Overall
Cloudways and NameCheap are two very different breeds in the web hosting world.
Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that simplifies deploying, monitoring, and managing high-performance applications on major cloud infrastructure providers like Google Cloud Platform, Amazon Web Services, and Digital Ocean.
NameCheap, on the other hand, is a domain registration and traditional web hosting service that offers affordable solutions for domain purchasing and web hosting services.
Key Differences Between the Two
Cloudways: Managed Cloud Hosting for Scalability and Performance
Key Differentiators:
- Managed Cloud Flexibility: Cloudways stands out by offering managed hosting on top of leading cloud providers like Google Cloud, AWS, and DigitalOcean. This arrangement provides users with the flexibility to scale resources according to demand, which is ideal for websites expecting variable traffic.
- Performance Optimization: With built-in caching mechanisms and a dedicated environment, Cloudways ensures that performance is optimized for all hosted applications. This is crucial for businesses that rely heavily on e-commerce and need consistently fast loading times to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Developer-Friendly Features: The platform supports advanced features such as staging environments, server cloning, and Git integration, making it a favorite among developers looking for efficient project workflows.
Drawbacks:
- Pricing Complexity: Cloudways has a slightly steeper learning curve in terms of pricing due to its pay-as-you-go model, which can be initially unclear compared to traditional hosting plans.
- Limited Email Hosting: Unlike traditional hosting services, Cloudways does not include email hosting, which may require users to seek additional services for their email needs.
NameCheap: Affordable and Comprehensive Hosting for Startups and Small Businesses
Key Differentiators:
- Cost-Effective Plans: NameCheap is known for its budget-friendly hosting solutions, making it an attractive option for individuals and small businesses looking to get online with minimal investment.
- Integrated Domain and Hosting Services: As a well-known domain registrar, NameCheap provides seamless integration of domain and hosting services, simplifying the management of online assets under a single account.
- User-Friendly for Beginners: With cPanel-based management and straightforward setup processes, NameCheap is particularly accessible for beginners without technical backgrounds.
Drawbacks:
- Inconsistent Uptime: Some users have reported variability in uptime, which could be a critical factor for businesses that depend on constant online presence.
- Limited Advanced Features: Compared to Cloudways, NameCheap might lack certain advanced features that are necessary for scaling larger or more complex websites.
Service Offering
| Feature | Cloudways | NameCheap |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Services | Cloud, and Reseller Hosting | Shared, VPS, Dedicated, and Reseller Hosting |
| Specialized Services | Managed WordPress Hosting | Managed WordPress, Email, and Minecraft Hosting |
| Server Locations | Canada, USA, Brazil, UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, India, Australia | USA, UK, Netherlands |
| Control Panel | In-House | In-House |
| Uptime Guarantee | 100% | 99.9% |
| Money Back (Days) | 14 | 30 |
| Free Migration | Yes | Yes |
| Support Channels | Live chat and email | Phone, live chat, and email |
Key Takeaways
- Cloudways focuses on managed cloud hosting services – which is suitable for those who want the power of cloud hosting without the complexity of managing it.
- NameCheap offers a broader range of traditional hosting services, including shared, VPS, dedicated, and reseller hosting.
Plans & Pricing
| Hosting Type | Cloudways | NameCheap |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | $ - /mo | $1.48 - 4.98/mo |
| VPS Hosting | $ - /mo | $6.88 - 24.88/mo |
| Dedicated Hosting | $ - /mo | $59.57 - 238.88/mo |
| Cloud Hosting | $11.00 - 1056.00/mo | $ - /mo |
| WordPress Hosting | $14.00 - 487.00/mo | $2.91 - 5.74/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 – there’s no annual subscription and users can freely upgrade or downgrade their hosting plans as they need.
- NameCheap offers some of the cheapest pricing in the hosting market, making it an attractive option for users on a tight budget.
Development Features & Others
| Feature | Cloudways | NameCheap |
|---|---|---|
| Language Support | PHP, Java, Python, Node.js, and Ruby on Rails | PHP, Java, Python, Node.js, Perl, and Ruby on Rails |
| Dev Features | GIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access | GIT access, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access |
| Staging Tool | Built-in | Softaculous |
| Free SSL | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Cache | Yes | Higher plans |
| Global CDN | Yes | Yes |
| Free Malware Scan | Yes | Yes |
| DDoS Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Web Application Firewall (WAF) | Yes | Yes |
Key Takeaways
- Cloudways offers better server capabilities such as built-in staging, easy server cloning, simple vertical scaling, server monitoring, and easy vertical scaling.
Our Recommendation: Which is Right for You?
The distinct between Cloudways and NameCheap is clear.
If you require high performance, scalability, and have a focus on managing traffic surges effectively – Cloudways is the superior choice. Its managed cloud hosting solutions provide powerful tools and capabilities for high-demand websites.
On the other hand, if you are looking for an all-in-one, cheap solution to start a small website with less complexity, NameCheap would be more suitable. It offers a straightforward approach to hosting with the essential features needed by small businesses or personal projects at a very competitive price.
Both hosting providers serve different hosting needs effectively, making it important to evaluate what aspects of hosting are most critical to your website’s success before making a choice.
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 NameCheap
Established in 2000 by Richard Kirkendall, Namecheap embarked on a mission to revolutionize the domain industry by offering unparalleled low prices and service excellence.
Evolving beyond domain registration, Namecheap now provides a comprehensive suite of online solutions including hosting, security, and managed WordPress services. Today, as the world's second-largest domain registrar, Namecheap remains dedicated to fostering accessibility and affordability on the internet while prioritizing customer satisfaction above all else.
NameCheap Pros
- Budget-friendly shared hosting plans
- Excellent domain name prices with free lifetime privacy protection
- Free site migration
- Perl, Ruby, and Python support in shared hosting plan
NameCheap Cons
- Price increase during the renewal
- Limited VPS plans
- Only US and UK-based servers
- Pay extra to choose UK-data center
