7 Best Cloudways Alternatives – Rocon vs Cloudways

Cloudways alternatives: In today’s fast-paced digital world, hosting is more than just keeping a website up and running; it’s also about performance, scalability, and support. Cloudways is well-known as a managed hosting platform for developers, and it is especially popular with agencies and tech-savvy business owners.

But if your business grows or your technical needs change, you might start to wonder, “Is Cloudways still the best choice?”

A lot of people are looking for other options in 2025 because of the platform’s pricing structure, lack of email hosting, or just the need for a better user-friendly experience.

This article lists the best Cloudways alternatives based on how well they work, what features they have, how much they cost, and how they may be used. There is a choice for everyone, whether you are a developer, an agency, a startup, or a solitary entrepreneur.

Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting service that enables users to deploy software, primarily WordPress, on top-tier cloud providers like DigitalOcean, Vultr, Linode, AWS, and Google Cloud without having to manage the server itself.

Main Features:

• 5 cloud providers to choose from
• WordPress installs with one click
• Environment for staging
• Scaling up vertically
• Caching that comes with the system (Varnish, Memcached, Redis)
• Free SSL and firewalls; pay-as-you-go pricing

Cloudways is mostly for developers, entrepreneurs, and digital agencies that want the benefits of cloud hosting without having to worry about managing servers.

Cloudways is flexible, but it doesn’t work for everyone. Here are some reasons why users look for other options:

1. No email hosting

• Cloudways does not host email natively. Users have to work with third-party suppliers like Rackspace, which makes things more complicated and expensive.

2. Hard for Newbies

• The dashboard is really powerful, but it can be hard to use for people who don’t know much about DevOps or server-side settings.

3. Worries About Prices

• Costs can go up quickly, especially if you use premium cloud services like AWS or GCP or host more than one app.

4. Lock-in with a vendor

• Even though the server is on another cloud provider, you have to use Cloudways’ platform for upgrades, firewall rules, backups, and more.

5. Limitations on Support

• Cloudways’ help is usually quick to respond, although it can be spotty when it comes to more complicated server-level problems.

Things to Look for in a Cloudways Alternatives

When looking for other options, think about: 

• Performance (uptime, caching, CDN integration) 
• Developer Tools (SSH, Git, staging, CLI access) 
• Scalability (auto-scaling, horizontal and vertical scaling) 
• Security (firewall, DDoS protection, backups)
• Clear pricing 
• Good support 
• Easy to use

1. Rocon – Best for Agencies & DevOps-Focused Teams

Rocon is a modern managed hosting platform designed specifically for WordPress, WooCommerce, and web applications. What sets Rocon apart is its containerized architecture and auto-scaling capabilities, built for high-traffic and complex environments.

Unlike traditional hosting, Rocon gives true isolation for each site, so your performance and security isn’t affected by “noisy neighbours”. With built in DevOps tools, Git based deployment and free migrations, it’s a platform for agencies, startups and technical teams who value flexibility and speed.

Key Features:

• Docker-powered container hosting
• Built-in CDN, backups, and monitoring
• Auto-scaling during traffic surges
• Git-based deployment
• DevOps tools for advanced teams
• Free migrations & staging environments
• Email integrations available

Ideal for: Agencies, startups, and developers needing flexibility and performance
Pricing: Starts at $1.99/month

2. Kinsta – Best for Enterprise-Grade WordPress Hosting

Kinsta is a premium managed WordPress hosting platform built on Google Cloud Platform’s C2 instances. It’s for those who care about speed, scalability, and security – developers, agencies, and growing businesses that need a reliable hosting environment.

Unlike shared hosting, Kinsta uses container-based architecture that isolates each site, so your WordPress site will scale effortlessly and maintain high uptime and stability.

Another reason Kinsta stands out is its world-class support and proactive monitoring. Their 24/7 expert team will help with performance optimization and troubleshooting, and the daily automatic backups and hack fixes will give you peace of mind.

Key Features:

• 24/7 expert support
• Daily backups
• Free CDN and SSL
• Staging environment
• In-built APM (application performance monitoring)
• Hack fix guarantee

Ideal for: Enterprise WordPress sites, large ecommerce businesses
Pricing: Starts at $35/month

3. Rocket.net – Best for Speed & Simplicity

Rocket.net is a high-performance, edge-optimized managed WordPress hosting platform that delivers speed and reliability. Powered by Cloudflare Enterprise, it serves your site from the nearest data center to you, for lightning-fast load times and security – no manual setup or configuration required.

What sets Rocket.net apart is simplicity. Automatic caching and built-in CDN, real-time security, and one-click staging, everything is optimized out of the box. You don’t need to tweak settings or install extra plugins to get peak performance – it’s all taken care of for you.

Whether you have a content-heavy site, blog, or eCommerce store, Rocket.net ensures your pages load instantly and perform smoothly for every visitor. It’s perfect for users who want speed and ease of use, enterprise-level infrastructure, with a beginner-friendly experience.

