The Best Web Hosting Deals This Week*
- Hostinger Premium — $2.69 Per Month + 3-Months Free With 10% Off Code "PCMAG10"
- ScalaHosting — Starting at $2.51 Per Month With an Extra 15% Off on All Hosting Plans
- HostGator — $3.75 Per Month With Free Domain Registration (List Price $9.99 Per Month)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
There are many traditional web hosting types for building your website, including shared, dedicated, WordPress, and virtual private servers (VPS). However, there's another hosting option that distributes your site across multiple servers and provides a flexible way to power your website: cloud hosting.
If you want to leverage cloud hosting as your site's foundation, we've gathered everything you need to know to get the job done. Read on for the best cloud web hosting services we've tested, followed by what to consider when choosing the right service for your needs.
Table of Contents
HostGator Web Hosting
Best for Linux-Based Cloud Hosting
Why We Picked It
HostGator is an outstanding web host that offers feature-rich plans for a wide variety of website needs, including cloud-based hosting services. HostGator lacks Windows-based cloud server options, but its Linux-platform services are attractive and well worth considering. These cloud plans start at $12.95 per month, but scale to enterprise-tier levels that include SEO tools, a dedicated IP address, and plenty of RAM.
Who It’s For
Linux is the near-universal operating system in regards to web hosting platforms. This makes HostGator’s Linux-based cloud hosting plans an ideal starting point for everyone, be they bloggers or small business owners. The company offers wallet-friendly plans, too, which are perfect for startups.
PROS
- Numerous feature-rich hosting plans
- Excellent shared hosting offerings
- Good for novice webmasters
- Useful site-building software and e-commerce tools
- Helpful, 24/7 customer service
- Outstanding uptime
CONS
- Not all plans have a Windows Server option
- Some annual plans cost more than paying month by month
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Linux Servers - Cloud | |
| Windows Hosting - Cloud | |
| Maximum Storage - Cloud | Unlimited |
| Unlimited Monthly Data Transfers - Cloud | |
| 24/7 Customer Support |
DreamHost Web Hosting
Best for Operating System Freedom
Why We Picked It
DreamHost's cloud server options are inexpensive and flexible, and you can customize them for use on either the BSD, Linux, or Windows OS platforms. This gives DreamHost a unique advantage over many other web hosting competitors, which generally focus on Linux. Likewise, these plans scale depending on your needs, making DreamHost an excellent hosting option.
Who It's For
DreamHost should be your first stop if you're running a small to medium-sized business venture in need of BSD or Windows server architecture. The host's robust server options and powerful, scalable specs make it a top pick.
PROS
- Strong security features
- Extensive domain-management tools
- Excellent cloud hosting offerings
- Unlimited data transfers per month
- Generous shared hosting money-back guarantee
- Useful WordPress staging feature
CONS
- Shared Starter plan lacks email
- No telephone support
- Lacks Windows-based servers
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Linux Servers - Cloud | |
| Windows Hosting - Cloud | |
| Maximum Storage - Cloud | 100GB |
| Unlimited Monthly Data Transfers - Cloud | |
| 24/7 Customer Support |
Hostwinds Web Hosting
Best for Large RAM Capacities
Why We Picked It
You get robust package options with Hostwinds. The company offers 10 cloud server packages, which range from a relatively light 1-CPU server with 30GB of storage and 1TB of monthly data transfers to a 16-CPU powerhouse with 96GB of RAM and 9TB of monthly data transfers. Hostwinds also lets you outfit your server with either the Linux or Windows OS.
Who It’s For
If you plan to build an ecommerce-focused, content-heavy, or user-driven website, you want dynamic pages and RAM totals that can handle the load. High RAM totals let your servers run large processes, or a significant number of processes at once. Hostwind’s server packages climb to an incredible 96GB of RAM with its core packages.
