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Cloudways vs Liquid Web (2024 Comparison)

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Author

Martin Lunendonk

Last Update

Nov 08, 2024

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Excellent Value For Price
4.3

0

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Cloudways

Cloudways offers a flexible and user-friendly cloud hosting platform with built-in caching and CDN integration. It's perfect for those seeking reliable performance without the complexity of traditional hosting.

  • Flexible cloud provider options.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Built-in caching and CDN.
  • Limited advanced features.
  • No email hosting included.

Free plan?

Yes

Starting price

$14 per month
Excellent Value For Price
4.5

0

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Liquid Web

Liquid Web provides premium managed WordPress hosting with advanced security features and 24/7 specialized support. Ideal for businesses seeking robust and reliable hosting solutions tailored for WordPress.

  • Optimized for WordPress.
  • Advanced security features.
  • 24/7 specialized support.
  • Higher cost for premium features.
  • Complex for beginners.

Free plan?

No

Starting price

$5 per month

What is Cloudways?

Cloudways is a managed cloud hosting platform that simplifies the process of hosting websites. It offers a user-friendly interface, allowing you to deploy, manage, and scale applications effortlessly. With Cloudways, you can choose from top cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean, ensuring flexibility and reliability. The platform is designed to enhance performance with features like built-in caching and CDN integration. Whether you're a developer or a business owner, Cloudways provides the tools you need to optimize your website's performance and security, making it a valuable asset in your daily operations.

What is Liquid Web?

Liquid Web is a premium managed WordPress hosting provider that caters to businesses seeking robust and reliable hosting solutions. It offers a range of features designed to enhance website performance, including automatic updates, daily backups, and advanced security measures. Liquid Web's platform is optimized for WordPress, ensuring fast load times and seamless scalability. With 24/7 customer support and a focus on high availability, Liquid Web helps businesses maintain their online presence with confidence. Whether you're running a small blog or a large e-commerce site, Liquid Web provides the infrastructure and support needed to thrive in the digital landscape.

Pros and Cons of Cloudways vs Liquid Web

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Pros & Cons of Cloudways

Flexible cloud provider options
  • Cloudways allows you to choose from top cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean, offering flexibility and reliability for your hosting needs.
User-friendly interface
  • The platform's intuitive interface simplifies server management, making it accessible for users with varying technical skills, from beginners to experts.
Built-in caching and CDN
  • Cloudways enhances website performance with built-in caching and CDN integration, ensuring fast load times and a smooth user experience.
Limited advanced features
  • While Cloudways offers essential hosting features, it lacks some advanced options that may be necessary for larger enterprises or complex websites.
No email hosting included
  • Cloudways does not provide email hosting, requiring users to seek third-party solutions for their email needs, which can be inconvenient.
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Pros & Cons of Liquid Web

Optimized for WordPress
  • Liquid Web is specifically optimized for WordPress, offering features and performance enhancements tailored to the platform, ensuring a seamless experience.
Advanced security features
  • The platform provides advanced security measures, including DDoS protection and malware scanning, ensuring your website is protected from threats.
24/7 specialized support
  • Liquid Web offers 24/7 customer support with a focus on WordPress, providing specialized assistance for any issues or questions you may have.
Higher cost for premium features
  • Liquid Web's premium features come at a higher cost, which may not be suitable for budget-conscious users or small businesses.
Complex for beginners
  • The platform's advanced features and options can be overwhelming for beginners, requiring a learning curve to fully utilize its capabilities.

Cloudways vs Liquid Web: At A Glance

Decision FactorCloudwaysLiquid Web
Value to Price
Good4.2
Excellent4.5
Ease of Use
Excellent4.3
Excellent4.4
Functionality
Excellent4.4
Excellent4.6
Scalability
Excellent4.5
Excellent4.7
Integrations
Excellent4.3
Excellent4.4
Customer Support
Good4.2
Excellent4.6
Security
Excellent4.4
Excellent4.5
Overall Rating
Excellent4.3
Excellent4.5

Value to Price

Value to Price is a critical dimension that evaluates the cost-effectiveness of a hosting solution. Cloudways offers competitive pricing with flexible plans, making it a great choice for budget-conscious users. Liquid Web, while slightly more expensive, provides premium features that justify the cost. If you're looking for a balance between cost and features, Cloudways is ideal, but for those who prioritize advanced features, Liquid Web is worth the investment.

