Cloudways has built a solid reputation in the managed hosting space, serving over 100,000 businesses as the #1 SMB hosting provider on G2. But after its acquisition by DigitalOcean in 2022, Cloudways has been getting terrible reviews in terms of its support and outdated server stack and increasing prices. Just check out their official community on Reddit and you will see a pattern of declining customer service and some cases, where customers have lost entire data.
According to recent studies, 47% of users expect a website to load in two seconds or less, and with every second increase in load times, conversion rates can drop by 17%. That’s real money walking out the door because your hosting can’t keep up. The managed WordPress hosting market is projected to reach $355.22 billion by 2030, which means you’ve got plenty of alternatives worth exploring.
Your hosting provider is the foundation of everything your website does. Pick the wrong one, and you’re basically trying to run a marathon in flip-flops. This guide will walk you through the best Cloudways alternatives that deliver speed, reliability, and support without making you want to pull your hair out.
Why Your WordPress Hosting Choice Matters More Than You Think
If you are serious about growing your business online and delivering an exceptional user experience to your site visitors, then investing in a good hosting for your WordPress website is the right choice.
Web hosting is the foundation of a website, just like the foundation of a house. If the foundation isn’t strong, then your website will experience sluggish response time, downtimes, security threats, and more, and it will cause you to lose your reputation as a serious online business.
A good WordPress hosting is a bundle of security, support, speed, and scalability with features like automated backups, emails, updates, CDNs, malware scanners, human support, and the list goes on.
There are a lot of cheap web hosting providers who have been providing web hosting services for 2 decades and start at $2.5/m. That is budget-friendly pricing to attract customers in large amounts, but a website with traffic that is built with a WordPress page builder will require the right resources to run.
We advice a lot of people to save themselves from headaches and move to the right hosting provider that is listed below.
Top 11 Cloudways Alternatives for WordPress Hosting
1. HostWP
Get 30% OFF on HostWP
HOSTWP30
Pricing: Plans start at $8.99/month for managed WordPress hosting
HostWP positions itself as the hosting solution for people who’d rather focus on their business than babysit servers. This managed WordPress hosting provider builds everything specifically around WordPress performance, which means every server configuration and security protocol exists solely to make your WordPress site run faster and more reliably.
What makes HostWP different is their obsessive attention to WordPress optimization. They’re not trying to be everything to everyone—they focus exclusively on WordPress hosting and do it exceptionally well. Their infrastructure uses the latest technology stack with LiteSpeed Enterprise, Redis Object Cache, the latest PHP version, Imunify360 for security, designed specifically for WordPress, eliminating the compromises that happen when hosting companies try to support every platform under the sun.
Key Features:
- Managed WordPress hosting with automatic updates and security patches
- Built-in CDN for global content delivery
- Daily automated backups with one-click restore
- Free SSL certificates and advanced security monitoring
- Staging environments for safe development and testing
- 24/7 expert WordPress support
- Performance optimization tools and caching systems
- Migration assistance for hassle-free hosting switches
Who is this for? Business owners and agencies who want premium WordPress hosting without the premium complexity. If you’re running client sites, e-commerce stores, or business websites where downtime directly impacts revenue, HostWP’s managed approach lets you focus on growth instead of server maintenance.
2. Pressidium
Get 2 months Free on Pressidium
No Coupon Req.
Pricing: Plans start at $21/month for managed WordPress hosting
Pressidium treats WordPress hosting like they’re guarding Fort Knox—with multiple layers of security, redundant systems, and attention to detail that makes other hosts look careless. This managed hosting provider specializes in enterprise-grade infrastructure for WordPress sites that absolutely cannot fail.
Their platform operates on the principle that great hosting should be invisible to your users while giving you powerful tools and insights. Every plan comes loaded with advanced security measures that most hosts charge extra for, plus performance optimization that keeps your site running smoothly even when traffic spikes unexpectedly.
Key Features:
- Enterprise-grade security with advanced threat protection
- Automatic scaling to handle traffic spikes
- Daily backups with granular restore options
- Built-in CDN and advanced caching systems
- Free SSL certificates and security scanning
- Staging environments for safe development
- Expert WordPress support available 24/7
- Performance monitoring and optimization recommendations
Who is this for? Organizations that need enterprise-level security and reliability but want managed hosting simplicity. If you’re handling sensitive data, running membership sites, or managing websites where security breaches could be catastrophic, Pressidium’s comprehensive protection justifies the investment.