PROS
- Terrific uptime in testing
- Excellent reseller and VPS hosting plans
- Good customer service
- Minecraft server hosting
CONS
- Not every plan has a Windows server option
- Short money-back guarantee window
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Linux Servers - Cloud | |
| Windows Hosting - Cloud | |
| Maximum Storage - Cloud | 50GB |
| Unlimited Monthly Data Transfers - Cloud | |
| 24/7 Customer Support |
Liquid Web Hosting
Best for Managed Cloud Hosting
Why We Picked It
Liquid Web's cloud hosting plans come in multiple, managed tiers, with Linux or Windows OS options. The plans are on the pricier side of the hosting spectrum, as the servers combine the power and resources of dedicated servers with the immediate flexibility and provisioning of the cloud platform. As a result, plans start at $149 per month (for 15GB of RAM, 452GB of storage, and 5TB of monthly data) and scale to more than $1,100 per month, depending on your configuration of choice.
Who It's For
Large businesses with a dedicated IT staff may not need managed servers, but small ones may find the option incredibly convenient. With Liquid Web, your managed servers receive the white-glove treatment to keep your website running smoothly.
PROS
- Robust dedicated, VPS, cloud, and reseller packages
- Prorated VPS plans
- Powerful, high-end server specs
- Terrific customer service
- Excellent uptime in testing
CONS
- Lacks shared hosting plans
- Expensive, with few refund options
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Linux Servers - Cloud | |
| Windows Hosting - Cloud | |
| Maximum Storage - Cloud | 917GB |
| Unlimited Monthly Data Transfers - Cloud | |
| 24/7 Customer Support |
A2 Web Hosting
Best for SSD Storage
Why We Picked It
A2's cloud server plans come in six managed and unmanaged tiers, with each increasing in scale and power. These plans are all limited to Linux operating systems, however. On the upside, A2 offers speedy SSD server storage, which lets websites load faster and more efficiently.
Who It's For
A2 is a good choice if you have moderate hosting needs but prioritize snappy site performance. The SSD storage space doesn't match the size of a traditional, HDD-based server, but small businesses will appreciate the fast website loading times.
PROS
- Robust hosting packages, particularly WordPress
- Excellent customer service
- Terrific uptime
- Good money-back refund plan
CONS
- Lacks Windows server options
- Relatively expensive
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Linux Servers - Cloud | |
| Windows Hosting - Cloud | |
| Maximum Storage - Cloud | 50GB |
| Unlimited Monthly Data Transfers - Cloud | |
| 24/7 Customer Support |
AccuWeb Hosting
Best for International Server Locations
Why We Picked It
AccuWeb Hosting has diverse cloud server options, including Linux or Windows OS plans and traditional and VPS cloud hosting (the latter offers higher performance and reliability). In addition, AccuWeb's many global server locations let you host your website in the data center you choose.
Who It's For
AccuWeb is a great choice for people who know their traffic's place of origin. Ideally, you'd want your server center neat your visitors to shorten the time it takes for data to reach your audience, and AccuWeb lets you select the data center of your choosing to meet those needs.
PROS
- Great budget-friendly shared hosting options
- Excellent dedicated hosting plans
- Offers a choice of Linux or Windows servers
- Helpful customer service
CONS
- Limited email accounts with some plans
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Linux Servers - Cloud | |
| Windows Hosting - Cloud | |
| Maximum Storage - Cloud | 25GB |
| Unlimited Monthly Data Transfers - Cloud | |
| 24/7 Customer Support |
Ionos Web Hosting
Best for Enterprise-Class Cloud Hosting
Why We Picked It
Ionos by 1&1 is a top choice for enterprise-oriented cloud-server needs. It offers excellent, scalable packages, Linux and Windows OS options, and data centers in both the USA and EU. Plus, its pricing is very competitive for what you get with each plan. You can create a custom package to suit your business needs.
Who It's For
Ionos by 1&1 is ideal for enterprise-level businesses. The hosts' beefy plans and robust, on-demand resource scaling make it a superb choice for larger businesses that require additional server muscle.
