Cloudways vs SiteGround: Which Web Hosting Tool Is Better in 2026?

Cloudways logo

Cloudways

From $11
VS
SiteGround logo

SiteGround

From $2.99

Quick verdict

Overall pick: Cloudways

SiteGround is the lower-cost entry point at $2.99 versus Cloudways at $11, and it suits small businesses and client web projects. Cloudways costs more but adds full root/SSH access, which SiteGround does not offer, making it the better fit for agencies and fast-growing WooCommerce stores that need server-level control. Both cover the core managed hosting features, so the decision comes down to budget versus root access.

  • SiteGround's entry plan ($2.99) is 73% cheaper than Cloudways's ($11).
  • Only Cloudways offers: full root / ssh access.
Try Cloudways →Try SiteGround →

Cost calculator

ToolMonthlyYearly
Cloudways · flat$11.00$132
SiteGround · flat$2.99$36

Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.

Which one should you choose?

If you need…PickWhy
Agency needing server-level controlCloudwaysCloudways includes full root/SSH access, while SiteGround does not.
Small business on a tight budgetSiteGroundSiteGround starts at $2.99 flat versus Cloudways at $11 flat.
Fast-growing WooCommerce storeCloudwaysCloudways lists fast-growing WooCommerce stores among its best-fit users and offers root access for deeper configuration.
Client web projectsSiteGroundSiteGround lists client web projects among its best-fit users at a lower starting price.
Buyer needing managed WordPress with staging and backupsTieBoth include managed WordPress, staging environments, daily backups, free SSL, NVMe storage, DDoS protection, and 24/7 support.

Feature comparison: Cloudways vs SiteGround

Feature
Cloudways logo
Cloudways
SiteGround logo
SiteGround
Free plan❌❌
Starting price$11 /mo$2.99 /mo
Managed WordPress support✅✅
Free SSL & CDN✅✅
High-speed NVMe/SSD storage✅✅
Automated daily backups✅✅
1-click staging environment✅✅
Full root / SSH access✅—
Enterprise DDoS protection✅✅
24/7 expert support✅✅

Highlighted rows are where the tools differ.

Pros and cons

Cloudways logo

Cloudways

  • Includes full root/SSH access, which SiteGround lacks
  • Covers all eight defined features, including managed WordPress, staging, and daily backups
  • Flat billing with a $11 starting price
  • Positioned for agencies and fast-growing WooCommerce stores
  • Higher starting price at $11 flat versus SiteGround's $2.99
  • No free plan
Try Cloudways →
SiteGround logo

SiteGround

  • Lower starting price at $2.99 flat
  • Includes managed WordPress, free SSL, NVMe storage, daily backups, staging, DDoS protection, and 24/7 support
  • Founded in 2004, longer operating history than Cloudways (2012)
  • Positioned for small businesses and client web projects
  • No full root/SSH access
  • No free plan
Try SiteGround →

At a glance

Cloudways logo

Cloudways

Managed cloud hosting on DigitalOcean, AWS, and Google Cloud.

Founded 2012 · From $11 · 8/8 tracked features

Best for: agencies, fast-growing WooCommerce stores

See Cloudways alternatives →
SiteGround logo

SiteGround

Premium shared hosting built on Google Cloud infrastructure.

Founded 2004 · From $2.99 · 7/8 tracked features

Best for: small businesses, client web projects

See SiteGround alternatives →

FAQ

Is Cloudways cheaper than SiteGround?

No. Cloudways starts at $11 flat, while SiteGround starts at $2.99 flat.

Does SiteGround offer root or SSH access?

No. SiteGround does not include full root/SSH access, while Cloudways does.

Do both tools include managed WordPress and staging?

Yes. Both list managed WordPress support, a 1-click staging environment, daily backups, free SSL, NVMe storage, DDoS protection, and 24/7 support.

Which is better for agencies?

Cloudways, because it lists agencies among its best-fit users and includes root/SSH access that SiteGround lacks.

Do either offer a free plan?

No. Neither Cloudways nor SiteGround offers a free plan.

Related comparisons

Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Web Hosting tools →