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Cloudways vs AWS CloudFormation Comparison

Last updated:

Cloudways

4.9(1,680 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Large Enterprises

Cloudways is a cloud hosting solution. Cloudways is a cloud management platform that simplifies the process of deploying, administering and scaling applications from any popular cloud infrastructure provider: Amazon Web…

AWS CloudFormation

4.3(135 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Medium Business

AWS CloudFormation is a simple cloud provisioning tool designed to streamline and optimize workflows. Users can model their entire cloud environment in text files and open-source languages like JSON or YAML for easy, com…

Cloudways leads on user satisfaction with a 4.9-star rating across 1,680 reviews.

Cloudways vs AWS CloudFormation — at a glance

FeatureCloudwaysAWS CloudFormation
Rating4.9 / 54.3 / 5
Reviews1,680135
Starting priceContact for pricingContact for pricing
Free trial No No
Free version No No
Best forFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business
CategoryCloud Management PlatformCloud Management Platform
PlatformsSaaS/Web/CloudSaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
APIAvailableAvailable
Support modes24/7 (Live rep), Online24/7 (Live rep), Business Hours, Online
CertificationsGDPR—
Data residencyGlobal—

Key differences between Cloudways and AWS CloudFormation

  • Target audience: Cloudways is built for Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises, while AWS CloudFormation targets Large Enterprises and Medium Business.
  • User satisfaction: Cloudways scores higher with a 4.9-star average.
  • Deployment: Cloudways supports SaaS/Web/Cloud; AWS CloudFormation supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.

Cloudways vs AWS CloudFormation — find the better fit before you commit.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most Cloud Management Platform tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

Cloudways - Cloud Management Platform
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AWS CloudFormation - New SaaS Software
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Cloudways vs AWS CloudFormation: Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

Cloudways

Best for simplified cloud app deployment with exceptional personalized support.

Choose if
  • You need easy, low-complexity deployment and scaling on major cloud providers.
  • You are a freelancer or small IT team managing cloud applications.
  • You value responsive, knowledgeable customer support for quick issue resolution.
Consider alternatives if
  • You require deep, advanced platform customization beyond standard options.
  • You need highly complex cloud infrastructure configurations without relying on support.

AWS CloudFormation

Best for

Large Enterprises, Medium Business, Small Business

Cloudways typically suits Freelancers / Consultants and Large Enterprises. AWS CloudFormation tends to fit Large Enterprises and Medium Business better. The right choice depends on your team size, workflow, and whether a free trial matters.

Description

Cloudways is a cloud hosting solution. Cloudways is a cloud management platform that simplifies the process of deploying, administering and scaling applications from any popular cloud ... Read More about Cloudways

AWS CloudFormation is a simple cloud provisioning tool designed to streamline and optimize workflows. Users can model their entire cloud environment in text files and open-source languages ... Read More about AWS CloudFormation

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • No free trial

SpotScore

What's this? ↗

9.8/10

Not Available

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

4.94

(1680)

4.34

(135)

Best Company Size

1-50 employees51-500 employees
—
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Software Demo

Demo

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How do Cloudways and AWS CloudFormation Compare on Features?

Total Features

13 Features

6 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare Cloudways and AWS CloudFormation on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

      Pricing Plans

      • Not Available
      • Not Available

      Pricing Page

      Cloudways pricing

      Pricing information not available

      Cloudways vs AWS CloudFormation: Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • Small Business
      • Large Enterprises
      • Medium Business
      • Freelancers
      • Individuals
      • Small Business
      • Large Enterprises
      • Medium Business
      • Freelancers
      • Individuals

      Platforms Supported

      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • Available
      • Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

      Cloudways vs AWS CloudFormation Security & Compliance

      Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

      GDPR

      ✓ Yes
      —

      Data Encryption

      ✓ Yes
      —

      Data Residency

      🌐 Global
      —

      Cloudways User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      Rating Distribution

      1811

      9

      1

      1

      21

      121

      59

      2

      1

      2

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      Buyer sentiment

      Users consistently praise Cloudways for its exceptional support and user-friendly platform, though some note limitations in advanced customization.

      What buyers like

      • Customer support
      • Ease of use
      • Reliability

      Common complaints

      • Limited customization
      • Compatibility maintenance

      Buyer sentiment

      Buyer sentiment is positive across 185 reviews, with strong overall satisfaction.

      What buyers like

      • Reviewers value managing infrastructure as code with reusable YAML or JSON templates.
      • It rapidly provisions, duplicates, and rolls back cloud resources, saving time on repetitive tasks.
      • Templates enable consistent, repeatable infrastructure across multiple environments and accounts.

      Common complaints

      • It only works within AWS, so the same code can't be reused on other cloud providers.
      • The designer tool is seen as complicated to use.
      • Setting dependencies between stacks can be challenging, and manual deletions aren't tracked.

      Pros and Cons

      • Exceptional and personalized customer support with knowledgeable staff

      • User-friendly interface simplifying cloud deployment and scaling

      • Reliable server performance and quick issue resolution

      • Limited advanced customization options for non-technical users

      • Need to stay updated to avoid compatibility issues with evolving platform features

      • Reviewers value managing infrastructure as code with reusable YAML or JSON templates.

      • It rapidly provisions, duplicates, and rolls back cloud resources, saving time on repetitive tasks.

      • Templates enable consistent, repeatable infrastructure across multiple environments and accounts.

      • It only works within AWS, so the same code can't be reused on other cloud providers.

      • The designer tool is seen as complicated to use.

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      Used Cloudways or AWS CloudFormation? Tell buyers what actually differs.

      Cloudways and AWS CloudFormation Customers

      Customers

      No Customers information available.

      Deloitte

      Deloitte

      Expedia

      Expedia

      Coinbase

      Coinbase

      Media and Screenshots

      Videos

      video-0

      2 Videos

      video-0

      2 Videos

      Top Alternatives to Cloudways and AWS CloudFormation in 2026

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      Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

      Frequently asked questions

      Which is better, Cloudways or AWS CloudFormation?
      Cloudways edges out the other on user ratings (4.9 vs 4.3). That said, the best pick depends on your use case, so use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
      Do Cloudways and AWS CloudFormation offer a free trial?
      Neither Cloudways nor AWS CloudFormation currently lists a free trial.
      What is the starting price of Cloudways vs AWS CloudFormation?
      Cloudways starts at Contact for pricing. AWS CloudFormation starts at Contact for pricing.
      What are the top alternatives to Cloudways?
      Top alternatives to Cloudways include Morpheus Data, Kii, Scalr, CloudZero, Spotinst.
      What are the top alternatives to AWS CloudFormation?
      Top alternatives to AWS CloudFormation include DuploCloud, CloudShell Colony, Sensu, Terramate, RunCloud.