Overall
Cloudways excels in delivering high-performance cloud hosting solutions with superior scalability and global server locations. Hostgator offers a wide range of traditional hosting services, appealing to users seeking affordability and a comprehensive feature set.
Service Offering
| Feature | Cloudways | Hostgator |
|---|---|---|
| Hosting Services | Cloud, and Reseller Hosting | Shared, VPS, Dedicated, and Reseller Hosting |
| Specialized Services | Managed WordPress Hosting | Managed WordPress, Adult Websites, Email, and Minecraft Hosting |
| Server Locations | Canada, USA, Brazil, UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Ireland, Germany, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, India, Australia | USA, Europe, Asia, Australia |
| Control Panel | In-House | cPanel |
| Uptime Guarantee | 100% | 99.9% |
| Money Back (Days) | 14 | 45 |
| Free Migration | Yes | Yes |
| Support Channels | Live chat and email | Phone, live chat, and email |
Cloudways and Hostgator are two very different “animals” in the hosting industry. Cloudways specializes in cloud hosting; while Hostgator provides a broader spectrum of traditional hosting services with added support for managed WordPress and drag-and-drop website builder.
Plans & Pricing
| Hosting Type | Cloudways | Hostgator |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Hosting | $ – /mo | $3.75 – 6.25/mo |
| VPS Hosting | $ – /mo | $34.99 – 93.99/mo |
| Dedicated Hosting | $ – /mo | $89.98 – 139.99/mo |
| Cloud Hosting | $11.00 – 1056.00/mo | $4.50 – 13.95/mo |
| WordPress Hosting | $14.00 – 487.00/mo | $4.50 – 13.95/mo |
| Windows Hosting | $ – /mo | $4.76 – 14.36/mo |
| Coupon | HOSTSCORE | – |
| Coupon Details | 25% discount for 2 months | – |
Cloudways employs a pay-as-you-go model that offers scalability and flexibility, while Hostgator offers traditional hosting plans with competitive pricing, particularly in shared and WordPress hosting. Cloudways is suited for users with variable needs, and Hostgator caters to those looking for budget-friendly options with a range of services.
Development Features & Others
| Feature | Cloudways | Hostgator |
|---|---|---|
| Language Support | PHP, Java, Python, Node.js, and Ruby on Rails | PHP, Python, Django, Perl, Ruby on Rails, and ASP.NET |
| Dev Features | GIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access | GIT access, WP-CLI, cron jobs, Multiple PHP versions, and SSH access |
| Staging Tool | Built-in | Softaculous |
| Free SSL | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Cache | Yes | Yes |
| Global CDN | Yes | Higher plans |
| Free Malware Scan | Yes | Yes |
| DDoS Protection | Yes | Yes |
| Web Application Firewall (WAF) | Yes | Yes |
Both Cloudways and Hostgator support a variety of development-friendly features, including GIT access, multiple PHP versions, and SSH access. Cloudways provides additional advanced features like a built-in staging tool and a custom control panel for managing cloud resources efficiently. Hostgator offers a user-friendly experience with cPanel and includes essential tools and services.
About Cloudways
Established in 2011 by co-founders Aaqib Gadit, Pere Hospital, and Uzair Gadit, Cloudways is a managed hosting platform that initially focused on leveraging partnerships with AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and Digital Ocean to serve its customers better. The acquisition by DigitalOcean in August 2022 further solidified this partnership, enhancing Cloudways’ ability to provide superior managed hosting solutions.
Cloudways Pros
- Topnotch server uptime and speed performance
- Good abstration over complex cloud server setups with integrated dashboard
- Outstanding customer support
- High scalability
- Easy server cloning, site staging, and website transfer
- Host unlimited applications in one account
- 25% discount for first two months with coupon “HOSTSCORE”
Cloudways Cons
- Getting expensive – Prices increased steadily for the past few years
- Limited trial period
About Hostgator
In October 2002, Brent Oxley, a Florida Atlantic University student, laid the foundation for HostGator, a formidable web hosting provider. Originating in Boca Raton, Florida, and later relocating to Houston, Texas, in 2006, HostGator swiftly expanded its reach internationally with offices in Canada (2006) and India (2011).
In a landmark acquisition in July 2012, HostGator was acquired by Endurance International Group for a staggering $299.8 million, solidifying its status as a heavyweight player in the web hosting arena.
Hostgator Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Free domain name with all shaerd hosting plans
- Free $100 Bing and $100 Google ad credits
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Hostgator Cons
- Resources limited by server constraints
- Not much variety in VPS plans
- Only US-based servers
- Price increase during the renewal
Our Recommendation
For those requiring flexible, high-performance, and easy-to-manage cloud hosting – Cloudways is the ideal choice. Hostgator is recommended for users looking for a variety of hosting options, including shared, VPS, and dedicated services, at reasonable prices, with a focus on ease of use and reliability.
