Cloudways vs HostArmada: guide for 2024

Cloudways vs HostArmada: Final verdict

Looking over Cloudways vs. HostArmada, it’s clear why both hosts are so popular. They have both hosted millions of
websites that run on WordPress for decades, building up a loyal customer base.

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  Cloudways (Overall grade: 8.5)
  
  stands out with nearly perfect uptime and high-performance metrics, making it an excellent choice for demanding applications, such as ecommerce and high-traffic websites. While it lacks standard domain registration and email hosting services, Cloudways compensates with its superior infrastructure, including multiple built-in advanced caching options and flexible cloud infrastructure. These features, combined with strong security measures and robust team collaboration tools, make it ideal for developers and agencies managing multiple projects. However, it does require a more hands-on approach, which might be challenging for users with limited technical knowledge.
• 
  HostArmada (Overall grade: 7.2)
  
  is praised for its user-friendly interface, competitive pricing, and comprehensive customer support, making it a solid option for beginners and small businesses. Its hosting plans include essential features like free SSL, daily backups, and malware protection, enhancing overall value. Despite some limitations in scalability and higher renewal rates, HostArmada provides a reliable and high-speed hosting environment, particularly for multimedia-heavy websites. Its emphasis on user convenience and support services, such as free website migrations and consultation, makes it an attractive choice for those needing a more guided hosting experience.

Hosting types offered

Both platforms provide a variety of hosting types, each designed to meet the different needs of users.

Although both offer a variety of hosting plans tailored to different needs, in certain cases, one platform may prove to be more suitable.

Detailed comparison

🏆 Winner Cloudways: Cloudways excels with exceptional uptime and premium cloud hosting features.

Cloudways stands out with nearly perfect uptime over the past three years, displaying a score of 99.99% in 2022. This, combined with their multi-cloud infrastructure support and high-performance metrics, makes it a top choice. Furthermore, Cloudways’ 24/7 support and extensive security features enhance its appeal, despite lacking domain registration and email hosting.

HostArmada offers a commendable 99.9% uptime guarantee and maintains multiple data centers across the globe. Its proactive monitoring and advanced SSD cloud platform ensure high-speed connectivity. However, in comparison, Cloudways’ superior uptime metrics and flexible cloud infrastructure give it a slight edge in the hosting landscape.

🏆 Winner
Cloudways: Performance-optimized WooCommerce hosting with advanced caching and scaling features.

Cloudways and HostArmada both offer high-quality hosting services, but they cater to different needs. Cloudways focuses on enhancing website performance through SSD hosting and multiple built-in advanced caching options like Memcached, Varnish, Nginx, and Redis. HostArmada, meanwhile, provides SSD storage in its plans, along with dynamic caching features to improve load times. Cloudways integrates Cloudflare Enterprise for superior CDN performance, while HostArmada supports CloudFlare®. Both have multiple global data centers.

Website Speed

Cloudways leverages SSD hosting and an optimized stack that includes NGINX, Apache, MySQL/MariaDB, and PHP-FPM. These technologies ensure blazing-fast load times. It also provides built-in caching solutions and Breeze, a WordPress cache plugin, boosting website speed significantly. HostArmada also uses SSD storage and offers Speed Reaper features for better load times. Its dynamic caching capabilities are commendable, but the overall speed enhancements do not match the combined efficiencies seen in Cloudways.

Scalability

Cloudways offers vertical scaling that lets you increase server resources such as RAM, CPU, and storage effortlessly through 1-click actions. This type of elastic scaling ensures that your website remains responsive during traffic spikes without needing to upgrade plans. HostArmada does not specify elastic scaling in its plans, implying you may need to manually upgrade your hosting plan to increase resources. This could involve additional costs, though exact figures are not available.

🏆 Winner HostArmada: HostArmada offers a diverse range of security features and thorough customer protections that make it a solid choice for hosting.

Technical security measures:

Cloudways offers built-in Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates and supports PHP versions from 5.6 to 8.2, ensuring versatile security features. In contrast, HostArmada provides SSL from Sectigo, cPanel Auto SSL, CloudFlare Free SSL, and Free SNI, boosting its SSL arsenal. HostArmada supports an impressive range of PHP versions, including 8, 7.4, 7.3, 7.2, 7.1, 7.0, and 5.6. Both platforms implement robust firewalls and DDoS mitigation, with Cloudways featuring Cloudflare Enterprise for layered mitigation, while HostArmada employs a combination of network and web application firewalls.

