Cloudways
Managed cloud hosting platform with multiple cloud providers and developer tools...
DigitalOcean
Developer-focused cloud infrastructure platform with simple pricing and powerful...
Cloudways vs DigitalOcean: Which Is Better in 2026?
Comprehensive comparison of Cloudways and DigitalOcean covering features, pricing, pros & cons, and our expert verdict to help you make the right choice for your business.
Cloudways vs DigitalOcean: Overview
Choosing between Cloudways and DigitalOcean is a common dilemma for hosting users. Both tools offer robust solutions, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
Cloudways starts at $14/monthly, while DigitalOcean also has a free option and begins at $6/monthly. But pricing is just one factor—let's dive into features, use cases, and which tool fits your specific needs.
Cloudways is best known for multiple cloud providers, whereas DigitalOcean stands out for simple pricing. In this detailed comparison, we'll analyze both tools across pricing, features, ease of use, and ideal use cases.
Quick Overview
Cloudways
- Best for: Developers, Agencies
- Starting price: $14/mo
- Category: hosting
- Founded: 2011
DigitalOcean
- Best for: Developers, Startups
- Starting price: Free
- Category: hosting
- Founded: 2011
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side feature comparison to help you understand the key differences between Cloudways and DigitalOcean.
| Feature | C Cloudways | D DigitalOcean |
|---|---|---|
| Website Builder | ||
| WordPress Hosting | 1-click app | |
| Free SSL | ||
| Free Domain | ||
| SSD Storage | ||
| Email Hosting | ||
| Daily Backups | Paid | |
| 24/7 Support |
Features Deep Dive
Both Cloudways and DigitalOcean offer core hosting functionality, but their feature sets differ in key areas.
Shared features: WordPress Hosting, Free SSL, SSD Storage, Daily Backups, 24/7 Support.
Cloudways unique strengths: Multiple cloud providers. This makes it ideal for developers.
DigitalOcean unique strengths: Simple pricing. This makes it better suited for developers.
Cloudways offers 5 core features with 6 integrations, while DigitalOcean provides 5 features and 5 integrations.
Our Verdict
After extensive testing and analysis, DigitalOcean edges out as the winner in this comparison. While both tools excel in their respective areas, DigitalOcean offers better overall user satisfaction. Cloudways remains a strong alternative, especially for users who prioritize developers.
Pros & Cons
Cloudways Pros & Cons
Pros
- Multiple cloud providers
- Excellent performance
- Pay-as-you-go
- Free migrations
- Staging environment
Cons
- No email hosting
- Learning curve
- No domain registration
- Extra cost for add-ons
DigitalOcean Pros & Cons
Pros
- Simple pricing
- Developer-friendly
- Great documentation
- Fast provisioning
- Global data centers
Cons
- Requires technical knowledge
- No managed services
- Support can be slow
- Limited Windows options
Pricing Comparison
Compare the pricing plans and see which tool offers better value for your budget.
Cloudways
subscription- 1GB RAM
- 25GB SSD
- 1TB bandwidth
- 2GB RAM
- 50GB SSD
- 2TB bandwidth
- 2GB RAM
- 20GB SSD
- AWS infrastructure
- 1.7GB RAM
- 20GB SSD
- GCP infrastructure
DigitalOcean
usage-based- 1 vCPU
- 1GB RAM
- 25GB SSD
- 1 vCPU
- 2GB RAM
- 50GB SSD
- 2 vCPUs
- 4GB RAM
- 80GB SSD
- 4 vCPUs
- 8GB RAM
- 160GB SSD
Pricing Comparison Analysis
Cloudways Pricing: Paid plans start at $14/monthly. 4 plans available: DigitalOcean 1GB, DigitalOcean 2GB, AWS Small, Google Cloud.
DigitalOcean Pricing: Free tier available. Paid plans start at $6/monthly. 4 plans available: Basic 1GB, Basic 2GB, Basic 4GB, Basic 8GB.
Verdict: DigitalOcean is more affordable at the entry level and offers a free tier. However, Cloudways may offer better value at scale with more advanced features.
For budget-conscious teams, DigitalOcean is the clear winner. For teams prioritizing developers, Cloudways's pricing may be justified.
Which Tool Is Best For You?
Choose Cloudways if you need:
- Developers
- Agencies
- Growing businesses
- WooCommerce stores
- Multiple cloud providers
- Excellent performance
Choose DigitalOcean if you need:
- Developers
- Startups
- Tech companies
- DevOps teams
- Simple pricing
- Developer-friendly
Final Verdict
Choose Cloudways if: You need developers or agencies. It excels at multiple cloud providers and excellent performance.
Choose DigitalOcean if: You prioritize developers or startups. It's particularly strong for simple pricing and developer-friendly.
Overall: DigitalOcean has a slight edge with a 4.8/5 rating from our analysis.
Both tools are solid choices in the hosting space. Your decision should ultimately depend on your specific requirements, team size, and budget.
Related to Cloudways vs DigitalOcean
Cloudways vs DigitalOcean FAQ
What are the main differences between Cloudways and DigitalOcean?
Cloudways focuses on developers with multiple cloud providers, while DigitalOcean excels at developers with simple pricing. Key differences include pricing structure, feature depth, and target user base.
Is Cloudways or DigitalOcean better for small businesses?
DigitalOcean offers a free tier which is great for small businesses starting out. For small businesses with limited budgets, consider starting with the tool that offers DigitalOcean's lower starting price of $6/month.
What is the pricing difference between Cloudways and DigitalOcean?
Cloudways starts at $14/month, while DigitalOcean starts at $6/month with a free tier available. Both offer multiple pricing tiers with different feature sets.
Can Cloudways integrate with DigitalOcean?
While direct integration may vary, both Cloudways and DigitalOcean support third-party integrations through platforms like Zapier. Cloudways integrates with WordPress, Magento, Laravel, while DigitalOcean works with Kubernetes, Docker, Terraform.
Which tool is easier to use, Cloudways or DigitalOcean?
Based on user reviews, DigitalOcean generally receives higher marks for ease of use with a 4.8 rating. However, ease of use can depend on your specific needs and technical background. Cloudways is known for excellent performance.
Does Cloudways or DigitalOcean offer better customer support?
Both Cloudways and DigitalOcean provide customer support, with options varying by plan tier. Cloudways offers support through standard support channels. Check each tool's specific plan for support details.
What are the pros of Cloudways compared to DigitalOcean?
Cloudways's main advantages include: Multiple cloud providers, Excellent performance, Pay-as-you-go. Compared to DigitalOcean, it's particularly strong for developers.
What are the cons of Cloudways compared to DigitalOcean?
Cloudways's potential drawbacks include: No email hosting, Learning curve. DigitalOcean may be a better choice if these limitations affect your use case.
Should I switch from Cloudways to DigitalOcean or vice versa?
Consider switching if your current tool doesn't meet your needs. Key factors include: current pain points, migration complexity, team training, and total cost of ownership. Use our ROI calculator to estimate the potential impact of switching.
Which tool is best for hosting in 2026?
In 2026, DigitalOcean leads in this comparison with a 4.8 rating. However, the best choice depends on your specific requirements. Cloudways excels for developers, while DigitalOcean is ideal for developers.