The best cloud hosting services for 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

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Cloud hosting providers can host your website, apps, or online services. One of the key benefits of cloud hosting is how flexible these services are, allowing you to scale up and request additional resources as your business grows. If you are seeking a new cloud hosting service for 2026, there are countless providers, but not all offer the same levels of service.

You might need a simple platform to launch a new business or a powerful, full-scale infrastructure provider to handle heavy volumes of traffic. No matter your goal, cloud hosting is an investment and generally requires you to sign up for a year. It's important to see what features are on offer such as scalability, resources, CMS support, SEO, or AI.

Also: Best VPS hosting service in 2026

In ZDNET's January update, we updated our full guide for 2026, including updates to our top recommendations, FAQs, and alternatives.

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What is the best cloud hosting service right now?

Our top pick for the best cloud hosting service in 2026 is Amazon Web Services (AWS). AWS offers a comprehensive range of services that serve businesses of all sizes. It also has a global network of data centers, which delivers low latency and high availability for companies with a worldwide presence, along with a flexible pay-as-you-go pricing model, although you can get started for free.

ZDNET authors conduct extensive hands-on testing and research, draw on personal experience, and consider customer feedback when making our recommendations. Read on for the rest of our top picks for cloud hosting services, ranging from budget-friendly choices to powerful, enterprise-level solutions.

The best cloud hosting services of 2026

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is our top pick for the best overall cloud hosting provider, and for good reason.

Why we like it: AWS is the backbone for some of the world's largest companies. It offers everything from basic computing power to advanced machine learning tools. AWS is versatile enough to handle almost anything a business needs.

AWS isn't just for large enterprises. It offers tools and services that meet the needs of both startups and SMBs, like storage solutions and the aforementioned computing power.

One of AWS's major green flags is its global infrastructure. Its data centers are spread across the globe. This means that if you're a global or fledgling company, your applications are closer to your users. This translates to faster load times and a smoother user experience.

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If you're concerned about where data is stored and managed, AWS recently launched AWS European Sovereign Cloud in response to demand for services covered by EU data sovereignty.

Who it's for: AWS is well-suited to most use cases, whether you are running a small outfit or a larger project. However, one of its key benefits is scaling.

AWS lets you easily scale resources up or down without switching platforms. This flexibility is coupled with a pay-as-you-go pricing model, so you only pay for the resources you actually use. This may not mean much to giant corporations, but it is huge for small businesses looking to scale.

Who should look elsewhere: AWS can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you're new to cloud hosting. While the platform offers extensive documentation and support, there's no denying that the learning curve is steep -- and so if you need a one-click wonder, check out another of my top picks.

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Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is a top choice for businesses that need scalable cloud infrastructure.

Why we like it: GCP is built to handle a wide range of workloads, making it ideal for companies that have experienced or expect rapid growth.

One major argument for GCP's scalability is its integration with powerful tools like Kubernetes Engine for container management and BigQuery for data analytics. These tools are built to scale and allow you to manage and analyze large amounts of data.

Whether you're dealing with a sudden surge in traffic or you're expanding your operations, GCP can scale up or down without sacrificing responsiveness, reliability, and budget.

If you're interested, Google Cloud's team is also investing heavily in AI, so you can explore services such as Vertex AI, Gemini 3, and AI agent deployment.

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Who it's for: Potential customers who want scalability as a primary benefit. GCP's pricing model, with sustained use discounts, also supports scalability. This allows you to manage your business effectively as you grow instead of being tied to a specific tier level.

Who should look elsewhere: With all the good is a potential drawback: The platform's complexity can be a barrier for those new to cloud hosting, and support levels depend on the plan selected. However, they have a great documentation portal.

Google Cloud Platform key features: Compute Engine: Flexible virtual machines | Kubernetes Engine: Managed container services | BigQuery: Data analytics and warehousing | Vertex AI: Advanced machine learning tools | Cloud Storage: Scalable and secure object storage

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DigitalOcean is our pick for the best budget cloud hosting service of 2026.

Why we like it: I use DigitalOcean for my website in Japan as well as a site I run in the U.S. It's more than met my expectations for performance and, most importantly, budget.

The platform's pre-configured droplets allow users to deploy virtual private servers in just a few minutes, which is particularly helpful for those with limited technical knowledge.

Even still, DigitalOcean does have a reputation for being a little difficult to get up and running, but with the extensive developer support and documentation, I had no trouble. This will vary between individuals, but you can always contact support if you need assistance with technical issues.

