When it comes to choosing a hosting provider for your business, no decision should be taken lightly. Two popular options are Cloudways and Vultr, both offering their unique blend of features and benefits. In this article, we'll compare these two hosting providers in various aspects such as performance, security measures, pricing, and more, so you can make an informed decision about which one suits your needs best.
Performance
High-performing servers are crucial for ensuring a smooth user experience on your website or application. Both Cloudways and Vultr boast impressive performance capabilities, but there are some differences to consider.
Server Infrastructure
Cloudways provides managed cloud hosting by partnering with several leading infrastructure providers, including AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and, notably, Vultr. By using multiple providers, they offer customers a choice between different server technologies and data center locations.
Vultr, on the other hand, owns and operates its own global network of high-speed SSD-backed servers. This allows them to have greater control over their infrastructure and provide consistently fast performance across all locations.
Server Locations
Cloudways' server locations depend on the specific infrastructure provider chosen. With Vultr being one of their partners, customers can access the same data centers offered by Vultr. However, depending on the selected provider, there may be additional data center locations available.
Vultr currently has 17 data centers spread across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, allowing for low-latency connectivity for most users worldwide.
Security Measures
Ensuring the safety and privacy of your data is essential when selecting a hosting provider. Both Cloudways and Vultr prioritize security and implement numerous measures to protect their customers' information.
Firewalls and Intrusion Prevention
Cloudways includes a preconfigured OS-level firewall on every server, which helps protect against unauthorized access, hacking attempts, and DDoS attacks. Additionally, they offer free Let's Encrypt SSL certificates and enforce secure connections to further enhance security. For intrusion prevention, Cloudways relies on real-time monitoring tools such as New Relic and log analyzers.
Vultr also provides a basic firewall for every instance, allowing customers to configure rules according to their requirements. While Vultr does not include SSL certificates by default, customers can easily obtain and install them from third-party sources like Let's Encrypt.
Data Backups
Cloudways offers automated backups at regular intervals, ranging from hourly to weekly, depending on customer preferences. They also provide a one-click feature for creating on-demand backups whenever needed. Backup storage is offsite, and customers can restore their data with just a few clicks.
Vultr provides automatic daily backups as an add-on service at an additional cost. Customers can also create manual snapshots of their instances for backup purposes. Restoring backups involves deploying a new instance based on the saved snapshot, which may require some additional steps compared to Cloudways' one-click restoration feature.
Pricing
Understanding the cost structure of each hosting provider is essential to making an informed decision. Both Cloudways and Vultr utilize pay-as-you-go pricing models, but there are some key differences to note.
Cloudways Pricing
Since Cloudways partners with various infrastructure providers, their pricing depends on the chosen provider and the resources required (RAM, CPU, storage, bandwidth). Cloudways adds a management fee on top of the infrastructure costs, which covers their platform's features and support services. They offer a range of plans with varying resource allocations, starting from $10 per month.
Vultr Pricing
Vultr offers a more straightforward pricing model, with separate tiers for each combination of resources. Their plans start as low as $2.50 per month for the smallest instance size, making it a more affordable option for smaller projects. However, businesses requiring advanced features and support may find the additional cost of Cloudways' management fee worthwhile.
Support and Ease of Use
Quality customer support and an easy-to-use interface can make a significant difference in managing your hosting environment. Both Cloudways and Vultr aim to simplify the process and provide assistance when needed.
Cloudways Support and Interface
Cloudways offers 24/7 live chat and ticket support for all customers, with phone support available for higher-tier plans. Their platform is designed for simplicity, featuring a custom control panel that allows users to manage their servers, applications, and billing with ease. The inclusion of a one-click installer for popular applications and platforms further streamlines the setup process.
Vultr Support and Interface
Vultr provides customer support via tickets, with response times typically ranging from a few minutes to a couple of hours. They do not offer live chat or phone support. While their control panel is relatively easy to use, it may require more technical knowledge compared to Cloudways' simplified interface. Users must manually install applications and configure their servers, making it less beginner-friendly than Cloudways.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between Cloudways and Vultr depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you value a simple, streamlined experience and require comprehensive customer support, then Cloudways may be the better choice. On the other hand, if affordability and direct control over your infrastructure are more important factors, Vultr could be the ideal solution for your business.
