Cloudways vs WP Engine: Complete Comparison Guide
In-depth analysis of two leading WordPress hosting platforms to help you make the right choice
Table of Contents
Platform Overview
Cloudways
Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that simplifies cloud infrastructure management. Built on top of leading cloud providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, and Vultr, Cloudways offers flexibility and scalability without the complexity of managing cloud servers directly.
WP Engine
WP Engine is a premium managed WordPress hosting provider that has established itself as an industry leader. With over 14 years of experience, WP Engine focuses exclusively on WordPress hosting with enterprise-grade features and performance optimization.
Key Market Statistics: WordPress powers 43.4% of all websites on the internet as of , making the choice of hosting provider crucial for performance and success. Both Cloudways and WP Engine serve hundreds of thousands of WordPress sites globally.
Pricing Comparison
Understanding the pricing structure is crucial when comparing Cloudways vs WP Engine. Both platforms offer different pricing models that cater to various business needs and budgets.
Cloudways Pricing Structure
WP Engine Pricing Structure
| Feature | Cloudways (Entry Level) | WP Engine (Entry Level) |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $11/month | $25/month |
| Free Trial | 3 days (no credit card) | 60-day money-back guarantee |
| Billing Model | Pay-as-you-go (hourly) | Monthly/Annual |
| Setup Fee | None | None |
| Bandwidth Overages | $0.02/GB (DigitalOcean) | Varies by plan |
Important Note: Cloudways pricing varies significantly based on the cloud provider selected. While DigitalOcean offers the most affordable entry point, AWS and Google Cloud plans can be 2-3x more expensive but offer enhanced performance and features.
Performance Analysis
Performance is a critical factor when choosing between Cloudways and WP Engine. Both platforms optimize for WordPress, but their approaches and results differ significantly.
Speed and Response Time Comparison
| Performance Metric | Cloudways (Vultr HF) | WP Engine | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to First Byte (TTFB) | 332ms | 462ms | 500ms |
| Uptime | 99.96% | 99.99% | 99.9% |
| Page Load Speed | 1.2s | 1.4s | 2.3s |
| PHP Performance | Excellent | Very Good | Good |
| Database Performance | Very Good | Excellent | Good |
Cloudways Performance Features
- NVMe SSD storage (Vultr HF)
- Built-in Redis caching
- HTTP/2 enabled servers
- PHP 8.1+ optimization
- Cloudflare CDN integration
WP Engine Performance Features
- EverCache caching system
- Global CDN network
- Smart Plugin Manager
- Performance insights dashboard
- Core Web Vitals optimization
Performance Winner: Based on independent benchmarks, Cloudways (specifically with Vultr High Frequency) demonstrates superior TTFB performance at 332ms compared to WP Engine’s 462ms. However, WP Engine offers better uptime guarantees and more comprehensive performance monitoring tools.
Features Comparison
Both platforms offer comprehensive feature sets, but their approaches differ significantly. Here’s a detailed comparison of key features available on each platform.
| Feature Category | Cloudways | WP Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Free SSL Certificates | ✓ Let’s Encrypt | ✓ Included |
| CDN Integration | ✓ Cloudflare (Free/Premium) | ✓ Global Edge Network |
| Staging Environment | ✓ Unlimited | ✓ Included |
| Automated Backups | ✓ Daily/On-demand | ✓ Daily automated |
| Migration Service | ✓ Free (1 website) | ✓ Free automated plugin |
| Git Integration | ✓ Built-in | ✓ Available |
| PHP Version Control | ✓ Multiple versions | ✓ Managed updates |
| Database Management | ✓ phpMyAdmin | ✓ Managed MySQL |
| Email Services | ✓ Rackspace Email ($1/month) | ✗ Not included |
| Multisite Support | ✓ Full support | ✓ Core plans and above |
Exclusive Features
Cloudways Exclusive Features
- Multi-Cloud Support: Choose from 5+ cloud providers
- Pay-as-You-Go: Hourly billing model
- Server Cloning: One-click server duplication
- Team Collaboration: Multiple user access levels
- Advanced Monitoring: Real-time server metrics
- Object Cache Pro: Free on 4GB+ servers
WP Engine Exclusive Features
- Genesis Framework: Free premium theme framework
- Smart Plugin Manager: Automated plugin updates
- Performance Insights: Detailed performance analytics
- Transferable Sites: Easy client handoff
- Local Development: Local by WP Engine
- Threat Block: Advanced security protection
Ease of Use
User experience and ease of use are crucial factors, especially for beginners or agencies managing multiple client websites.