Key Features:

• Ultra-fast load times via edge network
• Built-in WAF and CDN
• Malware protection and daily backups
• No plugins required for caching or security
• Simple UI with analytics

Ideal for: Content-heavy sites, bloggers, and ecommerce stores
Pricing: Starts at $30/month

4. WP Engine – Best for Large Agencies

WP Engine is a premium managed WordPress hosting platform known for its strong focus on performance, security, and developer-friendly workflows. It is widely used by agencies, enterprises, and high-traffic publishing platforms that require reliability, scalability, and expert-level WordPress support.

WP Engine removes most of the infrastructure management burden, allowing teams to focus on building, optimising, and scaling WordPress websites with confidence. Its hosting environment is purpose-built for WordPress, following best practices aligned with security, uptime, and Core Web Vitals performance.

Key Features:

• Genesis framework & StudioPress themes
• SSH access, Git integration
• Dedicated dev, staging, and prod environments
• Security patching and threat blocking
• 24/7 enterprise support

Ideal for: Agencies managing many WordPress clients
Pricing: Starts at $30/month

5. SiteGround Cloud Hosting – Best Budget-Friendly Option

SiteGround is a well-established hosting provider offering managed cloud hosting built on Google Cloud infrastructure, with a strong reputation for reliability, performance, and customer support. The platform is designed to simplify server management while maintaining enterprise-grade stability, making it a trusted choice for small to mid-sized businesses and digital agencies.

SiteGround places a strong emphasis on speed optimization, security hardening, and ease of use, aligning well with modern SEO and performance best practices. Its managed approach reduces technical complexity while still giving users enough control to scale WordPress and web applications efficiently.

Key Features:

• Site tools dashboard (replacing cPanel)
• Dynamic caching
• Free SSL, email, CDN, and backups
• White-labeled options
• Auto-healing servers

Ideal for: SMBs, agencies wanting simplicity with flexibility
Pricing: Starts at $100/month for cloud plans; shared plans from $2.99/month

6. GridPane – Best for Advanced Users & VPS Builders

GridPane is a high-performance WordPress hosting control panel built specifically for developers, server administrators, and technical agencies that require deep infrastructure control. Unlike traditional managed hosting providers, GridPane does not sell hosting directly. Instead, it allows users to build and manage their own WordPress-optimized VPS infrastructure on cloud providers such as Linode, Vultr, and DigitalOcean.

This approach offers maximum flexibility, performance tuning, and customization, but it also requires strong technical expertise. GridPane follows modern DevOps practices and supports advanced WordPress security, scalability, and automation workflows—making it a trusted platform for professionals managing complex or high-traffic WordPress environments.

Key Features:

• Root-level control
• Advanced security stack
• Git and WP-CLI support
• Full NGINX + Redis setup
• Server monitoring tools

Ideal for: Developers, server admins, and technical agencies
Pricing: Starts at $50/month (control panel only)

7. DigitalOcean App Platform – For Developers Beyond WordPress

DigitalOcean App Platform is a fully managed Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) designed for developers who build and deploy modern web applications beyond traditional WordPress setups. It enables teams to launch, scale, and manage applications without worrying about underlying server infrastructure. By supporting popular frameworks and runtimes such as React, Node.js, Python, and Docker-based workloads, the platform aligns well with modern development practices.

DigitalOcean App Platform emphasizes simplicity, scalability, and reliability, making it suitable for startups and development teams that want fast deployment cycles and predictable performance while maintaining strong security and operational stability.

Key Features:

• Git push-to-deploy
• Auto-scaling
• Docker support
• Static and dynamic app hosting
• Fully managed databases

Ideal for: Developers building custom apps, startups
Pricing: Starts at $5/month (static); $12/month (dynamic)

If you’re searching for the perfect Cloudways alternative, Rocon is your answer. From transparent pricing to unmatched performance and support, Rocon is built to simplify hosting while delivering enterprise-level speed and reliability. Let’s explore why Rocon stands out as the best choice compared to Cloudways.

Transparent Pricing That Doesn’t Shock You

At Rocon, we believe hosting shouldn’t have hidden fees or surprise bills. Our pricing is simple, transparent, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re a startup or enterprise, you’ll find plans packed with premium features.

Even with our advanced container-based managed WordPress hosting, you pay a predictable cost without worrying about surprise escalations.

On the other hand, Cloudways bills you according to the cloud provider you choose, and costs rise quickly as your requirements scale.

User-Friendly Control Panel

Rocon provides a modern and intuitive dashboard that makes website management effortless:

• Manage domains and subdomains with ease
• One-click WordPress installation
• Simple setup of email accounts and databases
• Built-in analytics to monitor traffic and performance

Unlike Cloudways, which has a custom panel that may feel alien if you are used to cPanel or standard hosting panels, Rocon’s platform is designed for both beginners and advanced users to get things done fast.

