.
- Optimizing applications and databases for efficiency.
- Monitoring and scaling resources to manage traffic surges.
For example, configuring a load balancer can enhance application performance, but missteps in setup may degrade server reliability.
For tech-savvy users, this level of control unlocks unmatched customization and performance potential. But with freedom comes the risk of errors, requiring ongoing maintenance and expertise.
Cloudways Performance: A Combination of Infrastructure and Optimization
Cloudways operates differently. It doesn’t own physical infrastructure but manages hosting on third-party providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, Vultr, and Linode. As a result, its performance depends on the chosen infrastructure provider combined with Cloudways’ built-in optimization tools.
Infrastructure Options with Cloudways
- DigitalOcean via Cloudways: Offers similar performance to standalone DigitalOcean hosting, enhanced by Cloudways’ tools like caching and application optimizations.
- AWS or Google Cloud via Cloudways: Provides enterprise-grade performance, paired with Cloudways’ user-friendly features for scalable and efficient hosting.
Cloudways’ Speed-Enhancing Features
Where DigitalOcean focuses on raw infrastructure, Cloudways excels at simplifying and automating optimizations, especially for non-technical users. Key features include:
- 65+ Data Center Locations: Leverage Cloudways’ network of server locations to minimize latency.
- Built-In Caching Tools: Integrates solutions like Varnish, Redis, and Memcached to boost page load speeds.
- Application-Level Optimization: Pre-configured settings for popular platforms like WordPress and Magento ensure fast performance with minimal setup.
- CDN Integration: Offers one-click Cloudflare Enterprise CDN setup for faster global content delivery.
These features allow Cloudways to deliver high-speed hosting with minimal technical overhead, making it ideal for users seeking convenience without compromising performance.
Key Takeaways
- Both Cloudways and DigitalOcean excel in delivering fast and reliable hosting.
- Choose DigitalOcean if you have the technical skills to configure and optimize infrastructure yourself. It offers unparalleled flexibility and potential but demands hands-on management.
- Choose Cloudways if you prefer a managed solution that simplifies performance optimization. With pre-configured settings and powerful built-in tools, Cloudways ensures great speed and reliability, even for non-experts.
How Do Cloudways and DigitalOcean Compare in Pricing?
| Hosting Type | Cloudways | Digital Ocean |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | $ - /mo | $ - /mo |
| VPS Hosting | $ - /mo | $ - /mo |
| Dedicated Hosting | $ - /mo | $ - /mo |
| Cloud Hosting | $11.00 - 1056.00/mo | $4.00 - 96.00/mo |
| Managed WP Hosting | $35.00 - 1640.00/mo | $14.00 - 3569.98/mo |
| Windows Hosting | $ - /mo | $ - /mo |
| Coupon | HOSTSCORE | - |
| Coupon Details | 30% Discount for 3 Months | - |
How Do Cloudways and DigitalOcean Compare in Pricing?
Pricing is a significant factor when choosing between Cloudways and DigitalOcean, as their approaches are fundamentally different.
Cloudways offers managed hosting with fixed monthly pricing and an optional pay-as-you-go model. DigitalOcean, on the other hand, provides a transparent pay-as-you-go system, where users only pay for the resources they consume.
Let’s break down their pricing structures, costs for various scenarios, and value for money.
Starting Costs and Basic Plans
DigitalOcean
The cheapest plan (called “Droplets”) starts at $4/month, providing 1 CPU, 512MB RAM, 10GB SSD storage, and 500GB bandwidth. This is ideal for basic applications or lightweight websites, offering exceptional value if you have the technical skills to manage it. For larger projects, plans scale up based on CPU, memory, and storage requirements.
Pay-as-You-Go Pricing Model
Digital Ocean uses a pure pay-as-you-go model. For example: A Droplet with 2 CPUs, 2GB RAM, and 50GB SSD costs $15/month. If the server runs only part of the time, users are billed by the hour (e.g., $0.021/hour), offering flexibility for temporary projects or testing environments.
Cloudways
The lowest-priced Cloudways plan using DigitalOcean infrastructure starts at $14/month ($11/month if you opt for Standard CPU processor) for 1 CPU, 1GB RAM, 25GB storage, and 1TB bandwidth. While this is more than double DigitalOcean’s cost, it includes managed services like automatic backups, firewalls, 24/7 technical support, free SSL certificate management tools, built-in object cache, free migration assistance, regular security patching, and a user-friendly control panel. All these features are essential in saving your time and reducing complexity.
Fixed Month-to-Month Pricing
Cloudways plans are primarily charged on a fixed monthly pricing model. The base cost is higher because managed services are included. Using the same 2 CPUs and 2GB RAM setup with DigitalOcean infrastructure on Cloudways costs $26/month.