Operational security measures:

Cloudways provides extensive automated protection with features like Fail2ban, MalCare-powered bot protection, and a Patchstack-based vulnerability scanner. It also includes auto-healing servers and advanced caching mechanisms. HostArmada emphasizes daily backups, varying from 7 to 21 days depending on the plan, and offers proactive zero-day attack detection. Both services provide two-factor authentication (2FA) and intrusion detection systems, but HostArmada adds extra layers such as hardened PHP and cageFS for enhanced application isolation.

Compliance and certifications:

Cloudways utilizes PCI-DSS level 1 compliant hardware but does not offer direct PCI-DSS compliance. It likely aligns with GDPR requirements due to its data protection practices. HostArmada does not specify details on GDPR or PCI compliance. Neither hosting provider mentions HIPAA compliance explicitly.

🏆 Winner: Cloudways: Offers a robust, secure, and high-performance hosting environment with a range of advanced features for various applications.

Cloudways and HostArmada both provide extensive hosting solutions, but they cater to slightly different needs. Cloudways is optimized for performance with SSD hosting, built-in caches, and an optimized stack that supports NGINX, Apache, and PHP 8, ensuring peak efficiency for resource-heavy applications. Its one-click actions and team collaboration tools make it user-friendly for developers, though it lacks a dedicated website builder, which may require more technical knowledge to set up and manage. Cloudways also boasts robust security features like dedicated firewalls, IP whitelisting, and two-factor authentication, presenting a solid choice for users prioritizing security without long-term contracts due to its pay-as-you-go plans.

HostArmada, on the other hand, emphasizes user convenience with features like the latest cPanel and a 1-click application installer, making it simpler for beginners to set up their websites. This hosting provider also offers free SSL installation, hacked website restore, and consultation services, which are valuable for users needing comprehensive guidance. HostArmada’s pricing is competitive, with promotional rates and no cancellation fees, which is appealing to budget-conscious customers. While HostArmada includes SSH/Bash access and other development tools like Git and WP CLI, it stands out for those needing a more figure-it-out-as-you-go solution with its extensive support and free website migration services.

Both providers support a range of users from beginners to experts with user-friendly website builders and WordPress staging areas. However, in terms of developer tools, both Cloudways and HostArmada offer robust options including SSH access, support for multiple programming languages, and Git for version control, thus appealing to developers looking for advanced capabilities.

Email services:

Both Cloudways and HostArmada offer extensive email services. Cloudways integrates with Rackspace for email hosting, supporting transactional emails and larger campaigns through Elastic Email. HostArmada provides unlimited email accounts and supports popular third-party services like GSuite, IMAP/POP3/SMTP protocols, and outbound filtering via Spam Experts. This setup makes HostArmada more suitable for users needing comprehensive email solutions with additional security layers.

🏆 Winner HostArmada: A wide range of features and competitive pricing make HostArmada an excellent choice for hosting services.

Evaluating the pricing of plans among various hosting providers can be complex due to their differing pricing and renewal strategies. Additionally, certain plans require annual commitments, which adds to the difficulty of making comparisons. The prices listed are based on monthly commitments; plans requiring annual commitments are indicated. Additionally, although some providers offer identical plans for WordPress and shared hosting, we have created separate tables for each to enhance clarity.

When comparing Cloudways and HostArmada, we see that Cloudways offers a variety of specialized hosting plans focused on different hosting needs, such as WordPress, eCommerce, and VPS hosting, with various tiered options providing scalability. HostArmada, on the other hand, emphasizes shared and reseller hosting plans with enticing introductory prices and a breadth of included features like free SSL, daily backups, and extensive security measures. HostArmada’s plans may appeal more to small businesses and individuals due to lower entry costs and comprehensive features, while Cloudways provides more options for scalable growth and enterprise-level needs.

Enterprise plans

Enterprises looking for powerful hosting solutions will find robust offerings from both Cloudways and HostArmada. Cloudways provides several high-end options, particularly with AWS and GCE hosting plans, designed for heavy-duty use and large-scale operations. HostArmada caters to enterprises with its high-tier reseller and VPS hosting plans, providing comprehensive resources and extensive management features, including free whitelabel, enhanced caching, and strong security measures. Both providers offer high storage capacities, advanced CPU configurations, and generous bandwidth, though Cloudways offers a broader variety of plans for intricate scalability needs.