Who it's for: One of the biggest advantages of DigitalOcean is its transparent pricing. There are no hidden fees or complicated pricing tiers. This makes it an attractive option for those working with tight budgets who need to keep costs predictable.

Who should look elsewhere: There might be better options out there for those who want advanced features, or if you want an off-the-shelf solution, check out my other favorite services.

DigitalOcean key Features: Droplets: Scalable virtual private servers | Managed Databases: Simplified database management | Kubernetes: Managed container orchestration | Spaces: Scalable object storage | Community Support: Extensive tutorials and guides

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Microsoft Azure is our go-to pick for enterprises, especially if you're already using Microsoft products like Office 365 or Dynamics 365.

Why we like it: Azure's integration with these tools makes managing cloud resources smoother and keeps everything in sync with your existing workflows.

Azure excels at handling complex workloads, thanks to its global data center network. This setup ensures your services are available and running smoothly, no matter where your users are. Customers can also readily take advantage of cloud-based AI applications, alongside hybrid and multicloud solutions.

However, the sheer range of features can be a bit much to wrap your head around if you're new to cloud services. And let's be honest -- the pricing can be a puzzle with costs that vary depending on what you're using.

Who it's for: If you're looking for a cloud platform that's reliable, secure, and deeply integrated with Microsoft's ecosystem, with the scalability that enterprises expect, Azure is hard to beat.

Who should look elsewhere: Smaller projects and teams might want to pivot to another service before launching immediately into Azure.

Microsoft Azure key features: Virtual Machines: Scalable computing power | Azure Active Directory: Identity and access management | SQL Database: Managed relational databases | Azure AI: Advanced AI and machine learning tools | Global Network: Extensive network of data centers

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Cloudways is a great option if you want the benefits of cloud hosting without the hassle of managing the technical side.

Why we like it: It's a managed cloud hosting platform that makes it easy to set up and run servers on major providers like AWS, Google Cloud, Vultr, and DigitalOcean.

Cloudways is also straightforward. The platform handles all the behind-the-scenes work -- like security, backups, and updates -- so you can focus on your business. Plus, you get to choose from multiple cloud providers, and setting up popular apps like WordPress is as easy as clicking a button.

Who it's for: All in all, Cloudways is a solid choice if you're looking for a managed cloud hosting solution that's both powerful and easy to use. Customers also like the support on offer.

Who should look elsewhere: There are a couple of drawbacks. Cloudways doesn't offer domain registration, so you'll need to sort that out separately. Also, while you can tweak your server settings, you don't have direct access to the underlying cloud infrastructure. This might be irritating if you need more control. In other words, if you want granular control, check out another of my favorites.

Cloudways key features: Managed Hosting: Simplified cloud server management | Multiple Cloud Providers: Choose from AWS, GCP, DigitalOcean, and others | One-Click Applications: Easy deployment of popular apps like WordPress | Pay-as-You-Go: Flexible pricing based on usage | Automated Backups: Regular backups for data protection

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If you're looking for cloud hosting that lets you customize almost everything, OVHCloud is a solid choice.

Why we like it: It's our go-to pick for businesses that need a highly customizable hosting environment.

OVHCloud is all about flexibility. It offers a wide range of options for configuring your servers, whether you're focused on performance, security, or meeting specific compliance requirements. This makes it a great fit for businesses that can't get what they need from more standard hosting setups.

OVHCloud is one of the largest providers in Europe and is fully compliant with GDPR regulations. If privacy and security are top priorities for your business, OVHCloud has you covered.

Plus, its pricing is pretty competitive, which is always a bonus. With a global network of data centers, you can also count on good performance and reliability, and outside of cloud hosting, you can also sign up for bare metal, VPS, data center extensions, and network services.

Who it's for: If you need a hosting solution you can truly make your own, OVHCloud is worth considering. Customer reviews are generally positive, and many praise OVHCloud's customer service team.

Varying price options are available on either a per-hour or per month basis, depending on the level of computing power and resources you want.

Who should look elsewhere: If you're not particularly bothered about granular customization and you would prefer something out of the box, you may want to opt for another service.