Cost Comparison in Different Scenarios
Small Business Website
- DigitalOcean: A small business hosting a WordPress site could start with a $6/month Droplet (1 CPU, 1GB RAM). However, they would need to manually set up and manage WordPress, including installing updates, configuring backups, and ensuring security. This setup demands some level of expertise or hiring a developer, potentially adding hidden costs.
- Cloudways: Hosting the same WordPress site using Cloudways’ $11/month plan simplifies the process with pre-configured WordPress environments, automatic updates, staging environments, and backups. The additional $5/month could save hours of technical setup and maintenance.
SaaS Application or Custom Development
- DigitalOcean: For a SaaS project requiring 4 CPUs, 8GB RAM, and 160GB SSD, the cost would be $48/month. This setup offers raw computing power but demands significant technical expertise to configure, monitor, and optimize performance. If you need advanced integrations or tools like Kubernetes, these are available but require additional management effort.
- Cloudways: The same configuration on Cloudways with DigitalOcean infrastructure costs $99/month. While this is over double the cost, it includes managed services such as monitoring, 24/7 support, and pre-configured environments for applications. For businesses without dedicated IT staff, this added cost might be a worthwhile tradeoff for the time and resources saved.
Additional Costs to Consider
DigitalOcean
While base prices are competitive, there are add-ons to account for:
- Backups: Cost 20% of the Droplet price.
- DDoS Protection: Requires adding a proprietary CDN service.
- Managed Databases or Kubernetes: Separate pricing tiers.
- Example: A $10/month Droplet with backups and a basic CDN might cost ~$16/month.
Cloudways
Includes features like automatic backups, DDoS mitigation, and SSL certificates in its base price. However, it charges separately for premium support add-ons and Cloudflare Enterprise, which may increase costs for advanced users.
Key Takeaways
- DigitalOcean saves you money, but Cloudways saves you time.
- DigitalOcean is best for users seeking the lowest costs and maximum control. However, it requires a steep learning curve and ongoing management efforts.
- Cloudways offers a more expensive but holistic package that includes everything a non-technical user needs for a hassle-free hosting experience.
How to Decide Between Cloudways and DigitalOcean? (Hint: It’s an Easy Call)
Cloudways and DigitalOcean cater to different hosting needs. For a hassle-free experience with excellent customer support, Cloudways is the clear winner. However, if you prioritize full control and have the skills to manage infrastructure independently, DigitalOcean provides unparalleled flexibility and customization.
When Should You Choose Cloudways Over DigitalOcean?
Cloudways is the better choice if you value simplicity and time savings. It’s designed for users who prefer a managed hosting solution that takes the complexity out of cloud infrastructure.
Consider Cloudways if you:
- Want Managed Services: Cloudways handles server setup, backups, and maintenance, so you can focus on growing your business or developing your application.
- Host WordPress or eCommerce Sites: With pre-configured settings and optimized tools for platforms like WordPress, WooCommerce, and Magento, the managed cloud platform ensures your sites run smoothly without extensive tweaking.
- Lack Technical Expertise: If configuring servers, managing security updates, or troubleshooting performance issues feels overwhelming, Cloudways provides a user-friendly interface and 24/7 support to assist you.
When Should You Choose DigitalOcean Over Cloudways?
DigitalOcean is the go-to platform for developers and tech-savvy users seeking full control and customization. It’s an unmanaged hosting solution, which means you handle everything from initial setup to scaling and optimization.
Choose DigitalOcean if you:
- Need Deep Customization: DigitalOcean offers granular control over your infrastructure, letting you configure servers, networking, and storage to meet unique requirements.
- Are Comfortable Managing Infrastructure: If you have the technical expertise to handle server management and need the flexibility to build your hosting environment from scratch.
- Require Advanced Features: DigitalOcean provides specialized features like Managed Kubernetes for containerized applications and Developer APIs for automation.
- Operate Complex or Large-Scale Projects: Whether it’s running an AI/ML workload, blockchain application, or data-intensive analytics platform, DigitalOcean’s raw infrastructure can handle demanding use cases.
Can You Switch Between the Two?
Yes, switching between Cloudways and DigitalOcean is possible, but it requires careful planning. The process typically involves migrating data such as databases, files, and application configurations. Tools like Cloudways’ WordPress migration plugin can streamline this step for certain use cases.
However, downtime may occur during the transition, depending on your current setup. To minimize disruptions, schedule migrations during off-peak hours and thoroughly test the new environment before going live. Additionally, configuration differences between Cloudways-managed servers and standalone DigitalOcean Droplets may require further adjustments post-migration.