Cloudways User Experience
Cloudways offers a modern, intuitive dashboard that simplifies cloud server management. The platform provides one-click installations for popular CMS platforms and applications.
- Clean, modern interface
- One-click app deployments
- Server management tools
- Real-time monitoring
- Mobile-responsive design
WP Engine User Experience
WP Engine provides a WordPress-focused dashboard with specialized tools for WordPress management, though it can feel overwhelming for new users.
- WordPress-specific interface
- Comprehensive site management
- Performance insights
- Client collaboration tools
- Extensive documentation
| Usability Factor | Cloudways | WP Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Setup Time | 5-10 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| Learning Curve | Moderate | Moderate to Steep |
| Dashboard Complexity | Simple to Moderate | Moderate to Complex |
| Documentation Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Video Tutorials | Available | Extensive |
| Community Support | Good | Excellent |
Experience the Difference
Try both platforms with their free trials to see which interface works better for your workflow
Try Cloudways Free Try WP EngineSupport Comparison
Quality support can make or break your hosting experience. Both platforms offer different levels of support with varying response times and expertise.
| Support Feature | Cloudways | WP Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 24/7 Support | ✓ Live Chat & Tickets | ✓ Chat, Phone & Tickets |
| Response Time | ~5 minutes (chat) | ~3 minutes (chat) |
| Phone Support | ✗ Not available | ✓ Available |
| Advanced Support | ✓ Premium addon ($100/month) | ✓ Included in higher plans |
| WordPress Expertise | Good | Excellent |
| Server Management | Excellent | Good |
Cloudways Support
Cloudways offers solid 24/7 support with a focus on server and infrastructure management. Their team is particularly strong with cloud server optimization.
WP Engine Support
WP Engine provides comprehensive WordPress-specific support with dedicated account managers for higher-tier plans. Their expertise in WordPress is unmatched.
Security Features
Security is paramount for any website. Both platforms implement robust security measures, but their approaches and coverage differ.
| Security Feature | Cloudways | WP Engine |
|---|---|---|
| SSL Certificates | ✓ Free Let’s Encrypt | ✓ Free SSL included |
| Firewall Protection | ✓ Server-level firewall | ✓ Managed WAF |
| DDoS Protection | ✓ Basic protection | ✓ Advanced DDoS protection |
| Malware Scanning | ✓ Available (addon) | ✓ Included |
| Brute Force Protection | ✓ Built-in | ✓ Threat Block system |
| Two-Factor Authentication | ✓ Available | ✓ Available |
| Security Monitoring | ✓ Real-time alerts | ✓ Comprehensive monitoring |
| Regular Security Updates | ✓ Automated | ✓ Managed updates |
Cloudways Security
- Server-level firewall protection
- Regular security patching
- IP whitelisting/blacklisting
- SSH and SFTP access
- Database security optimization
- Bot protection measures
WP Engine Security
- Threat Block security system
- Smart Plugin Manager
- Automated security updates
- SOC 2 compliance
- Advanced malware detection
- WordPress-specific hardening
Security Winner: WP Engine takes the lead with more comprehensive WordPress-specific security features and enterprise-grade protection. However, Cloudways offers excellent server-level security that’s more than adequate for most websites.
Scalability
As your website grows, your hosting needs will evolve. Both platforms offer scaling solutions, but their approaches are fundamentally different.
Cloudways Scalability
Cloudways offers vertical scaling with the ability to increase server resources in real-time. You can also deploy multiple servers across different cloud providers.