PROS
- Dependable uptime in testing
- Excellent cloud hosting packages
- Linux- or Windows-based servers
- Easy-to-use website creation tools
CONS
- Lacks reseller hosting plans
- Relatively sparse email options
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Linux Servers - Cloud | |
| Windows Hosting - Cloud | |
| Maximum Storage - Cloud | 500GB |
| Unlimited Monthly Data Transfers - Cloud | |
| 24/7 Customer Support |
Hostinger Web Hosting
Best for Cloud Extras
Why We Picked It
All Hostinger cloud plans come with a bevy of useful features, including a free domain name and unlimited SSL certificates. Its data centers aren't quite as cosmopolitan as AccuWeb's, but they also span the globe. The only real limiting factor is Hostinger's lack of Windows OS servers; you'll only find Linux hosting here.
Who It's For
Hostinger's an attractive option for newcomers building their first websites, since the company's plans are a one-stop-shop that includes many useful website features. These include free SSL certificates, a free domain, a dedicated IP address, unlimited site hosting, and managed WordPress tools.
PROS
- High-quality, low-cost plans
- Helpful customer service
- Terrific uptime in testing
- Optional gaming servers
- Excellent AI tools
- Includes the Hostinger Website Builder
CONS
- Lacks dedicated web hosting
- Not every plan has a Windows option
- No phone support
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Linux Servers - Cloud | |
| Windows Hosting - Cloud | |
| Maximum Storage - Cloud | 300GB |
| Unlimited Monthly Data Transfers - Cloud | |
| 24/7 Customer Support |
Cloudways Web Hosting
Best for Infrastructure-as-a-Service Solutions
Why We Picked It
Cloudways lets you pick one of five managed cloud platforms, including Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud, to act as your website's foundation. It's limited to Linux, however, and lacks a few of the expected features that other hosts offer, such as email and domain registration.
Who It's For
Cloudways is an excellent service for businesses that need to restructure and optimize their server ecosystem with infrastructure-as-a-service solutions. You should check out Cloudways if you want to offload your physical data centers' maintenance and management to the cloud, or improve your site's stability and support.
PROS
- Very easy to set up.
- Excellent uptime.
- Supports numerous apps.
- Several flexible account tiers.
- Pay-as-you-go plans.
- Can try service for free before signing up.
- Site cloning.
CONS
- No domain registration option.
- Email costs extra.
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Linux Servers - Cloud | |
| Windows Hosting - Cloud | |
| Maximum Storage - Cloud | 3.8TB |
| Unlimited Monthly Data Transfers - Cloud | |
| 24/7 Customer Support |
SiteGround Web Hosting
Best for Cloud Customization
Why We Picked It
SiteGround has several fully managed cloud hosting plans that utilize Google Cloud’s infrastructure to deliver safe, speedy, and reliable services. In addition, a highly customizable configuration page sets SiteGround apart from the competition. With it, you can quickly and easily adjust the CPU, memory, and SSD space to suit your needs.
Who It’s For
Web admins who want a high degree of customization. You can tweak each plan directly on SiteGround’s cloud hosting page, making the customization and acquisition a breeze.
PROS
- Good uptime in testing
- Monthly and annual hosting plans
- Free SSL certificate with all plans
- Many useful free services included
- Lets customers choose server locations
- Excellent customer service
CONS
- Lacks dedicated, VPS, and Windows server options
- Relatively low storage
SPECS
| Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Linux Servers - Cloud | |
| Windows Hosting - Cloud | |
| Maximum Storage - Cloud | 120GB |
| Unlimited Monthly Data Transfers - Cloud | |
| 24/7 Customer Support |
What Is Cloud Hosting?
