Do you want to skip the read and get right to my pick in this Cloudways vs Siteground comparison? The better web hosting provider for most people is Cloudways.
Introduction:
An increasing number of individuals, businesses, and institutions are seeing the benefit of cloud hosting over standard web hosting services. And why not? Cloud hosting is a surefire way of ensuring that your website is accessible all the time. It also has the additional benefit of being a more secure hosting platform.
Naturally, it’s unfair to assume that all cloud hosting services are made equal. However, potential users need to weigh their options when it comes to cloud hosting. Don't worry – we prepared this review just for that purpose.
Here, we pit Cloudways vs Siteground, two site hosting platforms that have each gained a following online. Our review will touch on how each of these platforms performs in terms of ease of use, practicality, functionality, overall reliability, and cost-efficiency.
Overview:
Cloudways:
Founded back in 2011, Cloudways was established in Barcelona, Spain though its current headquarters are located on the island of Malta.
The platform specialises in cloud hosting. Specifically, it offers a modified version of managed hosting that users can easily dive into without the hassle of a steep learning curve. Its hosting solutions include those specific for WordPress and managed cloud hosting.
Siteground:
Siteground is easily one of the older hosting services on the internet, having been around since 2004, offering services that were specifically created for hassle-free website management. That said, it isn’t surprising that it has become the trusted hosting provider of more than two million websites across the globe.
The platform was among the first to use the cPanel framework as a site management interface; since then, others have followed and cPanel interfaces have practically become proforma for hosting providers.
Ease of Use:
With respect to ease of use, how does Siteground vs Cloudways fare against each other?
Cloudways:
This platform is quite easy to set up unlike most conventional hosting services. Its interface helps users build and deploy a site within minutes, and adding third-party apps to improve functionality can be done with one click. The fact that many site management processes are pre-automated by default (yes, that includes site backup and migration), then running a site is as easy as pie.
Siteground:
Siteground’s services revolve around the promise of easy website management thanks to its proprietary UI which users can actually get into almost immediately out of the box.
Winner – Cloudways! Cloudways takes this ‘Ease of Use' round in our Cloudways vs Siteground showdown.
Features:
What features can we expect from Siteground vs Cloudways?
Domain Names:
Cloudways:
For this Cloudways vs Siteground review, our issues with Cloudways kicks off with the fact that they don’t have their own domain registry. In fact, if you’re starting tabula rasa on your site, we suggest that you secure a domain name from a third-party registry.
Siteground:
That would have to depend on your subscription: you can have just one domain for your account or – especially if you signed up for one of the premium plans – an unlimited number of domains to suit each site you manage.
We should also point out here that Siteground also has its own domain registry service and users can opt for regular, country-specific, and special domains; however, it will cost you, as it will set you back $17.99 annually per domain.
Email Rating:
What about email services – which is better between Cloudways vs Siteground?
Cloudways:
We hate to break it to you, but you’re going to have to get a third-party email provider for your site if you’re getting it hosted on Cloudways. The platform has an email add-on called Rackspace, but it is an optional service you add to your subscription for an additional cost.
Why such a handy plugin isn’t part of any standard subscription plan on this platform is something we just can’t wrap our heads around.
Siteground:
Regardless of subscription, Siteground users may create an unlimited number of email addresses for their accounts.
Databases:
Cloudways:
Cloudways takes pride in the fact that they use Thunderstack for databasing purposes – and this is a boon for MySQL users in particular.
This built-in SQL management system has its own tool kit and enables users to work from remote connections. Thunderstack is also quite fast and its core functions can be augmented with several easy to use plugins. Unfortunately (again), getting the Thunderstack system will cost you extra: depending on your subscription, it will set you back by $10 to $36.51 monthly.
Siteground:
Using Siteground’s built-in databasing plugin is something that won’t break the bank: the platform allows users to have an unlimited number of databases with their standard subscription plans.
Applications:
To really grow your website, how well does Siteground vs Cloudways interface with third-party apps?
Cloudways:
The platform is compatible with practically any PHP-driven application, as well as three specific building platforms: WordPress, Magento, and Laravel.
Interestingly, Cloudways’ compatibility with WordPress is one of its strongest points as it was one of the first platforms to offer cloud hosting for sites built with it. Today, it hosts more than 600,000 WordPress sites, along with management applications or enhancements for individual site owners, ecommerce entrepreneurs, and agencies.
Moreover, Cloudways’ dedicated content delivery network (CDN) also improves the loading time of WordPress sites regardless of their owners’ physical location anywhere in the world. A cache plugin called Breeze is another reason for this, as this solution was specifically developed to optimise the functionality of WordPress sites.
Siteground:
Those who want to expand the functionality and features of their websites are spoilt for choice as far as Siteground is concerned as the platform is compatible with more than 500 third-party applications, including popular site builders like WordPress, Joomla, and osCommerce.
Ecommerce users will particularly appreciate how Siteground’s R&D team is perpetually expanding the scope of the platform’s interactions with a variety of tools and add-ons that would enhance the online retail experience for both web store managers and their customers.