3. HostPapa
No Coupon Req.
Pricing: Plans start at $2.95/month for shared hosting
HostPapa has carved out its niche as the hosting provider that makes quality hosting accessible without sacrificing the features that actually matter. They offer a comprehensive range of services from budget-friendly shared hosting to more robust solutions, making them a solid choice for businesses at different growth stages.
What sets HostPapa apart is their commitment to customer service and ease of use. They’ve built their platform with non-technical users in mind, which means you get powerful features wrapped in interfaces that don’t require a computer science degree to understand.
Key Features:
- Free domain registration with hosting plans
- Free website migration assistance
- Integrated website builder for easy site creation
- Free SSL certificates and security features
- 24/7 customer support via phone, chat, and email
- Marketing credits for Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising
- Email hosting with spam protection
- Money-back guarantee for risk-free testing
Who is this for? Small businesses and entrepreneurs who need reliable hosting with excellent support at affordable prices. If you’re just starting out or running smaller websites that don’t require enterprise-level infrastructure, HostPapa provides solid value with the kind of customer service that makes hosting less intimidating.
4. FlyWP
Get 10% OFF on FlyWP
WPdiscounts10
Pricing: Plans start at $9/month for managed WordPress hosting
FlyWP focuses exclusively on WordPress hosting for professionals who demand both performance and simplicity. This managed hosting service optimizes every aspect of their infrastructure specifically for WordPress, allowing them to deliver performance that general-purpose hosts simply can’t match.
Their approach combines advanced technical capabilities with straightforward management tools, creating a hosting experience that satisfies perfectionist developers while remaining accessible to business owners who just want things to work reliably.
Key Features:
- WordPress-optimized servers with advanced caching
- Free automated daily backups with one-click restore
- Staging environments for safe development and testing
- Built-in CDN for global content delivery
- Advanced security monitoring with proactive threat detection
- Expert WordPress support available 24/7
- Free SSL certificates and security hardening
- Performance monitoring tools with optimization recommendations
Who is this for? WordPress professionals and agencies who need reliable managed hosting for client projects. If you’re building websites for clients, running multiple WordPress sites, or simply want hosting that’s specifically optimized for WordPress performance, FlyWP’s specialized approach delivers the reliability you need.
5. ScalaHosting
Get up to 75% OFF on ScalaHosting
No Coupon Req.
Pricing: Plans start at $2.95/month for shared hosting, managed WordPress from $29.95/month
ScalaHosting proves that excellent hosting doesn’t always require premium pricing. This hosting provider offers a comprehensive range of services from budget-friendly shared hosting to high-performance managed WordPress solutions, making quality hosting accessible regardless of budget constraints.
What makes ScalaHosting special is their commitment to providing enterprise-level features across all pricing tiers. Even their budget plans include security features and performance optimizations that many competitors reserve for premium customers. Their custom SPanel control panel provides a user-friendly alternative to cPanel without the licensing headaches.
Key Features:
- SShield cybersecurity system for advanced threat protection
- Free website migrations with expert assistance
- Daily backups and easy restoration options
- Free SSL certificates and Cloudflare CDN integration
- Custom SPanel control panel for easy management
- 24/7 technical support via multiple channels
- Multiple data center locations for optimal performance
- WordPress-specific optimizations and caching
Who is this for? Small businesses, bloggers, and startups who need reliable hosting without breaking the bank. If you’re just starting out or running websites with moderate traffic levels, ScalaHosting’s combination of affordability and features provides excellent value without sacrificing essential functionality.
6. Liquid Web
Get up to 50% OFF on Liquid Web
No Coupon Req.
Pricing: Plans start at $5/month for managed WordPress hosting
Liquid Web has earned its reputation as the host for businesses that take their online presence seriously. This hosting provider delivers enterprise-grade infrastructure with the kind of support that actually solves problems instead of bouncing you between departments.
Their managed WordPress hosting platform combines powerful infrastructure with comprehensive management services, taking care of all the technical details so you can focus on running your business. They’ve been in the hosting business for over two decades, which shows in their infrastructure reliability and depth of expertise.
