Cloudways vs SiteGround: Which Web Hosting Tool Is Better in 2026?
Cloudways
From $11SiteGround
From $2.99Quick 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.
Cost calculator
| Tool | Monthly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 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… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Agency needing server-level control | Cloudways | Cloudways includes full root/SSH access, while SiteGround does not. |
| Small business on a tight budget | SiteGround | SiteGround starts at $2.99 flat versus Cloudways at $11 flat. |
| Fast-growing WooCommerce store | Cloudways | Cloudways lists fast-growing WooCommerce stores among its best-fit users and offers root access for deeper configuration. |
| Client web projects | SiteGround | SiteGround lists client web projects among its best-fit users at a lower starting price. |
| Buyer needing managed WordPress with staging and backups | Tie | Both include managed WordPress, staging environments, daily backups, free SSL, NVMe storage, DDoS protection, and 24/7 support. |
Feature comparison: Cloudways vs SiteGround
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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
- 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
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
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 →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.
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Data last reviewed: pending verification. All Web Hosting tools →