Choosing the right hosting platform can make or break your online project.
Two popular options are Cloudways and DigitalOcean, each offering unique features that cater to different needs.
This guide will help you understand the differences of these two platforms so you can make an informed decision.
Cloudways vs DigitalOcean
a) What Kind of Services Do They Offer?
DigitalOcean focuses on Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
This means you get raw cloud resources like virtual machines (dubbed Droplets) to customize and control as you like.
However, you’re responsible for everything — from setup to maintenance.
Cloudways, on the other hand, is a managed hosting platform. It simplifies server management by handling technical tasks for you.
You can still choose cloud providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, or Google Cloud, but you don’t have to worry about the nitty-gritty of server administration.
If you love control, go for DigitalOcean. If you prefer ease of use, Cloudways is a better fit.
b) Ease of Use
When it comes to ease of use, the platforms differ significantly:
- DigitalOcean:
You’ll need some technical expertise. Tasks like setting up servers, managing configurations, and securing your site require you to be hands-on.
Its control panel is powerful but designed for developers. - Cloudways:
Built with non-technical users in mind, its dashboard is simple and intuitive. From one-click installations to automatic updates, Cloudways takes the hassle out of hosting.
In short: If you’re comfortable writing command lines, DigitalOcean empowers you. If not, Cloudways saves you the trouble.
c) Data Centers and Uptime
Your website’s performance depends heavily on where the data is hosted.
- DigitalOcean operates its own infrastructure, with data centers in North America, Europe, and Asia. They boast a 99.99% uptime guarantee, which means your website will rarely go offline.
- Cloudways, being a managed platform, doesn’t own data centers. Instead, it partners with providers like DigitalOcean, AWS, and others, giving you access to over 65 data centers worldwide.
If geographical flexibility matters, Cloudways offers more options.
d) Cloudways vs DigitalOcean (Pricing Comparison)
Pricing is a major consideration, and both platforms handle it differently:
DigitalOcean Pricing
DigitalOcean offers transparent and affordable pricing. Their entry-level plan costs $4 per month, which includes:
- 512MB RAM
- 1 vCPU
- 10 GB SSD storage
More on the pricing table
| Type | Starting Price | vCPU Cores | RAM | Storage | Outbound Transfer |
| Basic | $4.00/month or $0.00595/hr | 1 – 8 | 512 MB – 32 GB | 10 GB – 640 GB | 500 GB – 10 TB |
| General Purpose | $63.00/month or $0.09375/hr | 2 – 48 | 8 GB – 192 GB | 25 GB – 1.44 TB | 4 TB – 11 TB |
| CPU-Optimized | $42.00/month or $0.06250/hr | 2 – 48 | 4 GB – 96 GB | 25 GB – 1.2 TB | 4 TB – 11 TB |
| Memory-Optimized | $84.00/month or $0.12500/hr | 2 – 32 | 16 GB – 256 GB | 50 GB – 2.4 TB | 4 TB – 10 TB |
However, you’ll pay extra for services like backups and DDoS protection. It’s a budget-friendly option if you don’t mind managing things yourself.
Cloudways Pricing
Cloudways uses a pay-as-you-go model, starting at $14 per month for managed hosting.
This includes:
- Automated backups
- Security patches
- Expert support
- 1 CPU
- 1GB RAM
- 25GB storage, and
- 1TB bandwidth
If you choose the Standard CPU processor, the price drops to $11/month
Quick takeaway: DigitalOcean is cheaper if you’re willing to handle server management. Cloudways provides value by including maintenance and support.
e) Support and Maintenance
Support can make or break your hosting experience, especially when things go wrong.
- DigitalOcean offers limited support. You’re responsible for troubleshooting your issues, although their knowledge base and developer community are excellent resources.
- Cloudways provides 24/7 expert support, handling everything from migrations to technical glitches. They also manage backups and security for you.
If you need hand-holding or can’t afford downtime, Cloudways offers better peace of mind.
Cloudways vs DigitalOcean (Comparison Table)
| Feature | DigitalOcean | Cloudways |
| Service Type | IaaS – Unmanaged hosting, offering full control over resources. | Managed hosting platform that handles server management for you. |
| Ease of Use | Requires technical expertise; best for developers. | User-friendly and ideal for non-technical users. |
| Data Centers | Operates its own infrastructure with locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. | Partners with providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean for access to 65+ locations. |
| Pricing | Starts at $4/month; additional costs for backups and DDoS protection. | Starts at $14/month; includes automated backups, security, and support. |
| Support | Limited support; relies on self-service and community forums. | Full 24/7 support with a dedicated team. |
Which Platform Should You Choose?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you enjoy managing servers and writing code?
Pick DigitalOcean. - Do you want a hassle-free experience where someone else handles the technical side?
Go for Cloudways.
Both platforms shine in their own ways. If you’re a developer or tech enthusiast, DigitalOcean’s raw power and low pricing will appeal to you. However, if convenience and support are your priorities, Cloudways’ managed hosting services are worth the extra cost.
Choose wisely—your cloud hosting platform is the foundation of your online success!
Why CloudPap is the Best Cloudways and DigitalOcean Alternative
If you’re looking for an alternative that blends robust infrastructure with user-friendly services, CloudPap deserves your attention. It stands out as a reliable cloud hosting provider with versatile offerings, making it a strong competitor to both Cloudways and DigitalOcean.
Comprehensive Cloud Services
CloudPap provides an extensive range of services, including:
- Dedicated servers
- Virtual Private Servers (VPS)
- Managed Kubernetes and databases
- Containers and storage solutions
- Cloud Data Backup Solutions
- Instant Deployments
This versatility ensures you can find tailored solutions, whether you’re running a simple website or managing complex cloud applications.
Global Data Centers
With 15 data centers strategically located across North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, and Africa, CloudPap ensures low-latency connections and high availability.
Our infrastructure makes it particularly appealing for businesses targeting diverse global markets.
User-Friendly Platform
We designed CloudPap with simplicity in mind:
- Intuitive interface makes it easy to manage multiple websites and applications.
- Features like one-click deployments and vertical scaling mean you spend less time on technical management and more on business growth.
Pricing Structure
One of CloudPap’s strengths is cost-effective pricing. Our plans are affordable without sacrificing performance or reliability.
This makes it an excellent option for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises.
Support and Maintenance
CloudPap goes above and beyond in customer support:
- Free migration services are included, making it seamless to transfer websites, applications, and servers to their platform.
- This ensures minimal downtime during transitions, which is crucial for maintaining continuity.
Security and Uptime
With a 99.9% uptime guarantee, CloudPap delivers the reliability that businesses need to stay online and accessible.
Strong security measures and consistent uptime build trust with customers and ensure operational efficiency.
As you can tell, CloudPap stands out as a well-rounded alternative to Cloudways and DigitalOcean. It combines affordability, ease of use, and a broad range of services, making it an excellent choice for users seeking reliability and scalability without the technical overhead.
If you’re evaluating hosting options for your applications, CloudPap is a great option that will help you scale.