OVHCloud key features: Customizable Servers: Tailor configurations to specific needs | Data Privacy: Strong focus on compliance, particularly with GDPR | Global Network: Extensive data center coverage for reliable performance | Flexible Pricing: Competitive plans that suit various budgets | Dedicated Resources: Option to allocate resources specifically for your projects

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AWS is our choice for the best cloud hosting service due to its extensive range of services and global network of data centers. AWS provides everything from basic computing and storage to advanced tools like AI and machine learning, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes and industries. For companies where reliable performance and uptime is a non-negotiable, its global infrastructure provides low latency and high availability.

While AWS leads the pack in our book, our other top picks are also strong contenders.

Cloud hosting service	Starting price	Best for	Key features
AWS	Pay-as-you-go	Overall performance	Extensive services, global infrastructure
Google Cloud Platform	Pay-as-you-go	Scalability	Integration with Google tools, AI/ML capabilities
DigitalOcean	$5 per month	Budget-conscious users	Strong developer community, transparent pricing
Microsoft Azure	Pay-as-you-go	Enterprises	Enterprise-grade tools, Microsoft integration
Cloudways	$10 per month	Managed hosting	Managed services, multiple cloud provider options
OVHCloud	$4 per month	Customization	Customizable infrastructure, strong data privacy

Choose this cloud hosting service…	If you want…
AWS	The best cloud hosting service overall. AWS is a flexible service with global reach and a wide range of tools from basic computing to advanced AI. This solution is best for businesses that need reliable performance, scalability, and access to new and exciting features.
Google Cloud Platform	Strong scalability and integration with Google services, including advanced data analytics and AI capabilities. The Google Cloud Platform is best for businesses that expect rapid growth and need powerful tools for handling large datasets.
DigitalOcean	A simple, affordable solution with transparent pricing and a large developer community. DigitalOcean is best for startups, developers, and small businesses on a budget.
Microsoft Azure	Enterprise-grade tools with deep integration into Microsoft's ecosystem, including Office 365 and Active Directory. Microsoft Azure is best for large enterprises needing robust security, compliance, and customization.
Cloudways	A managed hosting experience that handles the technical details for you, with the flexibility to choose from top cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, or DigitalOcean. Cloudways is best for users who want powerful hosting without managing infrastructure.
OVHCloud	Highly customizable hosting options with a strong focus on data privacy and compliance, especially in European markets. OVHCloud could be the right choice for businesses with specific configuration needs or those operating in regulated industries.

Choosing the right cloud hosting service is a big decision to make. Consider these factors first, and then decide which provider suits your needs best in 2026.

Reliability and uptime: The reliability of your hosting provider isn't just important; it's necessary. Look for services with uptime guarantees of 99.9% or higher to ensure your website or application remains accessible to users with minimal downtime. Downtime means lost revenue.
Pricing and scalability: Understand the service's pricing structure and be sure to include those pesky hidden costs. Consider whether the provider offers the ability to scale resources up or down as your needs change without incurring high additional costs.
Security features: You need to protect your and your users' data, so make sure that the security features are top-shelf. Look for features like SSL certificates, firewalls, DDoS protection, and regular backups. Also, make sure the provider complies with relevant regulations, especially if you handle sensitive data, so that you don't fail your customers or face legal problems down the line.
Ease of use and management: A user-friendly interface and straightforward management tools can save you time and reduce the overall complexity of running your site or application–especially if you don't have an in-house developer. Consider whether the provider offers a control panel or other management tools that make it easy to handle tasks like setting up domains, managing databases, and monitoring performance.
Additional tools and integrations: What other tools does the hosting provider offer that could benefit you? How about content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, e-commerce platforms, and/or developer tools? Get the most bang for your buck.
Customer support: Reliable customer support can be a lifesaver if you encounter issues. Check the availability of support, the channels offered, and the quality of the support based on user reviews. Live chat, phone, and email support available 24/7 is ideal.

When evaluating cloud hosting services, we focus on several key factors to ensure our recommendations are reliable and well-informed.

First, the hands-on testing. During my time working with several large international IT companies in the U.S., Taiwan, and Japan, I have professional experience with every cloud hosting service on our main list with the exception of DigitalOcean.

My experience with DigitalOcean comes from running personal sites, including one in the U.S. that previously saw over 500,000 visitors per month (until Google's controversial Helpful Content Update) and another recently launched in Japan.

This experience allows me, to the best of my ability, to access the user experience, ease of setup, costs, performance metrics (i.e. uptime, load times, etc.), and overall functionality.

Contributors to these recommendations also have experience developing and running websites across a variety of platforms, including both basic sites and e-commerce stores.