Site Staging:
Are Cloudways vs Siteground great for site staging?
Cloudways:
Cloudways’ Staging Environment offers users a secure space in which to test out their sites before going live. Among its features are the ability to test how sites work on five different cloud providers, IP whitelisting, as well as SSL-enabled staging.
We should also point out that Cloudways gives users the ability to connect a test site to an already working site, in order to see whether or not links work or if running one will hamper the operations of the other. Another good thing about this is that you can use Cloudways’ built-in Push and Pull features to swap data between sites.
Siteground:
Most hosting services tend not to offer a testing or staging tool to users, unless they’ve built their sites with WordPress; even then, platforms tend to rely on the site builder’s built-in site staging tool. Siteground differs in that respect as it actually offers two site staging tools to help site owners and developers out prior to site deployment – but we have to be clear at this point that the site staging capability is only available for the platform’s mid- and high-tier subscribers.
Mid-tier subscribers on Siteground’s GoBig plan are stuck with the WordPress staging tool – something that is essentially useless if you didn’t build your site with WordPress. However, it’s a pleasant surprise to learn that the staging tool for the premium GoGeek plan is more inclusive: the tool allows staging of sites made via Drupal, Joomla, and PrestaShop.
Website Builder:
Which offers the better website builder between Cloudways vs Siteground?
Cloudways:
Cloudways doesn’t have its own proprietary site building platform. However, users have the option to create a site on the platform using WordPress’ Elementor Page Builder. This linkage allows site creators to build from the ground up and put it online in next to no time.
What we particularly like about this aspect of Cloudways is the way you can choose the server on which to host your freshly-minted site and how you can scale it up (or down) depending on your purpose.
Siteground:
While it doesn’t have its own proprietary site builder, Siteground allows users to choose between two of the world’s most popular site builders: Weebly and WordPress. In the case of the platform’s Weebly install, however, all you get is a basic edition of the platform – easy enough to use, yes, but rather limited in terms of functionality.
eCommerce and SSL certificate:
Let's talk about opening an online store. Which does it better – Cloudways vs Siteground?
Cloudways:
Cloudways offers a specific hosting package for those working with scalable online shop building platform Magento and also for WordPress’ ecommerce plugin WooCommerce. One of the easiest hosting packages to set up, all a user needs to do is select a server, launch the store, and start selling almost immediately.
Regardless of builder, those availing of this ecommerce-friendly package will have a roster of tools at their fingertips, including solutions for building an eye-catching storefront and backend management.
Incidentally, SSL certificates are already included across all of Cloudways’ hosting plans.
Siteground:
This platform offers WooCommerce-centric hosting. That said, this WordPress-specific service allows users to create viable online stores using the CMS-driven builder.
All Siteground hosting plans come with free Wildcard SSL certificates to help site visitors or online store customers to browse safely through sites.
Security and Backups:
How does Cloudways vs Siteground protect you from attacks and unexpected events?
Cloudways:
Automated backups are done on a regular basis across all Cloudways hosting plans. If you migrate from Siteground to Cloudways, everything is free!
Along with standard SSL certificates, the hosting service protects user sites through dedicated firewalls, IP whitelisting, application isolation to prevent cross-contamination in the event a site on the same server is hit by an attack, and database security measures.
Siteground:
Siteground offers a proprietary site monitoring system and its own web application firewall. In addition, the platform’s hosting plans also have provisions for redundancy in terms of power and hardware.
Siteware is updated and patched on a regular basis, as are automated backups which are done every day. For premium packages, the platform also offers backups on demand.
Winner – DRAW! We’re calling this Cloudways vs Siteground ‘Features' match a draw.
Performance:
A web hosting service has to be fast, efficient, and reliable. Who does it better in this department, Cloudways vs Siteground?
Server Locations:
Who has better and more server locations – Cloudways vs Siteground?
Cloudways:
Cloudways operates more than 65 data centres worldwide with locations in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.
Note, however, that only its Frankfurt, London, and Sydney locations host servers for all five of its affiliate IaaS services. Other locations only host one or two at the most.
Siteground:
Siteground currently has servers in four countries:
- United States (Chicago/Iowa)
- United Kingdom (London)
- The Netherlands (Amsterdam/Eernshaven)
- Singapore
Speed Results:
How does Siteground vs Cloudways speed compare?
Cloudways:
Cloudways-hosted websites load in less than two seconds.
Siteground:
Siteground-hosted sites load in as fast as 2.67 seconds. The platform also works with Cloudflare CDN to help speed up loading time.
Average Uptime, Bandwidth, and Webspace Limits/Storage:
What about uptime and bandwidth allocations – how do Siteground vs Cloudways measure up?
Cloudways:
Cloudways sites are compliant with the standard: 99.96% is the hosting service’s current score when it comes to uptime.
Bandwidth and storage are dependent on each user’s hosting plan. The minimum allowance is usually 1TB of bandwidth and 25GB of storage; at the other end of the spectrum, users can get 5TB of bandwidth along with 160GB of storage.
Siteground:
Sites on this platform are up 99.99% of the time. However, uptime has been inconsistent of late.
