Managed hosting comparison • Updated for 2026

Cloudways vs SiteGround (2026)

This comparison is mostly about growth dynamics: Cloudways is built around managed cloud scaling flexibility, while SiteGround is closer to a traditional managed hosting approach that’s often simpler for smaller sites.

Best for: scaling vs simplicity Use case: WooCommerce + growing sites Focus: fit + tradeoffs

Quick verdict

Pick Cloudways if you expect growth and want more scaling headroom, plus the ability to adjust resources as traffic increases.

Pick SiteGround if you want a simpler traditional hosting experience for a smaller site, and you value a straightforward day-to-day workflow.

Plain-English shortcut: If your site is “a store that might blow up”, Cloudways is usually safer. If it’s “a business site that just needs to be stable”, SiteGround can be plenty.

Comparison table

Category Cloudways SiteGround
Best for Scaling flexibility Growing stores Simplicity Smaller sites
Scaling Resource scaling is a core part of the model (more headroom as you grow). Often fine at small-to-medium scale, but you may need plan upgrades sooner.
WooCommerce fit Strong for growth + spikes when you want more control over resources. Good for smaller WooCommerce stores with steady traffic and simpler needs.
Flexibility More options and tuning decisions (a “managed cloud layer”). More opinionated, traditional hosting experience (fewer knobs).
Support style Platform support + infrastructure choices depending on setup. Often appreciated for day-to-day hosting support and guidance.
Pricing approach Typically resource-based (depends on infra + add-ons). Typically plan-based tiers.
Best “why” “I need scaling room without full sysadmin.” “I want stable hosting that stays simple.”

Who should choose what?

Choose Cloudways if…

  • You expect growth or seasonal spikes (sales, launches, ads).
  • You want the ability to scale resources as the site gets heavier.
  • You want more flexibility for performance tuning and stack choices.
  • You run WooCommerce and care about headroom under load.

Choose SiteGround if…

  • You have steady traffic and a simpler site (or smaller store).
  • You want a traditional hosting experience that’s easy to manage.
  • You prefer fewer decisions and a straightforward workflow.
  • You want “set it up and run the business” without tinkering.

What actually impacts performance (more than the host)

  • Cache rules + WooCommerce exclusions: cart/checkout/account should not be cached incorrectly.
  • Image strategy: modern formats + correct sizing beats “bigger server” most of the time.
  • Theme & plugins: heavy builders and 40 plugins will hurt anywhere.
  • Database hygiene: autoload cleanup, slow queries, scheduled tasks.

Final verdict

If you’re building for growth and want more scaling headroom, Cloudways is usually the better long-term bet.

If you want a simple, traditional managed hosting experience for a smaller site with steady traffic, SiteGround can be a strong pick.

FAQ

Is SiteGround good for WooCommerce?

It can be, especially for smaller stores with steady traffic. If you expect spikes or rapid growth, scaling flexibility becomes more important, which is where Cloudways can be an advantage.

Which one is easier for non-technical users?

SiteGround often feels simpler day-to-day. Cloudways is still user-friendly, but you’ll face more choices around scaling and setup.

What should I do if I’m not sure?

Choose based on growth expectations: if you plan to run ads, launch products, or scale content aggressively, pick the option with more scaling headroom.