Cloudways and HostArmada are both reputable hosting providers with distinct approaches to web hosting. Each offers unique advantages tailored to different types of users, depending on their specific hosting requirements and technical expertise.
Overall, here’s how they stack up against each other:
Key Differences Between the Two
Cloudways: Managed Cloud Hosting for Scalability and Performance
Key Differentiators:
- Managed Cloud Flexibility: Cloudways excels by providing managed hosting services atop leading cloud infrastructure providers like Google Cloud, AWS, and Digital Ocean. This approach allows users to benefit from powerful cloud resources without the complexity typically associated with setting up and managing cloud servers.
- Performance and Scalability: With Cloudways, scalability is a major advantage. You can adjust resources quickly to handle traffic spikes without needing technical skills in server management. This makes it ideal for businesses with fluctuating traffic.
- Simplified Control Panel: Cloudways offers an intuitive control panel that simplifies complex operations, such as server scaling, application management, and monitoring, making cloud hosting accessible even to non-tech savvy users.
- Advanced Features: Features like easy server cloning, automated backups, and built-in advanced caches are designed to enhance performance and user convenience.
Drawbacks:
- Pricing: While Cloudways offers a flexible pay-as-you-go pricing model, it can become expensive as your needs grow. The cost of advanced resources and add-ons can accumulate, making it less ideal for those on a strict budget.
- Limited Trial: The platform provides a limited free trial, which might not be sufficient for thorough testing by potential users.
- Doesn’t Support Email Hosting: Users will need to pay extra to a third-party (like Gmail or Microsoft 365) to host their email accounts.
HostArmada: Affordable and Feature-Rich Hosting with Excellent Support
Key Differentiators
- Competitive Pricing: HostArmada offers affordable pricing plans with a good balance of features, making it a great choice for small to medium-sized businesses and personal websites.
- Comprehensive Hosting Solutions: Whether you are looking for shared, VPS, or dedicated hosting, HostArmada provides a variety of hosting solutions to cater to different needs. This includes features like email hosting, free daily backups, SSL certificates, and web server caching.
- User-Friendly Interface: The integration of cPanel for account management facilitates ease of use, particularly for those already familiar with this popular control panel.
Drawbacks:
- Newer Market Player: As a relatively new entrant to the hosting industry, HostArmada is still building its reputation and user base, which might give pause to those looking for tried and tested hosting solutions.
- Resource Limits: Some plans have clear limits on resources like the number of websites and storage, which might require upgrading to more expensive plans as needs grow.
Service Offering
| Feature | Cloudways | HostArmada |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Services | Cloud, and Reseller Hosting | Shared, VPS, Dedicated, and Reseller Hosting |
| Specialized Services | Managed WordPress Hosting | Managed WordPress, Adult Websites, and Email Hosting |
| Server Locations | Canada, USA, Brazil, UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, India, Australia | USA, UK, Canada, Germany, India, Singapore, Australia |
| Control Panel | In-House | cPanel |
| Uptime Guarantee | 100% | 99.9% |
| Money Back (Days) | 14 | 45 |
| Free Migration | Yes | Yes |
| Support Channels | Live chat and email | Phone, live chat, and email |
Key Takeaways
Cloudways excels in cloud-centric services, while HostArmada offers more variety in traditional hosting options – including shared, VPS, dedicated, and reseller hosting.
Plans & Pricing
| Hosting Type | Cloudways | HostArmada |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | $ - /mo | $2.99 - 5.49/mo |
| VPS Hosting | $ - /mo | $29.95 - 74.23/mo |
| Dedicated Hosting | $ - /mo | $81.95 - 180.95/mo |
| Cloud Hosting | $11.00 - 1056.00/mo | $ - /mo |
| WordPress Hosting | $14.00 - 487.00/mo | $2.99 - 5.49/mo |
| Windows Hosting | $ - /mo | $ - /mo |
| Coupon | HOSTSCORE | - |
| Coupon Details | 25% discount for 2 months | - |
Key Takeaways
- Cloudways employs a pay-as-you-go pricing model that offers flexibility and can be more cost-effective for dynamic workloads.
- HostArmada presents a more traditional pricing structure, with competitive rates for its shared, VPS, and dedicated hosting plans.
Development Features & Others
| Feature | Cloudways | HostArmada |
|---|---|---|
| Language Support | PHP, Java, Python, Node.js, and Ruby on Rails | PHP, Python, Node.js, Django, and Perl |
| Dev Features | GIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access | GIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access |
| Staging Tool | Built-in | No |
| Free SSL | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Cache | Yes | Yes |
| Global CDN | Yes | No |
| Free Malware Scan | Yes | Yes |
| DDoS Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Web Application Firewall (WAF) | Yes | Yes |
Key Takeaways
- Both Cloudways and HostArmada support essential development features, such as GIT access, WP-CLI, and multiple PHP versions.
- Cloudways offers additional advanced features like built-in staging environments and a custom control panel for easier management of cloud resources.
- HostArmada provides cPanel access and emphasizes security with free malware scans and web application firewall across all plans.
Our Recommendation
The decision between Cloudways and HostArmada depends on your specific hosting needs and technical comfort level.
If you require robust scalability, high performance, and have a fluctuating traffic volume, Cloudways is an excellent choice. Its managed cloud platform is particularly suited for businesses that need the power of cloud hosting without the complexity.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an affordable and straightforward hosting solution with excellent customer support, HostArmada is likely the better choice. It offers a wide range of hosting options with an emphasis on user support and ease of use, making it ideal for smaller businesses or individuals stepping into online hosting.
About Cloudways
Established in 2011 by co-founders Aaqib Gadit, Pere Hospital, and Uzair Gadit, Cloudways is a managed hosting platform that initially focused on leveraging partnerships with AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Digital Ocean to serve its customers better. The acquisition by DigitalOcean in August 2022 further solidified this partnership, enhancing Cloudways' ability to provide superior managed hosting solutions.
Cloudways Pros
- Topnotch server uptime and speed performance
- Good abstration over complex cloud server setups with integrated dashboard
- Outstanding customer support
- High scalability
- Easy server cloning, site staging, and website transfer
- Host unlimited applications in one account
- 25% discount for first two months with coupon "HOSTSCORE"
Cloudways Cons
- Getting expensive - Prices increased steadily for the past few years
- Limited trial period
About HostArmada
HostArmada, led by founder Daniel Walton, is renowned in the web hosting sphere for its transparent ethos and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. While the exact founding date remains undisclosed, the company's trajectory underscores a dedication to innovation, continually adapting to the dynamic landscape of the web hosting industry
HostArmada Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Daily remote backup included
- Host unlimited websites in mid-to-high shared hosting account
- 45-day money back guarantee
- Free malware scan & web applications firewall (WAF) in all shared hosting plans
HostArmada Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Lack server speed features in lower shared hosting plans
