Rocket.net vs Cloudways
Fully managed convenience vs DIY complexity
153% faster • Truly managed • All security included
Performance Showdown
Rocket.net 83ms TTFB
Cloudways 625ms TTFB
153% slower
Rocket.net is 153% faster than Cloudways — 83ms vs 625ms TTFB in real-world testing.
The Fundamental Difference
Rocket.net: Fully Managed
Everything is handled for you. Security, updates, optimization, monitoring—all automatic. You focus on your site, not server management.
- No technical knowledge required
- Security configured out of the box
- Automatic updates and patches
- Expert support handles issues
- WordPress-optimized by default
Perfect for 95% of users
Cloudways: Semi-Managed
You manage the server layer. Cloudways provides the infrastructure, but you configure security, caching, and optimization yourself.
- Requires technical knowledge
- You configure security (firewall, etc.)
- You manage caching plugins
- You troubleshoot performance issues
- Support helps with platform, not WordPress
For developers/agencies
Feature-by-Feature
| Feature | Rocket.net | Cloudways |
|---|---|---|
| Average TTFB | 83ms | 625ms |
| Management Level | Fully managed | Semi-managed (you do work) |
| Web Application Firewall | Included (Cloudflare Enterprise) | Extra cost ($10-20/mo per site) |
| Malware Protection | Real-time + auto-removal | Not included (DIY or buy plugin) |
| CDN | Enterprise CDN (300+ PoPs) | Basic CDN ($10-20/mo for better) |
| Free SSL | Auto-provisioned & renewed | Let's Encrypt (manual setup) |
| Object Caching | Object Cache Pro included | You install/configure Redis |
| WordPress Optimization | Pre-configured perfectly | You configure yourself |
| Free Migrations | Unlimited (expert-handled) | 1 free (then DIY or pay $100+) |
| Support | WordPress experts 24/7 | Platform support (not WordPress) |
| Entry Price | $25/mo | $11/mo (+ add-on costs) |
The Real Cost Comparison
Cloudways looks cheaper at first, but hidden costs add up fast:
| What You Actually Need | Rocket.net | Cloudways |
|---|---|---|
| Base hosting (1 site) | $25/mo | $11/mo (DO starter) |
| Better CDN | Included | + $10/mo (Cloudflare add-on) |
| Web Application Firewall | Included | + $15/mo (Cloudflare Pro) |
| Malware scanning plugin | Included | + $10/mo (Sucuri or similar) |
| Automated backups (external) | Included | + $5/mo (better backup solution) |
| Your time configuring/maintaining | $0 | 5-10 hours ($100-500 value) |
| Total Monthly Cost | $25/mo | $51/mo + time |
Cloudways "savings" disappear when you add necessary security and
account for the hours spent configuring and maintaining your server.
Who Should Choose Each?
Choose Rocket.net If...
- You want the fastest possible WordPress hosting
- You don't want to manage servers or security
- You value your time (no configuration needed)
- You want transparent, all-inclusive pricing
- You need WordPress-specific expert support
- You run client sites or e-commerce (need reliability)
95% of WordPress users
Choose Cloudways If...
- You're a developer who enjoys server management
- You need custom server configurations not available elsewhere
- You want to choose from multiple cloud providers (AWS, GCP, Vultr, etc.)
- You're managing dozens of small sites with minimal traffic
- Budget is more important than convenience
Experienced developers
Switch from Cloudways Hassle-Free
Tired of managing your own server? Let Rocket.net's experts handle your migration for free.
Tell Them You're Ready
Sign up and request migration
They Do Everything
Expert team handles the entire process
Go Live
Your site is faster, no work from you
Stop Managing Servers. Start Growing Your Business.
Get 153% faster performance with zero technical work. Try Rocket.net for $1.
Switch to Fully Managed Hosting