Cloudways vs WP Engine: Which Web Hosting Tool Is Better in 2026?
Cloudways
From $11WP Engine
From $20Quick verdict
Overall pick: Cloudways
Both tools list the same eight features, so the decision hinges on price and positioning rather than capability gaps. Cloudways is the lower-cost entry at $11/month flat and suits agencies and fast-growing WooCommerce stores. WP Engine costs more at $20/month flat but positions itself for mission-critical WordPress enterprise sites. Buyers with tight budgets should start with Cloudways; buyers prioritizing enterprise WordPress focus should weigh WP Engine.
- Cloudways's entry plan ($11) is 45% cheaper than WP Engine's ($20).
- They cover the same 8 of 8 core features we track, so price and UX decide.
Cost calculator
| Tool | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudways · flat | $11.00 | $132 |
| WP Engine · flat | $20.00 | $240 |
Based on entry-level paid plans. Prices change, so check the vendor before you buy.
Which one should you choose?
| If you need… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget-conscious agency hosting multiple client sites | Cloudways | Cloudways starts at $11/month flat versus $20/month for WP Engine, and both list managed WordPress, staging, and 24/7 support. |
| Fast-growing WooCommerce store needing managed cloud infrastructure | Cloudways | Cloudways explicitly targets fast-growing WooCommerce stores and offers managed cloud hosting on DigitalOcean, AWS, and Google Cloud. |
| Mission-critical enterprise WordPress site | WP Engine | WP Engine positions itself as enterprise-grade managed WordPress hosting for mission-critical enterprise sites. |
| Buyer wanting full root and SSH access alongside managed WordPress | Tie | Both tools list root access, managed WordPress, daily backups, staging, DDoS protection, and 24/7 support. |
| Buyer seeking the lowest starting price | Cloudways | Cloudways starts at $11/month flat, $9 less than WP Engine's $20/month flat starting price. |
Feature comparison: Cloudways vs WP Engine
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | ❌ | ❌ |
| Starting price | $11 /mo | $20 /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
- Lower starting price at $11/month flat billing
- Managed cloud hosting across DigitalOcean, AWS, and Google Cloud
- Full feature set including root access, staging, daily backups, and DDoS protection
- Explicitly suited to agencies and fast-growing WooCommerce stores
- No free plan available
- Does not position itself specifically for enterprise WordPress sites
WP Engine
- Enterprise-grade managed WordPress positioning
- Full feature set including root access, staging, daily backups, and DDoS protection
- Founded in 2010, two years before Cloudways
- Suited to agencies and mission-critical enterprise WordPress sites
- Higher starting price at $20/month flat versus $11 for Cloudways
- No free plan available
At a glance
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 →Enterprise-grade managed WordPress hosting and developer platform.
Founded 2010 · From $20 · 8/8 tracked features
Best for: agencies, mission-critical WordPress enterprise sites
See WP Engine alternatives →FAQ
Is Cloudways cheaper than WP Engine?
Yes. Cloudways starts at $11/month on flat billing, while WP Engine starts at $20/month on flat billing.
Do Cloudways and WP Engine offer the same features?
Based on the listed features, yes. Both include managed WordPress, free SSL, NVMe/SSD storage, daily backups, staging, root access, DDoS protection, and 24/7 support.
Which is better for enterprise WordPress sites?
WP Engine positions itself as enterprise-grade managed WordPress hosting for mission-critical enterprise sites, while Cloudways targets agencies and fast-growing WooCommerce stores.
Do either offer a free plan?
No. Neither Cloudways nor WP Engine offers a free plan.
Which host should agencies choose?
Both list agencies as a best-fit audience. Cloudways is the lower-cost option at $11/month flat, while WP Engine starts at $20/month flat.
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Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Web Hosting tools →