Ease of Use

Ease of Use measures how user-friendly a platform is. Cloudways offers an intuitive interface that simplifies server management, making it accessible for beginners. Liquid Web also provides a straightforward experience, but its advanced features may require a learning curve. If you prefer a platform that's easy to navigate, Cloudways is a better fit, while Liquid Web suits those who don't mind investing time in learning.

Functionality

Functionality assesses the range of features and capabilities a hosting platform offers. Cloudways provides essential tools for website management, including staging environments and automated backups. Liquid Web goes a step further with advanced features like automatic updates and enhanced security. If you need a robust set of features, Liquid Web is the superior choice, but Cloudways offers a solid foundation for most users.

Scalability

Scalability evaluates how well a hosting platform can grow with your business. Cloudways offers flexible scaling options, allowing you to adjust resources as needed. Liquid Web excels in this area with seamless scalability and high availability. If your business is rapidly growing, Liquid Web provides the infrastructure to support your expansion, while Cloudways is suitable for moderate growth.

Integrations

Integrations measure how well a platform connects with other tools and services. Cloudways offers a range of integrations with popular applications, making it easy to enhance your website's functionality. Liquid Web also supports numerous integrations, but its focus on WordPress may limit options for non-WordPress users. If you need diverse integrations, Cloudways is more versatile, while Liquid Web is perfect for WordPress-centric setups.

Customer Support

Customer Support evaluates the quality and availability of assistance provided by a hosting platform. Cloudways offers 24/7 support with a responsive team ready to help. Liquid Web takes it a step further with dedicated support for WordPress users. If you value specialized support, Liquid Web is the better option, but Cloudways provides reliable assistance for general inquiries.

Security

Security assesses the measures a platform takes to protect your website. Cloudways offers built-in security features like firewalls and SSL certificates. Liquid Web enhances security with advanced options like DDoS protection and malware scanning. If security is a top priority, Liquid Web provides comprehensive protection, while Cloudways offers essential safeguards for most users.

Overall Rating

Overall Rating is a summary of a platform's performance across all dimensions. Cloudways scores well for its balance of features and affordability, making it a strong contender for small to medium-sized businesses. Liquid Web, with its premium features and robust support, is ideal for larger enterprises or those seeking advanced capabilities. Choose Cloudways for cost-effective hosting and Liquid Web for a feature-rich experience.

Cloudways vs Liquid Web: A Detailed Breakdown of Key Features

FeaturesCloudwaysLiquid Web
Performance Optimization
Excellent4.4
Excellent4.6
Backup and Restore
Excellent4.3
Excellent4.5
Server Management
Excellent4.5
Excellent4.4
Staging Environment
Good4.2
Excellent4.5
CDN Integration
Excellent4.3
Excellent4.4
SSL Management
Excellent4.4
Excellent4.5

Performance Optimization

Performance Optimization is crucial for ensuring fast load times and a smooth user experience. Cloudways offers built-in caching and CDN integration, which significantly boosts website speed. Liquid Web takes it further with advanced performance features tailored for WordPress, ensuring optimal performance even during high traffic. If you're looking for top-notch performance, Liquid Web is the superior choice, but Cloudways provides excellent speed enhancements for most users.

Backup and Restore

Backup and Restore features are essential for data protection and recovery. Cloudways offers automated backups with easy restore options, providing peace of mind for website owners. Liquid Web enhances this with daily backups and one-click restores, ensuring data safety. If you prioritize comprehensive backup solutions, Liquid Web is the better option, while Cloudways offers reliable backup features for general needs.

Server Management

Server Management involves the tools and features available for managing your hosting environment. Cloudways provides a user-friendly interface for server management, making it accessible for users with varying technical skills. Liquid Web offers advanced server management options, catering to experienced users who require more control. If you prefer a straightforward management experience, Cloudways is ideal, while Liquid Web suits those who need advanced server capabilities.

Staging Environment

A Staging Environment allows you to test changes before deploying them to your live site. Cloudways offers a simple staging environment, enabling you to experiment with new features safely. Liquid Web provides a more robust staging setup, ideal for developers who need extensive testing capabilities. If you require a comprehensive staging environment, Liquid Web is the better choice, while Cloudways offers basic staging for most users.

CDN Integration

CDN Integration helps improve website speed by distributing content across multiple servers. Cloudways offers seamless CDN integration, enhancing website performance globally. Liquid Web also supports CDN integration, with additional features for WordPress users. If you need extensive CDN options, Liquid Web is the superior choice, while Cloudways provides effective CDN solutions for general use.