Key Features:
- Fully managed WordPress hosting with proactive monitoring
- Automatic updates for WordPress core, themes, and plugins
- Image compression and optimization tools
- Built-in CDN and advanced caching systems
- Free SSL certificates and malware protection
- Staging environments and Git integration
- 24/7/365 support from WordPress experts
- High-performance cloud infrastructure with guaranteed uptime
Who is this for? Serious businesses and e-commerce sites that need rock-solid reliability and expert support. If you’re running websites where downtime means lost revenue, dealing with high traffic volumes, or simply refuse to compromise on hosting quality, Liquid Web’s enterprise-grade infrastructure justifies the investment.
7. Kinsta
Get 2 months free on annual plans of Kinsta
No Coupon Req.
Pricing: Plans start at $35/month for managed WordPress hosting
Kinsta has built a reputation as the hosting provider that developers secretly wish they could afford for all their projects. Built entirely on Google Cloud Platform infrastructure, Kinsta delivers the kind of performance and reliability that makes other hosting companies nervous.
Their approach to WordPress hosting combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly management tools, creating a hosting experience that satisfies both technical perfectionists and busy business owners who simply want things to work correctly without constant intervention.
Key Features:
- Google Cloud Platform infrastructure for maximum reliability
- Automatic daily backups with point-in-time restore
- Free Cloudflare CDN integration for global performance
- Advanced security monitoring with malware detection and removal
- Staging environments and Git integration for developers
- Performance monitoring tools with detailed analytics
- Expert 24/7 multilingual support team
- Free site migrations handled by professionals
Who is this for? Serious businesses and developers who prioritize performance and reliability over budget constraints. If you’re running high-traffic websites, mission-critical business applications, or simply refuse to compromise on hosting quality, Kinsta’s premium infrastructure justifies the investment through superior performance.
8. WP Engine
4 Months for free on WP Engine
No Coupon Req.
Pricing: Plans start at $45/month for managed WordPress hosting
WP Engine pioneered the managed WordPress hosting category and continues setting standards for WordPress-specific hosting excellence. This platform is built exclusively for WordPress, allowing them to optimize every aspect of their infrastructure for maximum WordPress performance and security.
Their enterprise-grade infrastructure and comprehensive management tools make WP Engine the hosting choice for businesses that can’t afford hosting-related problems. It’s premium managed hosting that justifies its cost through superior performance, comprehensive support, and features that eliminate common WordPress headaches.
Key Features:
- WordPress-optimized infrastructure with advanced caching
- Daily automated backups with one-click restoration
- Advanced security features with threat detection and blocking
- Global CDN network for worldwide performance optimization
- Staging environments and development tools
- 24/7 WordPress expert support team
- Performance monitoring and optimization recommendations
- Enterprise-grade scalability and reliability features
Who is this for? Established businesses and enterprises that prioritize WordPress performance and reliability above cost considerations. If you’re running mission-critical websites, high-traffic business sites, or simply want the best managed WordPress hosting available, WP Engine’s comprehensive platform delivers premium hosting that supports serious business operations.
9. WPX Hosting
Get 2 months FREE if you pay early
No Coupon Req.
Pricing: Plans start at $20.83/month billed yearly for managed WordPress hosting
WPX Hosting has built a loyal following by delivering blazing-fast speeds combined with genuinely helpful support that responds in minutes, not hours. This managed WordPress hosting provider focuses on making hosting simple while delivering performance that rivals much more expensive competitors.
Their commitment to speed shows in everything they do, from custom-built CDN to aggressive caching systems that make websites feel instantly responsive. But what really sets them apart is their support team that actually cares about solving your problems quickly.
Key Features:
- Custom-built CDN included with all plans
- Free website migrations within 24 hours
- Daily automated backups with easy restoration
- Advanced DDoS protection and malware removal
- Staging environments for safe testing
- Free SSL certificates and security monitoring
- 24/7 support with average response time under 30 seconds
- Speed optimization tools and performance guarantees
Who is this for? Business owners and bloggers who prioritize speed and support quality. If you’re tired of slow loading times and support teams that take days to respond, WPX Hosting’s combination of performance and genuinely helpful support makes them worth considering despite slightly higher pricing.
10. Rocket.net
2 Months Free (on annual plans) on Rocket.net
No Coupon Req.
Pricing: Plans start at $30/month for managed WordPress hosting
Rocket.net built their entire platform around one simple goal: making WordPress sites ridiculously fast. This managed hosting provider uses enterprise-grade infrastructure with aggressive optimization to deliver the kind of performance that makes visitors think you’re running on much more expensive hosting.
