DigitalOcean vs Cloudways
When it comes to web hosting, DigitalOcean and Cloudways are frequently compared, and for good reason. Both offer reliable hosting, but their target audiences and strengths differ significantly. DigitalOcean scores 8.9/10 in our testing, though your specific needs might favor the other option.
Some products are sponsored. Rankings reflect our honest assessment. See our affiliate disclosure
Quick Answer
DigitalOcean beats Cloudways for most users. It scores 8.9/10 vs 8.6/10 and simple, predictable pricing starting at $4/mo. Choose Cloudways if you need choose from 5 cloud providers.
DigitalOcean
WinnerDeveloper-friendly cloud hosting with simple pricing from $4/mo
Starting from
$4/mo
Cloudways
Managed cloud hosting with 5 provider options
Starting from
$14/mo
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.9/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Starting Price | $4/mo | $14/mo |
| User Reviews | ||
| Resources | ||
| Storage | 25GB SSD | 25GB SSD |
| Bandwidth | 1TB | 1TB |
| Websites | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Email Accounts | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Free Domain | ||
| WordPress Optimized | ||
| CDN Included | ||
| Security & Reliability | ||
| Free SSL | ||
| Uptime Guarantee | 99.99% | 99.99% |
| Backup | Weekly (20% extra) | On-demand |
Pros & Cons Breakdown
DigitalOcean
- Simple, predictable pricing starting at $4/mo
- Developer-friendly with excellent documentation
- Global data centers (8+ locations)
- Managed databases, Kubernetes, and object storage
- $200 free credit for new accounts
- Per-second billing (from Jan 2026)
- Quick Droplet deployment in seconds
- No traditional cPanel interface
- Requires technical knowledge
- No phone support
- No email hosting included
Cloudways
- Choose from 5 cloud providers
- Excellent performance and scalability
- Pay-as-you-go pricing
- Free SSL and CDN
- Staging environments
- Server cloning and scaling
- No email hosting included
- Steeper learning curve
- No domain registration
Key Difference
The most significant difference is value positioning. DigitalOcean offers excellent quality at a lower price point ($4.00/mo), while Cloudways ($14.00/mo) targets users who want premium features and are willing to pay for them.
Which Should You Choose?
DigitalOcean
Choose DigitalOcean if you prioritize simple, predictable pricing starting at $4/mo, need unlimited usage, or value developer-friendly with excellent documentation.
Cloudways
Choose Cloudways if you prioritize choose from 5 cloud providers, need unlimited usage, or value excellent performance and scalability.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, DigitalOcean is our winner with a rating of 8.9/10 compared to Cloudways's 8.6/10. DigitalOcean stands out for its simple, predictable pricing starting at $4/mo and developer-friendly with excellent documentation. DigitalOcean also offers better value at its price point. However, Cloudways remains an excellent choice if choose from 5 cloud providers is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Migrating between DigitalOcean and Cloudways requires moving your files and databases. Both offer migration assistance, but plan for potential downtime. Consider timing your switch with your renewal date to avoid paying for overlap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DigitalOcean better than Cloudways?
DigitalOcean scores higher in our testing (8.9/10 vs 8.6/10). DigitalOcean excels at simple, predictable pricing starting at $4/mo, while Cloudways is better for choose from 5 cloud providers.
Which is cheaper, DigitalOcean or Cloudways?
DigitalOcean is more affordable at $4.00/mo vs $14.00/mo. DigitalOcean offers 71% savings.
DigitalOcean vs Cloudways: which should I choose?
Choose DigitalOcean if you prioritize simple, predictable pricing starting at $4/mo. Choose Cloudways if you need choose from 5 cloud providers. Both are solid web hosting options.
What's the main difference between DigitalOcean and Cloudways?
The main difference is DigitalOcean offers developer-friendly cloud hosting with simple pricing from $4/mo, while Cloudways focuses on managed cloud hosting with 5 provider options.