SSL Management

SSL Management is vital for securing your website and building trust with visitors. Cloudways offers free SSL certificates with easy installation, ensuring your site is secure. Liquid Web provides advanced SSL management options, catering to businesses with specific security needs. If you require advanced SSL features, Liquid Web is the better option, while Cloudways offers essential SSL management for most users.

Pricing Comparison of Cloudways and Liquid Web

To assist you in making an informed choice, we’ve outlined the pricing plans and essential features of Cloudways and Liquid Web. This comparison will highlight the best option for your hosting needs.

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Cloudways Pricing Plans

DO1GB
For Small Businesses
$14

per month

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DO1GB includes:
  • 1 Core processor to handle basic computing tasks.
  • 25 GB storage for essential data and applications.
  • 1 TB bandwidth to support moderate traffic levels.
  • Free SSL certificates for secure data transmission.
DO2GB
For Small Businesses
$28

per month

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Includes DO1GB, plus:
  • 1 Core processor for improved computing capabilities.
  • 50 GB storage for more data and applications.
  • 2 TB bandwidth to support higher traffic levels.
  • Free SSL certificates for secure data transmission.
DO4GB
For Medium Businesses
$54

per month

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Includes DO2GB, plus:
  • 2 Core processor for advanced computing tasks.
  • 80 GB storage for extensive data and applications.
  • 4 TB bandwidth to support high traffic levels.
  • Free SSL certificates for secure data transmission.
DO8GB
For Medium Businesses
$99

per month

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Includes DO4GB, plus:
  • 4 Core processor for demanding computing tasks.
  • 160 GB storage for large data and applications.
  • 5 TB bandwidth to support very high traffic levels.
  • Free SSL certificates for secure data transmission.
DO16GB
For Large Enterprises
$170

per month

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Includes DO8GB, plus:
  • 8 Core processor for intensive computing tasks.
  • 320 GB storage for massive data and applications.
  • 6 TB bandwidth to support extremely high traffic levels.
  • Free SSL certificates for secure data transmission.
DO32GB
For Large Enterprises
$279

per month

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Includes DO16GB, plus:
  • 8 Core processor for complex computing tasks.
  • 640 GB storage for extensive data and applications.
  • 7 TB bandwidth to support extremely high traffic levels.
  • Free SSL certificates for secure data transmission.
DO48GB
For Large Enterprises
$388

per month

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Includes DO32GB, plus:
  • 12 Core processor for highly complex computing tasks.
  • 960 GB storage for extensive data and applications.
  • 8 TB bandwidth to support extremely high traffic levels.
  • Free SSL certificates for secure data transmission.
DO64GB
For Large Enterprises
$487

per month

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Includes DO48GB, plus:
  • 16 Core processor for the most demanding tasks.
  • 1280 GB storage for extensive data and applications.
  • 9 TB bandwidth to support extremely high traffic levels.
  • Free SSL certificates for secure data transmission.
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Liquid Web Pricing Plans

Spark
For Individuals
$5.25

per month

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Spark includes:
  • 2 TB bandwidth to handle moderate traffic levels.
  • Supports up to 1 site for small-scale projects.
  • 10 PHP workers per site for optimal performance.
  • 20 autoscaled workers to manage traffic spikes.
Starter
For Small Businesses
$5.25

per month

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Starter includes:
  • 3 TB bandwidth to support moderate traffic.
  • Supports up to 1 site for small businesses.
  • 10 PHP workers per site for efficient processing.
  • 20 autoscaled workers to handle traffic surges.
Spark+
For Creators
$10.75

per month

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Includes Spark, plus:
  • 2.5 TB bandwidth for increased traffic handling.
  • Supports up to 3 sites for growing projects.
  • 15 PHP workers per site for better performance.
  • 25 autoscaled workers for traffic management.
Starter+
For Small Businesses
$10.75

per month

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Includes Starter, plus:
  • 4 TB bandwidth to support higher traffic.
  • Supports up to 2 sites for expanding businesses.
  • 15 PHP workers per site for improved processing.
  • 25 autoscaled workers for traffic surges.
Maker
For Creators
$21.75

per month

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Includes Spark+, plus:
  • 3 TB bandwidth for handling more traffic.
  • Supports up to 5 sites for creators.
  • 20 PHP workers per site for enhanced performance.
  • 30 autoscaled workers for traffic management.
Creator
For Small Businesses
$21.75

