The Story:
After being with Cloudways for the longest time, and quite honestly being very happy I have now completely made the move over to xCloud Hosting and have noticed a massive speed increase in my websites by using new Vultr high frequency servers (for free for six months – see discount section for more details) connected to xCloud, and really love their ‘magic login' feature and blueprints feature, which saves me time as a webmaster.
But if you are wondering why I am talking about Vultr high frequency servers whilst talking writing this xCloud Hosting review, it would then be a good idea to explain what xCloud actually is.
What is xCloud Hosting
xCloud Hosting offers a dynamic solution for managing WordPress websites on virtual private servers (VPSs), providing users with a versatile platform to optimize website performance and streamline management processes. By leveraging server management software, xCloud facilitates seamless website hosting on VPSs from a variety of providers, including Vultr, Digital Ocean, Google Cloud, and Amazon. This innovative approach empowers users to harness the capabilities of VPS hosting while benefiting from user-friendly management tools and comprehensive support from the xCloud team.
Why Choose xCloud Over Traditional Hosting?
Traditional hosting services, such as Bluehost or SiteGround, offer convenient, all-in-one solutions for hosting websites, catering primarily to beginners and small businesses. While these services provide simplicity and ease of use, they often come with limitations, such as restricted server resources and limited scalability. In contrast, xCloud introduces a new paradigm in website hosting by embracing VPS hosting, which offers greater flexibility, enhanced performance, and scalability without the constraints of traditional hosting environments.
Managed cloud-based hosting options, such as Rocket or Kinsta, deliver top-tier performance and advanced features tailored to the needs of businesses and high-traffic websites. However, these services typically come with higher price tags and may impose limits on the number of websites and disk space available to users. By comparison, xCloud combines the benefits of VPS hosting with the simplicity of managed WordPress hosting, providing users with a cost-effective solution that offers unparalleled performance, scalability, and control over their hosting environment.
My Experience with xCloud Hosting (Switching from Cloudways)
Transitioning to xCloud Hosting from Cloudways marked a significant improvement in website performance and management efficiency across all my websites. The migration process was seamless, thanks to the intuitive interface and robust migration tools offered by xCloud. Upon completing the migration, I immediately noticed a substantial increase in website speed and responsiveness, particularly in the backend operations.
With xCloud, administrative tasks such as updating themes and plugins, managing databases, and monitoring server events became more streamlined and efficient. The platform's user-friendly interface and comprehensive management features allowed me to gain deeper control over my hosting environment while simplifying day-to-day operations. Additionally, xCloud's integration with FluentSMTP and ElasticEmail enabled seamless email delivery, further enhancing the overall user experience.
Why xCloud Performs Better
The superior performance of xCloud Hosting can be attributed to its optimized tech stack and innovative server configuration, which prioritize speed, reliability, and scalability. Unlike traditional hosting environments that rely on standard Apache/Nginx setups, xCloud utilizes NGINX for enhanced performance and efficiency. Benchmarks have shown that NGINX can serve content up to 2.5 times faster than Apache, providing users with faster page load times and improved website responsiveness.
Moreover, xCloud's implementation of full object caching and automatic configuration ensures optimal performance right from the initial WordPress installation. By eliminating the need for additional caching plugins like Breeze, xCloud simplifies website optimization and reduces the risk of compatibility issues. Additionally, xCloud's integration with Vultr VPSs offers users access to high-performance servers and robust infrastructure, further enhancing the overall hosting experience.
Working Within xCloud Hosting
Navigating the xCloud Hosting environment is intuitive and user-friendly, with a range of tools and features designed to streamline website management tasks. The platform's control panel provides users with deep insights into server performance, allowing them to monitor resource usage, track server events, and troubleshoot issues effectively. Furthermore, xCloud's built-in file manager, PHPMyAdmin integration, and SMTP configuration tools empower users to manage their websites with ease and efficiency.
One of the standout features of xCloud Hosting is its Magic Login functionality, which enables users to access WordPress sites with a single click, eliminating the need for complex login procedures. Additionally, xCloud's support for external storage solutions such as Amazon S3 allows users to implement automated backups and store data securely off-site, enhancing data protection and disaster recovery capabilities.
Downsides to Consider
While xCloud Hosting offers numerous benefits, it is essential to consider some potential drawbacks, particularly in terms of support and reliability. As a relatively new player in the hosting industry, xCloud may still be refining its support processes and addressing technical issues. Users may experience longer response times and occasional bugs as the platform continues to evolve and mature.
Furthermore, xCloud's reliance on external VPS providers introduces a level of dependency on third-party infrastructure, which may impact service reliability and performance. While xCloud strives to offer robust and reliable hosting solutions, users should be aware of the inherent risks associated with cloud-based hosting environments and plan accordingly to mitigate potential disruptions.
xCloud Pricing (Versus Cloudways)
xCloud's pricing structure offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional hosting providers and managed cloud-based hosting services like Cloudways. By eliminating markups on VPS costs and offering transparent pricing, xCloud ensures that users receive maximum value for their investment. Whether users opt for managed servers through xCloud or choose to connect their existing VPS, they can enjoy competitive pricing and flexible billing options tailored to their specific needs.