Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
Hostinger8.6
Among the lowest entry prices in the category, with a free domain on most annual plans.
Value & renewal pricing
25% weight
Cloudways7.4
No renewal jump because billing is usage-based, though entry cost is above shared hosting.
Hostinger7.8
Offers several global server regions and its own caching layer on WordPress plans.
Infrastructure & performance features
20% weight
Cloudways9.0
Choose between several cloud providers and many regions, with isolated servers.
Hostinger7.4
24/7 chat and email support, but no phone line.
Support
20% weight
Cloudways7.4
24/7 chat and tickets; advanced support is a paid add-on.
Hostinger8.2
hPanel, free SSL, a bundled builder and one-click WordPress keep set-up simple.
Features & ease of use
20% weight
Cloudways7.6
Staging, backups and server controls, though email hosting and domains are extra.
Hostinger7.8
Publishes a 30-day refund policy with listed exclusions.
Trial & refund terms
15% weight
Cloudways6.8
Offers a short free trial instead of a money-back window.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | Hostinger | Cloudways |
|---|---|---|
| Free SSL | Yes | Yes |
| Free domain (first year) | Yes | No |
| Money-back window | 30 days | Not published |
| Free trial | No | 3 days |
| Main hosting type | Shared, cloud, VPS | Managed cloud |
| Support channels | 24/7 live chat and email | 24/7 live chat and tickets |
| Data-centre regions | Multiple regions across the Americas, Europe and Asia | Choice of providers and regions worldwide |
| Renewal pricing | Higher than intro price | No intro discount; billed for usage |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose Hostinger if…
You want something best for first websites and cost-conscious small businesses.
- + Very low entry prices on long terms
- + Wide choice of server regions
- + Beginner-friendly hPanel control panel
Choose Cloudways if…
You want something best for developers and agencies managing several sites.
- + Pick your own cloud provider and region
- + Usage-based billing with no long lock-in
- + Isolated servers suit busy sites
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions
Hostinger vs Cloudways: quick answers
Is Hostinger better than Cloudways?
Hostinger leads Cloudways by 0.3 points overall (8.0 vs 7.7). Hostinger scores higher on value & renewal pricing, features & ease of use, trial & refund terms. Cloudways scores higher on infrastructure & performance features.
Who should choose Cloudways over Hostinger?
Cloudways is best for developers and agencies managing several sites. Hostinger is best for first websites and cost-conscious small businesses.
How were Hostinger and Cloudways scored?
Both were scored on the same 5 weighted criteria for web hosting providers, using public information such as published plans and terms. We do not lab-test products.