Managed Hosting
WP Engine provides robust managed hosting with automated updates, but Cloudways allows customization of infrastructure using DigitalOcean, AWS, or Google Cloud, providing more scaling freedom.
Performance Layers
Cloudways integrates full-page caching and CDN optimization, showing better time-to-first-byte in independent tests, while WP Engine maintains stability for enterprise clients.
Pricing Structure
Cloudways offers pay-as-you-go pricing, enabling cost flexibility, while WP Engine includes bundled enterprise support and tools at a premium rate.
Developer Tools
Both platforms support staging and Git deployments. Cloudways, however, extends SSH and choice of PHP versions for advanced configurations.
| Feature | WP Engine | Cloudways |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Type | Fully Managed WP | Managed Cloud (AWS, DO, GCP) |
| Scalability | Limited Plans | Flexible on-demand scaling |
| Monthly Cost | From $20/mo | From $11/mo |
| Control Level | Restricted admin access | Full server-level access |
| Performance | High consistency | Higher global TTFB efficiency |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hosting is better for agencies?
Cloudways provides scalable infrastructure with integrated team management and multi-site deployment tools, making it ideal for agencies needing flexibility.
Does WP Engine allow cloud provider choice?
No. WP Engine uses its proprietary managed infrastructure, while Cloudways lets users select from major cloud vendors like AWS and DigitalOcean.
Is Cloudways beginner-friendly?
Yes. Despite its technical flexibility, Cloudways offers a simple dashboard and guided configuration wizard suitable for non-developers.
How is pricing managed?
Cloudways provides transparent pay-as-you-go pricing, while WP Engine charges per plan tier with fixed resource limits.