- Real-time server scaling
- Multiple cloud provider options
- Global data center coverage
- Load balancer integration
- Auto-scaling (Autonomous)
WP Engine Scalability
WP Engine provides plan-based scaling with enterprise solutions for high-traffic websites. Their infrastructure is designed to handle traffic spikes automatically.
- Automatic traffic scaling
- Enterprise-grade infrastructure
- Global CDN optimization
- Dedicated server options
- Custom solutions available
| Scalability Factor | Cloudways | WP Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Scaling Method | Vertical (server resources) | Plan-based scaling |
| Instant Scaling | ✓ Real-time | ✓ Automatic handling |
| Traffic Limits | Based on server capacity | Plan-specific limits |
| Enterprise Solutions | ✓ Custom configurations | ✓ Dedicated enterprise plans |
| Global Presence | 65+ data centers | Global CDN network |
Pros and Cons
Cloudways Pros
- More affordable pricing structure
- Superior TTFB performance
- Multiple cloud provider options
- Pay-as-you-go billing model
- Excellent server management tools
- Free 3-day trial without credit card
- Real-time server scaling
- Strong technical support
Cloudways Cons
- No phone support available
- Limited WordPress-specific features
- Email hosting costs extra
- Domain registration not included
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- No Windows hosting options
- Limited backup retention
WP Engine Pros
- Excellent WordPress-specific features
- Superior customer support
- Comprehensive security features
- Genesis Framework included
- Advanced performance insights
- Enterprise-grade infrastructure
- Local development environment
- Excellent uptime guarantees
WP Engine Cons
- Higher pricing overall
- Slower TTFB compared to Cloudways
- Limited plugin flexibility
- No email hosting included
- Overage charges for traffic
- Complex pricing structure
- Limited server location options
Cloudways vs WP Engine Final Verdict
After comprehensive analysis, the choice between Cloudways vs WP Engine depends on your specific needs, budget, and technical requirements.
Choose Cloudways If:
- You prioritize performance and speed
- Budget is a primary concern
- You need flexibility in cloud providers
- You’re comfortable with technical management
- You want pay-as-you-go pricing
- You need multiple server locations
- You value real-time scaling capabilities
Choose WP Engine If:
- You want WordPress-specific optimization
- Premium support is important to you
- You need enterprise-grade security
- You prefer managed WordPress features
- You value comprehensive documentation
- You need phone support availability
- You’re running mission-critical websites
Overall Winner: For most users, Cloudways offers better value with superior performance at a lower cost. However, WP Engine is the better choice for enterprises and users who prioritize WordPress-specific features and premium support over cost considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cloudways faster than WP Engine?
Based on performance benchmarks, Cloudways generally offers faster TTFB (332ms vs 462ms) and better overall speed performance, especially when using their Vultr High Frequency servers with NVMe SSD storage.
Which is more affordable: Cloudways or WP Engine?
Cloudways is significantly more affordable, starting at $14/month compared to WP Engine’s $25/month entry-level plan. Cloudways also offers pay-as-you-go pricing, which can result in additional savings.
Does WP Engine offer better WordPress support?
Yes, WP Engine provides superior WordPress-specific support with dedicated WordPress experts, comprehensive documentation, and phone support. Their support team specializes exclusively in WordPress issues.
Can I migrate from one platform to another?
Both platforms offer migration assistance. Cloudways provides free migration for your first website, while WP Engine offers an automated migration plugin and support for the migration process.
Which platform is better for beginners?
WP Engine may be more beginner-friendly due to its WordPress-specific features and comprehensive support. However, Cloudways offers a more intuitive interface and better value for users comfortable with basic technical concepts.
Do both platforms offer staging environments?
Yes, both Cloudways and WP Engine provide staging environments. Cloudways offers unlimited staging sites, while WP Engine includes staging environments in all their plans with easy deployment options.
Ready to Make Your Decision?
Both platforms offer excellent hosting solutions. Try them out to see which one fits your needs better.
Try Cloudways Free (3 Days) Try WP Engine (60-Day Guarantee)Disclosure: We may earn commission for purchases that are made by visitors on this site at no additional cost on your end. All information is for educational purposes and is not intended for financial advice. Read our affiliate disclosure.
