Caddy vs Cloudways: Which is Better 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.
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:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need hosting & deployment 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:
- • You need cloud & infrastructure 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 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $14/monthStandard |
Best For | Hosting & Deployment | Cloud & Infrastructure |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Caddy or Cloudways?
Choose Caddy if
Modern web server with automatic HTTPS
- Automatic HTTPS
- Simple configuration
- Good performance
- You want a fully free tool (Cloudways requires payment)
- Your work is hosting & deployment-shaped, not cloud & infrastructure-shaped
Choose Cloudways if
Managed cloud hosting platform
- Managed cloud hosting
- Multiple providers
- Easy WordPress
- Your work is cloud & infrastructure-shaped, not hosting & deployment-shaped
| Feature | Caddy | Cloudways |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 1,121 reviews |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentServer Management | Cloud & InfrastructureHosting & Deployment |
In-Depth Analysis
Caddy
Modern web server with automatic HTTPS
Strengths
- +Automatic HTTPS
- +Simple configuration
- +Good performance
- +Modern and well-designed
- +Single binary
Weaknesses
- -Smaller community than nginx
- -Less plugins/modules
- -Some advanced features missing
- -Commercial license for some uses
- -Less enterprise adoption
Key features
Cloudways
Managed cloud hosting platform
Strengths
- +Managed cloud hosting
- +Multiple providers
- +Easy WordPress
- +Good performance
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -No email hosting
- -Markup on cloud costs
- -Limited regions
- -Support varies
- -Panel learning curve
Key features
Pricing: Caddy vs Cloudways
| Plan | Caddy | Cloudways |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | $14 month Standard |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $28 month Premium |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $46 month Business |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Caddy pricing and Cloudways pricing.
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 hosting & deployment tool. Cloudways is in cloud & infrastructure. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Caddy
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Cloudways
- Better fit for cloud & infrastructure
The Bottom Line
Caddy is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caddy or Cloudways better?
Caddy is rated 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.