Caddy vs Cloudways: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Caddy and Cloudways comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated April 14, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Caddy
Modern web server with automatic HTTPS
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need something completely free
- • You need server management features specifically
- • Caddy is a web server with automatic HTTPS and simple configuration
- • It obtains and renews TLS certificates automatically with zero configuration
Cloudways
Managed cloud hosting platform
Best for you if:
- 0
- • You need web hosting features specifically
- • Managed cloud hosting from $11/month on DigitalOcean to $37/month on Google Cloud
- • Pay-as-you-go with free SSL, backups, staging, and 24/7 support across all plans
| At a Glance |  Caddy |  Cloudways |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Paid |
Best For | Server Management | Web Hosting |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Caddy | Cloudways |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Server ManagementHosting & Deployment | Web HostingHosting & Deployment |
How Caddy and Cloudways Compare
Caddy
Modern web server with automatic HTTPS
Free
Cloudways
Managed cloud hosting platform
Paid
Caddy is a server management tool. Cloudways is in web hosting.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Caddy is free. Cloudways is paid.
Go with: Caddy
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Caddy
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Caddy
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Caddy is free. Cloudways is paid. Go with Caddy if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Caddy is a server management tool. Cloudways is in web hosting. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Caddy
- 0
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Cloudways
- Better fit for web hosting
The Bottom Line
Caddy is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caddy or Cloudways better?
Caddy is rated high in our evaluation. Caddy is free and Cloudways is paid.
What are Caddy and Cloudways used for?
Caddy: Modern web server with automatic HTTPS. Cloudways: Managed cloud hosting platform.
What does Caddy cost vs Cloudways?
Caddy is completely free. Cloudways is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.