per month

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Includes Starter+, plus:
  • 5 TB bandwidth to support high traffic.
  • Supports up to 3 sites for growing businesses.
  • 20 PHP workers per site for efficient processing.
  • 30 autoscaled workers for traffic surges.
Designer
For Designers
$30

per month

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Includes Maker, plus:
  • 4 TB bandwidth for handling increased traffic.
  • Supports up to 10 sites for designers.
  • 20 PHP workers per site for optimal performance.
  • 30 autoscaled workers for traffic management.
Merchant
For Small Businesses
$41

per month

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Includes Creator, plus:
  • 5 TB bandwidth to support high traffic.
  • Supports up to 5 sites for expanding businesses.
  • 30 PHP workers per site for improved processing.
  • 40 autoscaled workers for traffic surges.
Builder
For Builders
$41

per month

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Includes Designer, plus:
  • 5 TB bandwidth for handling substantial traffic.
  • Supports up to 25 sites for builders.
  • 30 PHP workers per site for enhanced performance.
  • 40 autoscaled workers for traffic management.
Standard
For Large Businesses
$82

per month

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Includes Merchant, plus:
  • 5 TB bandwidth to support very high traffic.
  • Supports up to 10 sites for large businesses.
  • 30 PHP workers per site for efficient processing.
  • 40 autoscaled workers for traffic surges.
Producer
For Producers
$82

per month

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Includes Builder, plus:
  • 5 TB bandwidth for handling substantial traffic.
  • Supports up to 50 sites for producers.
  • 40 PHP workers per site for enhanced performance.
  • 50 autoscaled workers for traffic management.
Growth
For Large Businesses
$150.5

per month

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Includes Standard, plus:
  • 10 TB bandwidth to support very high traffic.
  • Supports up to 20 sites for large businesses.
  • 40 PHP workers per site for efficient processing.
  • 50 autoscaled workers for traffic surges.
Executive
For Executives
$150.5

per month

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Includes Producer, plus:
  • 10 TB bandwidth for handling substantial traffic.
  • Supports up to 100 sites for executives.
  • 50 PHP workers per site for enhanced performance.
  • 60 autoscaled workers for traffic management.
Enterprise
For Large Enterprises
$273.75

per month

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Includes Growth, plus:
  • 10 TB bandwidth to support extremely high traffic.
  • Supports up to 30 sites for large enterprises.
  • 50 PHP workers per site for efficient processing.
  • 60 autoscaled workers for traffic surges.
Enterprise
For Enterprises
$273.75

per month

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Includes Executive, plus:
  • 10 TB bandwidth for handling substantial traffic.
  • Supports up to 250 sites for enterprises.
  • 60 PHP workers per site for enhanced performance.
  • 70 autoscaled workers for traffic management.

Our Rating Methodology

We conduct thorough evaluations of each hosting platform, focusing on key factors like performance, security, and scalability. By analyzing user reviews and testing features, we ensure our recommendations align with your needs. Each factor is weighted to provide a final score, helping you make informed decisions.

Decision FactorScoring Weight
Value to Price
20%
20%
Ease of Use
20%
15%
Functionality
20%
25%
Scalability
20%
15%
Integrations
20%
10%
Customer Support
20%
10%
Security
20%
5%

Cloudways or Liquid Web: Which One Matches Your Business Needs?

Choose Cloudways If You Need ...

  • Flexible cloud hosting options

    If you are a developer or business owner seeking flexible cloud hosting options, Cloudways is an excellent choice. It allows you to choose from top cloud providers, offering reliability and performance tailored to your needs.

  • User-friendly server management

    If you prefer a user-friendly platform for managing your servers, Cloudways provides an intuitive interface that simplifies server management, making it accessible for users with varying technical skills.

Choose Liquid Web If You Need ...

  • Optimized WordPress hosting

    If you are a WordPress user seeking optimized hosting solutions, Liquid Web is the ideal choice. It offers features and performance enhancements tailored specifically for WordPress, ensuring a seamless experience.

  • Advanced security features

    If you prioritize advanced security measures for your website, Liquid Web provides comprehensive protection with features like DDoS protection and malware scanning, ensuring your site is safe from threats.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Author

Martin Lunendonk

Martin Lunendonk is a senior tech writer specializing in website builders, web hosting, and ecommerce platforms. With a background in finance, accounting, and philosophy, he has founded multiple tech startups and worked in medium to large tech companies and investment banking, bringing deep expertise and reliable insights to his software reviews.