Cloudways offers a cloud-based WordPress hosting solution that packs some surprises. Let’s break down what really matters for your site’s performance.
Cloudways Speed Results
CPU & Memory
Filesystem
Database
Network
Server Score
Filesystem
Database
Network
Server Score
Standout Features
- Network Speed Cloudways absolutely nails it here. Your site visitors will enjoy lightning-fast page loads, regardless of their location. This translates to better user experience, potentially lower bounce rates, and a solid foundation for SEO efforts.
- Filesystem Operations Strong performance in this area means smooth sailing for content management. Expect swift media uploads, quick plugin updates, and responsive content changes. This is a big plus for content-heavy sites or those requiring frequent updates.
- Complex Database Queries Cloudways handles sophisticated database operations with aplomb. This is great news for sites running complex plugins, e-commerce platforms, or custom applications that rely on intricate database interactions.
Areas of Concern
- Simple Database Operations Surprisingly, Cloudways stumbles a bit here. Basic WordPress functions might not feel as snappy as you’d expect. This could impact the responsiveness of your admin area and some core WordPress features.
- Data Imports Large data imports are notably slow. This might not be a daily issue, but it’s worth considering if you frequently migrate sites or perform bulk data operations.
- CPU Performance While not terrible, the CPU performance is average. This means resource-intensive tasks, like using complex page builders or running multiple heavy plugins, might lead to occasional slowdowns.
Real-World Implications
- For content-focused sites, blogs, and portfolios, Cloudways offers a solid platform. The combination of fast network speeds and efficient file handling means your content will be served quickly and updates will be smooth.
- E-commerce sites might find Cloudways a mixed bag. The excellent handling of complex queries is a boon for product catalogs and checkout processes. However, the slower simple queries might impact basic store browsing.
- For developers and agencies, the platform’s flexibility is appealing. The ability to handle complex operations well makes it suitable for custom WordPress developments. However, be prepared to optimize for basic operations.
- Sites with global audiences will appreciate the top-notch network performance, ensuring fast access worldwide.
Who Should Consider Cloudways?
- Growing businesses that need scalability and fast content delivery
- Content creators who prioritize quick updates and efficient media management
- Developers working on custom WordPress solutions with complex backend requirements
- Sites with a global reach that need consistent, fast performance worldwide
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- High-traffic sites that rely heavily on rapid, simple database operations
- Users who frequently need to import large datasets
- Those running extremely CPU-intensive applications who need top-tier performance in this area
The Bottom Line
Cloudways offers a unique performance profile in the WordPress hosting space. Its strengths in network speed, file operations, and complex database handling make it a strong contender for many use cases. However, the unexpected weakness in simple database operations and average CPU performance means it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
For many WordPress users, especially those focused on content delivery and complex functionalities, Cloudways provides a robust, scalable platform. The cloud infrastructure offers flexibility and room for growth. However, users may need to implement additional optimizations to squeeze the best performance out of basic WordPress operations.
In the end, Cloudways is a capable host with some unique strengths. For the right user, it offers a powerful combination of performance and flexibility. But like any hosting solution, it’s crucial to align its capabilities with your specific WordPress needs.