Then there's customer feedback. The problem with reviews is that you can't take one person's word for it. Gathering hundreds of review ratings and comments from actual users helps us assess the services from other perspectives and get closer to the "truth."

Then, of course, we compare features, pricing, and security, as these elements can vary over time and between providers.

Finally, we conduct additional research on each provider, including reviewing industry reports, expert opinions, and the company's overall reputation in the market.

By combining years of hands-on experience, feedback from real users, and other research, we're able to properly evaluate these cloud services and provide cloud hosting recommendations that are practical and trustworthy.

Latest news

Amazon launched a new cloud service based in Europe, the AWS European Sovereign Cloud, to address concerns surrounding U.S. data security.
Researchers revealed VoidLink, a cloud-native malware framework that weaponizes Linux infrastructure.
Sanctions were imposed on a Russian web hosting provider for alleged ties to ransomware operations.
WP-Engine acquired Big Bite, an editorial platform that specializes in digital content.
Cybercriminals are using services such as Cloudflare Pages to hide banking scams.

Cloud hosting uses a network of virtual servers that draw resources from multiple physical servers. This setup allows for easy scaling since resources can be added or removed as needed. If one server fails, another takes over. This means better uptime and reliability.

Traditional hosting relies on a single server. In shared hosting, multiple websites share the same server resources, which can lead to slower performance. In dedicated hosting, your site has its own server. This gives you better performance but at a higher cost. Scaling usually requires upgrading to a different server or plan.

Yes, you can get cloud hosting for free, but there are limitations. Some providers, like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure, offer free tiers with limited resources, which are generally used for testing, small projects, or learning. These free options usually come with restrictions on storage, computing power, and support. You shouldn't use a free tier for a large or high-traffic site.

Many providers also offer free trial periods. These usually last 30 to 90 days, after which you'll need to switch to a paid plan to continue using the service.

In short, while free cloud hosting does exist and can be useful for small-scale needs, you'll likely need to eventually upgrade to a paid plan.

The largest cloud hosting providers are AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. These three companies dominate the cloud hosting market.

For small businesses, DigitalOcean and Hosting.com are excellent choices. DigitalOcean also offers affordable, easy-to-use cloud hosting with transparent pricing. This is perfect for smaller businesses and startups who want to get online quickly without going bankrupt.

If you're a small business that needs a fast and dependable website to serve your customers, A2 Hosting is the way to go.

All options offer the essential features small businesses need without unnecessary complexity or cost.

Cloud-based hosting has real value for those who want high levels of flexibility. Cloud hosting providers usually allow customers to scale and grow quickly, gaining access to more computing resources as and when they require. Furthermore, many providers will give customers more granular control over the resources they want. Additional benefits can include reduced cost, improved uptime, and collaborative functions.

Most of the time, yes -- especially if you're looking to expand your online presence, rather than shrink it. Most cloud hosting services offer flexible plans with varying levels of computing resources, bandwidth, and additional features, allowing you to switch to another plan as your needs change. It might be more challenging to scale down, however, once you're committed to a contract term.

Latest updates

January 2026: In ZDNET's January update, we revised our 2026 guide, including updates to our top recommendations, FAQs, and alternatives.
December 2025: In ZDNET's December update, we overhauled our guide, added more information on the industry and our top picks, and performed substantial editorial changes.

Alternative cloud hosting services to consider

IBM Cloud stands out for its strong focus on AI, machine learning, and data analytics. It's a good fit for businesses that need serious computing power and deal with a lot of data. Pay-as-you-go is available, alongside promo codes for specific resources.

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Leading the pack in Asia, Alibaba Cloud offers a broad range of services, especially strong in e-commerce and big data. It's a solid pick if you're looking to expand into the Asian market.

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Akamai Cloud, previously Linode, focuses on modern cloud hosting applications. It's a great option for developers and businesses that need reliable cloud hosting, low latency, and portability.

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Vultr is another high-performance cloud service that focuses on ease of use and budget. This host is great for small businesses and developers who want customizable solutions with a global reach.

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Liquid Web is another cloud hosting provider to consider if you want a solution that scales easily up or down as your needs change. The firm's self-managed plans start with 1GB of RAM and move up, with more RAM, storage, and bandwidth on offer.

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If you'd like to explore more of our recommendations, check out our guide to the best web hosting services and the best web hosting options for small businesses.

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