Outstanding 24/7 Expert Support

At Rocon, customer support is at the core of our service. Our technical experts are available 24/7 via chat, email, or ticket to resolve issues in minutes, not hours.

From migrations to troubleshooting, our support team will never leave you stuck. While Cloudways also offers 24/7 support, Rocon prides itself on offering more personalized, expert-driven support without the wait.

10x Faster Website Performance

Website speed is non-negotiable for SEO, conversions, and user experience. Rocon delivers lightning-fast hosting performance with:

• SSD storage for ultra-fast load times
• Container-based architecture for optimized resource usage
• Integrated caching to reduce server response time
• Global CDN for smooth worldwide delivery

Cloudways provides decent performance, but Rocon’s optimized hosting stack is designed to consistently outperform, ensuring your website loads in seconds, even under heavy traffic.

Free Website Migration

Moving from Cloudways or another hosting provider? Rocon makes the switch painless. Our team handles the entire migration at no cost, ensuring zero downtime and zero stress.

All you need to do is sit back while we handle the heavy lifting, so you can focus on running your business.

Free Website Development for Your Business

One of the biggest advantages of choosing Rocon is that we go beyond hosting. We offer free website development for your business website when you host with us.

That means you get not only fast, secure hosting but also a professionally designed WordPress site built to suit your brand and goals—without the extra expense of hiring developers.

This is something Cloudways doesn’t provide, making Rocon a complete solution for both hosting and development.

Advanced Security at No Extra Cost

Security is a top priority at Rocon. Every plan includes enterprise-grade protection features, such as:

• Free SSL certificates
• DDoS protection
• Two-factor authentication (2FA)
• Advanced malware scanning and removal

Unlike Cloudways, which charges extra for certain security add-ons, Rocon includes these features by default—because peace of mind should never cost extra.

Hosting Solutions for Every Need

Cloudways focuses mainly on cloud hosting, Rocon offers a wider range of solutions for every kind of business:

• Managed WordPress Hosting – Optimized for speed, security, and simplicity
• White label Hosting – For agencies or entrepreneurs wanting to launch their own hosting business

Whether you’re a blogger, agency, or eCommerce store owner, Rocon has a plan that fits your exact requirements.

Cloudways is still a powerful competitor in the managed hosting field, but it’s not the only choice anymore, and it might not be the most versatile one either. As performance needs rise, clients expect:

• Easier onboarding
• Tools that work together (CDN, backups, email)
• Scaling that works without DevOps problems
• Clear prices and personal help

These Cloudways options in 2025 include solutions for every sort of user, whether you want to make your workflow easier, boost performance, or have more control over your stack.

Try Rocon: A Better Way to Grow

Try Rocon if you don’t like slow dashboards, prices that aren’t obvious, or limited scalability. Rocon is made for agencies, developers, and teams that work quickly. It has:

• Hosting in containers that works really well
• Complete DevOps toolkits
• Auto-scaling in real time
• Backups, security, and monitoring are built in.
• Prices that are affordable and may grow with you

Be wiser about scaling. Make things faster. Rocon is the host.

1. Why look for a Cloudways alternative?

Many businesses explore Cloudways alternative to gain better cost control, simpler pricing, or more built-in features. While Cloudways offers flexibility, it often requires managing multiple add-ons for backups, security, and performance. Some users also prefer platforms that offer native auto-scaling, container isolation, or WordPress-focused optimization, without relying heavily on third-party cloud providers.

2. Which Cloudways alternative is the cheapest?

Rocon stands out as one of the most cost-effective alternatives, with plans starting at $1.99 per month. Unlike many managed hosts, Rocon includes essential features such as container-based isolation, performance optimization, and WordPress management tools without unexpected renewal hikes, making it suitable for startups and growing businesses.

3. Which option is best for agencies?

For agencies, the best choice depends on workflow needs. Rocon is ideal for agencies that manage multiple WordPress sites and require container-based scalability, isolated environments, and a centralized dashboard. WP Engine may suit agencies focused on enterprise-level client management and premium support, but it comes at a significantly higher cost.

4. Which is best for developers?

Developers often prefer platforms that provide flexibility and control. Rocon, GridPane, and DigitalOcean are strong options for developers who need access beyond standard WordPress hosting. Rocon offers a balance between developer control and managed infrastructure, especially for teams working with scalable WordPress projects.

5. Are Cloudways alternatives suitable for high-traffic WordPress sites?

Yes. Many alternatives, especially container-based platforms like Rocon, are designed to handle high traffic efficiently. Auto-scaling and isolated resources ensure performance remains stable during traffic spikes, making them suitable for e-commerce, media, and SaaS-style WordPress sites.

6. How do Cloudways alternatives compare in terms of security?

Most reputable alternatives offer strong security features such as SSL, firewalls, malware protection, and isolated environments. Container-based hosts provide additional protection by preventing cross-site vulnerabilities common in shared hosting setups.