Their platform combines powerful cloud infrastructure with WordPress-specific optimizations, automated performance tuning, and management tools that make hosting feel effortless. Every plan includes features that most hosts charge extra for, making their pricing surprisingly competitive.
Key Features:
- Enterprise-grade cloud infrastructure with global CDN
- Automatic image optimization and compression
- Advanced caching systems with performance guarantees
- Free SSL certificates and security monitoring
- Daily automated backups with quick restoration
- Staging environments and developer tools
- 24/7 expert WordPress support
- Free website migrations handled by professionals
Who is this for? Businesses and content creators who need consistently fast performance without technical complexity. If you’re running content-heavy sites, e-commerce stores, or websites where speed directly impacts conversions, Rocket.net’s performance-focused approach delivers results that justify the investment.
11. Hostinger
Get up to 70% OFF on Hostinger
No Coupon Req.
Pricing: Plans start at $399/month for WordPress hosting
Hostinger has earned its reputation as the hosting provider that delivers surprisingly good performance at budget-friendly prices. This hosting company proves that affordable hosting doesn’t have to mean compromising on essential features or dealing with terrible support.
Their WordPress hosting platform includes features you’d typically find on much more expensive hosts, from built-in caching to security monitoring. They’ve optimized their infrastructure specifically for WordPress while keeping prices low through efficient operations and smart resource allocation.
Key Features:
- WordPress-optimized servers with LiteSpeed caching
- Free SSL certificates and weekly backups
- Cloudflare CDN integration included
- WordPress staging tool for safe testing
- Built-in website builder and templates
- 24/7 customer support via live chat
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- Free domain registration with annual plans
Who is this for? Budget-conscious businesses, bloggers, and startups who need reliable WordPress hosting without premium pricing. If you’re just starting out, running personal blogs, or managing small business websites that don’t require enterprise infrastructure, Hostinger provides solid value with performance that exceeds expectations for the price.
Making the Right Choice for Your WordPress Site
Choosing the best Cloudways alternative depends on your specific needs, but here are some practical guidelines to help you navigate the decision without overthinking it.
If you’re just starting out or running small websites with moderate traffic, providers like ScalaHosting or FlyWP offer excellent value with reliable performance and support that won’t drain your budget. These options give you room to grow without requiring enterprise-level investment upfront.
For growing businesses that need managed hosting without technical complexity, solutions like HostWP, Pressidium, or Liquid Web Hosting provide the performance and support that lets you focus on business growth instead of hosting management. These providers handle the technical stuff so you don’t have to become a server administrator.
Established businesses and high-traffic websites should consider premium options like Kinsta, Pressidium, or WP Engine, where superior infrastructure and comprehensive support justify the higher investment through improved performance and reliability. When your site generates significant revenue, hosting becomes an investment rather than an expense.
Organizations with complex scaling needs or developer teams might find ScalaHosting, HostWP, Pressidium’s enterprise-grade infrastructure provides the flexibility and performance required for sophisticated applications that outgrow typical managed hosting limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need managed WordPress hosting, or can I stick with regular shared hosting?
Managed WordPress hosting takes care of updates, security, backups, and optimization automatically, freeing you from technical maintenance that can consume hours every week. While shared hosting costs less upfront, managed hosting typically saves money long-term by preventing problems rather than fixing them after disasters strike.
Will switching hosting providers affect my SEO rankings?
A properly executed hosting migration typically doesn’t harm SEO rankings. In fact, moving to faster, more reliable hosting often improves rankings due to better page speed and uptime. Most quality hosting providers offer migration assistance to ensure smooth transitions that search engines barely notice.
How much should I budget for quality WordPress hosting?
Budget hosting starts around $3-5 per month, but expect to spend $15-50 monthly for quality managed WordPress hosting that includes proper support, security, and performance features. The investment typically pays for itself through improved site performance, better security, and time saved on technical issues.
Can I test a hosting provider before committing long-term?
Most reputable hosting providers offer money-back guarantees (usually 30 days) that allow you to test their services risk-free. Take advantage of these trial periods to evaluate performance, support quality, and overall satisfaction before committing to longer-term contracts that lock you in.
What’s the difference between managed WordPress hosting and cloud hosting?
Managed WordPress hosting provides dedicated WordPress-optimized resources with professional management of updates, security, and backups. Cloud hosting uses scalable infrastructure that adjusts to traffic demands and typically requires more technical knowledge. Some providers like Kinsta combine both approaches for best results.