🏆 Winner Cloudways: A highly efficient platform known for its intuitive and user-friendly control panel.

Both Cloudways and HostArmada offer user-friendly admin panels that cater to different types of users. Cloudways features a custom control panel designed for simplicity and ease of use, making it suitable for both technical and non-technical users. With its 1-click actions for common tasks like backup/restore and application launches, Cloudways’ panel ensures easy and quick management. Additionally, the pre-installed Git and SSH/SFTP access provide advanced control options for developers.

HostArmada, on the other hand, offers the standard cPanel, widely recognized and appreciated for its accessibility and ease of use. Its familiarity makes it a go-to solution for users comfortable with cPanel, and it provides straightforward management for domains, databases, and email. Even those new to web hosting can easily navigate the cPanel with its structured and intuitive interface.

Both Cloudways and HostArmada offer free migration tools, enhancing their appeal. Cloudways provides free migration for the first website from any host, making it easier for newcomers or those looking to switch. HostArmada also offers free website transfers dependent on the selected plan, ensuring flexibility and ease during migration. These features reduce the complexities associated with moving a site, offering practical and no-cost solutions.

The help centers of both providers are well-organized and highly accessible. Cloudways offers a consolidated Help Center with articles, guides, and a pervasive ticketing system supported by 24/7 live chat. HostArmada’s Knowledge Base is equally extensive, covering several categories vital for user assistance and problem-solving. Each platform ensures that users can find comprehensive assistance readily available through their respective resources.

🏆 Winner
Cloudways: Effective user role and permission management with intuitive tools.

Cloudways offers extensive capabilities in managing user roles and permissions, using the WordPress Admin Panel. This platform provides a structured process where you can easily create and define user roles based on specific needs. Users can be added, edited, or deleted with straightforward steps and assigned roles such as Super Admin, Administrator, Editor, Author, Contributor, and Subscriber. Cloudways provides flexible role assignments, empowering team collaboration regardless of location, which HostArmada lacks. Without available data for HostArmada’s user management, its abilities in role and accessibility management remain unclear.

Cloudways features a user-friendly interface through the WordPress Admin Panel to manage users effectively. You access the platform either directly or via Cloudways Platform, ensuring easy navigation. The interface supports intuitive clicking and dropdown menus for adding or editing users and assigns roles conveniently. Cloudways facilitates efficient role management without needing technical expertise, enhancing the user experience.

Access control measures in Cloudways ensure efficient user management, capable of scaling as your user base grows. It allows role changes through simple dropdown selections and bulk actions to streamline processes like deleting multiple users. This accessibility control enhances productivity and secures appropriate content and system access. The tools provided support smooth user management even with a significant number of team members.

Cloudways User Roles Table

🏆 Winner Cloudways: Offering a wide range of customer support channels, including phone support upon request and premium support options.

Cloudways and HostArmada both deliver 24/7/365 customer support, with access to live chat and email support. Cloudways stands out with its multiple channels including phone or Skype calls upon request, and additional premium options providing a private Slack channel and expedited response times. They also offer proactive monitoring and customization support for those who opt for higher-tier support plans.

HostArmada, while reliable, focuses on more traditional channels such as live chat, email, and phone support during US business hours. Their support encompasses a wide range of technical and billing inquiries, covering various aspects of website management. HostArmada does not offer enterprise support like a dedicated account manager or private channels, which can be a deciding factor for businesses needing personalized attention.

Cloudways vs HostArmada: User feedback

User feedback for this hosting provider is predominantly positive, highlighting easy-to-use interface and robust customer support as key strengths. Users appreciate the intuitive platform, simplified server management, and various performance-boosting features, making it ideal for both personal and client projects. However, some users noted challenges for those with limited technical knowledge and expressed concerns about pricing, lack of email hosting, and occasional user interface issues. Overall, the strong support and fast, reliable performance make it a favored choice despite minor drawbacks.

HostArmada consistently receives high praise for its exceptional customer support, which is available 24/7 and is often highlighted as knowledgeable, responsive, and going above and beyond to assist users. Users appreciate the high performance, reliability, and speed of their hosting services, coupled with affordable pricing and comprehensive features like daily backups and SSL certificates. The platform is described as user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced users. While most users report no significant downsides, some mention the higher renewal rates and initial learning curve as minor drawbacks.

Cloudways vs HostArmada: FAQ