Cloudways vs HostMetro

Cloudways is a leading managed cloud hosting provider acquired by DigitalOcean in 2022. Originally founded in 2011 and headquartered in St. Julian’s, Malta, they aim to simplify cloud hosting by integrating with top providers like AWS, Google Cloud, DigitalOcean, Linode, and Vultr, offering businesses access to robust infrastructure without requiring technical expertise. Designed for digital agencies, e-commerce businesses, developers, and SMBs, Cloudways emphasizes performance, scalability, and ease of use. Key features include autoscaling for zero downtime during traffic spikes, pay-as-you-go pricing, SSD hosting, free SSL certificates, and advanced security tools like Imunify360. The platform also provides one-click app installations, automated backups, real-time monitoring, and developer-friendly tools like SSH access and Git integration. While praised for their flexibility, performance, and 24/7 support, Cloudways has a learning curve for beginners and lacks built-in email hosting or a free CDN. This review explores their pros, cons, and unique features to help you decide if Cloudways is the right hosting solution for your business.

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois, HostMetro specializes in shared web hosting services that combine affordability with ease of use. They primarily cater to individuals and small businesses seeking straightforward hosting with no hidden costs. Their signature Price Lock Guarantee distinguishes them from competitors by keeping renewal rates fixed for the life of the account. Other notable features include unlimited email accounts, cPanel access, free site migration, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. While HostMetro receives praise for its budget-friendly plans and user-friendly setup, some users report slower performance and occasional downtime. The company’s U.S.-based customer support and transparent pricing model, however, remain strong points. Overall, HostMetro presents a reliable entry-level hosting solution for users prioritizing simplicity, stable costs, and basic website functionality.