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 February 28, 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:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.8/10 vs 7.0/10)
- • You need something completely free
- • 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:
- • 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 | Hosting & Deployment | Hosting & Deployment |
Rating | 88/100 | 70/100 |
| Feature | Caddy | Cloudways |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Paid |
| Editorial Score | 88 | 70 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Hosting & DeploymentCDN | Hosting & DeploymentVPS & Servers |
How Caddy and Cloudways Compare
Caddy
Modern web server with automatic HTTPS
Free · 88/100 score
Cloudways
Managed cloud hosting platform
Paid · 70/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Caddy is free. Cloudways is paid.
Go with: Caddy
Want the highest-rated option?
Caddy: 88/100. Cloudways: 70/100.
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?
Both are hosting & deployment tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Caddy scores higher: 88/100 vs 70/100.
Key Takeaways
Caddy
- Higher score: 88/100 vs 70
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Cloudways
The Bottom Line
Caddy (88/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caddy or Cloudways better?
Caddy scores 88/100 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.