Traditional hosting sees your website leverage the power of one particular server's CPU, RAM, storage, and data transfers. With shared hosting, for example, your website shares resources with other sites that are also hosted exclusively on one server. The result is many annoying power limitations and the inability to handle sharp traffic surges. For better service, you can pay for a virtual private server or even a dedicated server of varying power. In all these cases, you're relying on one server, and that's it. However, cloud hosting kicks that single-server hosting model to the curb. With cloud hosting, your website draws resources from multiple servers.
Cloud hosting's use of multiple servers gives it advantages over traditional hosting. For example, if your website experiences a sudden traffic spike, it can pull resources from another server to prevent slow page loads or, worse, the site going down. In addition, cloud hosting makes it incredibly simple for your website to scale resources up or down as needed. With traditional hosting, you may need to move to a different hosting type (say, from shared to VPS or dedicated) to obtain the power your website needs.
Note that there are different types of cloud hosting. Traditional web hosts, such as DreamHost and HostGator, offer cloud hosting packages priced similarly to their other web hosting packages (typically in the shared or VPS categories). We're primarily focused on these small business-friendly cloud hosting solutions in this roundup.
Enterprise-level, infrastructure-as-a-service cloud hosting from the likes of Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Rackspace are also available. Though these are technically cloud hosting services, they are not what's highlighted here. For more on that flavor of expansive (and potentially more expensive!) cloud hosting, please visit our story about the best infrastructure-as-a-service solutions.
5 Things You Need to Know About Web Hosting
Which Cloud Hosting Service Is Best?
The chart above focuses on the web hosts that feature the best cloud hosting plans of all the services we've reviewed. Note that we are still in the process of examining cloud hosting offerings as this is a new category—we'll be testing more services in the coming months. Still, with the reviews we've done so far and lots of research, we've discovered what you should look for in a cloud hosting service.
Many cloud web hosts offer unlimited monthly data transfers, so other factors may help you decide which service is best for your business. That said, if you're interested in "unlimited" anything, whether it's data or storage, be sure to read the tiny print to ensure there aren't any surprises. In other words, make sure your definition of unlimited matches the hosting service's definition. They can be two very different things.
Speaking of storage, we've discovered that cloud hosts typically offer hard drives or solid-state drives that range between 100GB and 200GB in size. That said, you'll occasionally find a web host that boasts unlimited storage. (Again, the usual caveats apply with regards to "unlimited" anything.) Solid-state drives are typically faster than their hard-drive-based counterparts, but are typically smaller in terms of storage capacity. If you're looking for sheer volume, a traditional hard drive is the way to go.
When it comes to server operating systems, Linux is typically the default option. Still, some services offer Windows hosting, too. If you have specific server-side applications that require Windows, such as SQL Server or a custom application written in .NET, then you need to make sure your web host has Windows hosting. Our Linux vs. Windows Server explainer has everything you need to know about these operating systems.
You'll also want a web host with responsive 24/7 customer support. Forums, knowledge bases, and tutorials are useful tools, but there's nothing like getting another human being on the horn (or at least in a web chat) when problems arise.
Security is of utmost importance, too. If your goal is to get into the e-commerce game by selling products or services, you need to look into Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS). Those technologies encrypt the data that travels between a customer's computer and your company's servers to safeguard the information from people with ill intentions.
Why Uptime Is Critical for Cloud Hosting
In each of our reviews, we devote an entire section to uptime because it's so important. Simply put, if your site is down, clients or customers will be unable to find your business or access your products or services. They may find what they're looking for elsewhere and never return. At the very least, customers will be annoyed, and it won't help their image of your business. Neither is a good outcome.
We added formal uptime monitoring to our review process a few years ago, and the results show that most web hosts do an excellent job of keeping their sites up and running. If they don't, they suffer for it in our rankings. Even if they get everything else right, sites with uptime problems aren't eligible for top scores. All services suffer ups and downs, sometimes for reasons beyond their control. Those sites that fail to address the problem are penalized accordingly.
Mike Williams contributed to this story.