In terms of bandwidth, the platform offers unlimited site visits. Storage, on the other hand, ranges between 10 and 40GB for managed hosting plans.
Winner – Cloudways! In this Cloudways vs Siteground ‘Performance' matchup, Cloudways proves to be the faster and more reliable hosting provider between the two.
Support and Resources:
If you encounter any issue at all with the platform, which has better level of support between Cloudways vs Siteground?
Cloudways:
Cloudways offers 24/7 multiple channel tech support across all subscription plans and this is bolstered quite well with a regularly updated and maintained knowledge base. The service’s blog is also a great found of information and those looking for a third-party provider for specific functions will find it an excellent resource as it regularly features top ten lists for applications and plugins.
Siteground:
Siteground users can avail of 24/7 multichannel tech support via phone, email, and livechat and response time is quite fast.
Aside from its frequently updated knowledge base, the platform also offers online how-to guides and tutorials on using WordPress, setting up an online store, and even a marketing guide to help drive traffic to an online store. Those who want to stay abreast of new developments can also subscribe to its Geek 2 English podcast.
Winner – Draw! Again, we are calling this Siteground vs Cloudways ‘Support and Resources' showdown a draw.
Pricing:
On to probably the most important part for most people – Siteground vs Cloudways cost. Which between Siteground vs Cloudways offers more bang for your buck?
Plans:
Let's compare Cloudways vs Siteground plans.
Cloudways:
Cloud hosting prices for this particular platform are all dependent on which cloud service you want to use. Here are the current ranges being offered:
- Digital Ocean: $10 to $80 monthly
- Linode: $12 to $90 monthly
- Vultr: $11 to $84 monthly
- Amazon Web Services: $36.51 to $274.33 monthly
- Google Cloud: $33.18 to $225.93
Also depending on the IaaS of your choice, managed WordPress or WooCommerce hosting will set you back between $10 and $742 monthly.
>> Check for our latest Cloudways discount code pricing plans <<
Siteground:
Siteground’s cloud hosting services may be significantly more expensive than most standard web hosts. But these come highly recommended for corporate sites or ecommerce hubs that are scaling up their operations. On average, the monthly cost for Siteground cloud hosting will set you back between $100 and $400 per month.
>> Check for our latest Siteground discount code pricing plans <<
Free trial, refund policy, and money-back guarantee:
Cloudways:
Comparing Cloudways vs Siteground, Cloudways has the shortest free trial period of any hosting provider we’ve encountered: just three days. Then you have to either terminate your contract or opt for a monthly plan.
Interestingly, Cloudways prides itself on its pay as you go billing. With this scheme, users only pay for the services they actually use.
Users may, thus, request for a refund if this is presented within three months of adding funds. However, you may not receive the full amount as payment will be deducted for any services used.
Siteground:
Siteground doesn’t have a free trial period. However, it does have a 30-day money back guarantee that will allow you to collect a full refund if you cancel your subscription within the first month of service.
Winner – Cloudways! In terms of value for money, we’re giving this Siteground vs Cloudways ‘Pricing' round to Cloudways.
Comparison Winner: Siteground vs Cloudways?
These are two brilliant hosting providers. However, only one must have the edge over the other.
All things considered in this Siteground vs Cloudways comparison, we are giving the win to Cloudways as Winner in terms of functionality, reliability, and cost.
Conclusion and Recommendations:
What is Cloudways best for?
Ecommerce users, particularly those familiar with WordPress and WooCommerce.
What is Siteground best for?
Because you can scale it up quite easily, we recommend Siteground for those who want to build everything from basic websites to scalable ecommerce hubs.
Alternatives:
| Ranking | Hosting Company | Our View |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | WPX Hosting | Best for Managed Wordpress Hosting |
| 2 | SiteGround | Best for Customer Support *Wordpress.org Recommended! |
| 3 | Kinsta | Best for Uptime |
| 4 | A2 Hosting | Best for Reliability |
| 5 | GreenGeeks | Best Budget Friendly *Eco-Friendly Hosting |
| 6 | Bluehost | Best for Beginners *Wordpress.org Recommended! |
| 7 | Nexcess | Best for small & medium eCommerce enterprises built in WooCommerce or Magento |
| 8 | LiquidWeb | Best for medium and large eCommerce enterprises |
| 9 | Scala Hosting | Best for VPS or Dedicated Hosting |
| 10 | Digital Ocean | Best for Cloud Hosting (Advanced Users) |
Final word:
Cloudways may have taken the win in our Cloudways vs Siteground review, but we recommend that you shop around for a viable hosting service that is in sync with your specific needs.
Click for the best Cloudways pricing
FAQs:
Does Cloudways offer shared hosting?
No, it doesn’t. Cloudways is strictly a cloud-based managed hosting service.
What platforms can I use with Siteground?
You may use Siteground to host sites built with WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, and osCommerce.
That’s all for now:
If you've read our Siteground vs Cloudways comparison review up to here, we are grateful. Remember always to keep abreast of the latest developments on website builders, eCommerce, and other articles, such as the ones below;
Please share any comments below!