Looking for a WordPress host that uses Vultr or Vutr High Frequency?
Cloudways is the only host I know that can launch a Vultr server without requiring you to provision a Vultr instance using their API or via IP address. With all other control panels, you’ll need to buy it directly from the Vultr website then follow the control panel’s instructions to connect the Vultr instance via provisioning, direct server installation, or manual installation.
Vultr vs. Vultr High Frequency
There’s been several tests showing Vultr High Frequency can outperform Vultr by almost 2x. It uses 3GHz+ Intel Xeon CPUs + NVMe SSDs which leads to faster CPU clock speeds and a faster TTFB. In other words, the extra $1-2/month extra for Vultr High Frequency is definitely worth it.
| Host | Vultr | Vultr HF | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudways | ✓ | ✓ | 4.7/5 | $10-$12/mo (1GB) |
| GridPane | ✓ | ✓ | 4.6/5 | $50/mo + Vultr Cost |
| RunCloud | ✓ | ✓ | 3.7/5 | $6.67/mo (1 server) + Vultr Cost |
| CloudPages | ✓ | ✓ | N/A | $10/mo (1 server) + Vultr Cost |
1. Cloudways
Cloudways offers both Vultr and Vultr High Frequency servers.
This is who I used before switching to Rocket.net. I’ve been quite happy with Cloudways (smaller sites can usually use a 2GB server). My site loaded instantly and TTFB was fast. I also used Cloudflare Enterprise which is $5/mo on Cloudways (and FlyingPress for my cache plugin) which is a great setup IMO.
Over the years I’ve seen Cloudways release Vultr HF, DO Premium, Cloudflare Enterprise, and make gradual upgrades to their infrastructure which make me believe they’re constantly trying to improve. They do monthly pricing, free 3-day trials, and a free migration – so it’s easy to try.
Launching a Vultr server on Cloudways is easy. Once you sign up, you’re prompted to launch a server. Then (as shown in the GIF), you will fill out some details, select “WordPress” as your application, choose Vultr or Vultr High Frequency, your server size, and data center location.
Once the Vultr server is launched, you’ll need to add your domain name to Cloudways and install a free Let’s Encrypt SSL. Then connect your domain by copying your server’s IP address from Cloudways and add it as an A record in your domain registrar, as well as the domain name.
Pros:
- Monthly pricing.
- Offers Vultr + Vultr HF.
- Includes a free migration.
- Multiple caching levels including Redis + memcached.
- Free SSL, staging, bot protection, cron job management.
- Support has gotten much better (it used to be mediocre).
- Supports PHP 8.0, although most plugins aren’t compatible.
- Cloudways Users Facebook Group is a great place to ask questions.
- Cloudways is usually good at releasing new technology and features.
Cons:
- No file manager.
- Cloudways uses Apache servers when LiteSpeed is faster.
- Email hosting costs $1/email per month through Rackspace.
- CloudwaysCDN uses StackPath which isn’t a great CDN IMO.
- Offsite backup storage is $0.033/GB per server (just use UpdraftPlus).
- As you scale, you’re paying about 2x of what’s listed on the Vultr website.
- Breeze plugin isn’t great and you’ll want to use a paid cache plugin (WP Rocket).
2. GridPane
GridPane also provides WordPress hosting for Vultr.
However, their lowest Developer plan costs $50/month so it’s obviously for developers or people who manage multiple or high traffic WordPress sites. But if you’re spending a lot of money with other hosts like WP Engine or Kinsta, you can often save quite a bit with GridPane.
GridPane is run by Patrick Gallagher who is very active in Facebook Groups and clearly knows what he’s talking about when it comes to hosting, speed, and WordPress. They don’t have an affiliate program which is probably why you don’t see them recommended on other blogs a lot.
Some key differences are that you get full root access on GridPane, they support LiteSpeed, there’s no predefined list of supported providers, and scaling up is cheaper than Cloudways (instead of paying about 2x the price on Vultr’s website). GridPane support is also better. It comes down to whether you’re willing to pay more for better performance + better support.
The process involves creating a server on the Vultr website then connecting it to GridPane using the Vultr API (enable the Vultr API in your Vultr dashboard and copy/paste the API token into GridPane while whitelisting your GridPane server IP). Finally, deploy your WordPress site.
3. RunCloud
If you need to keep costs low, you can use a control panel like RunCloud, SpinupWP, or ServerPilot to manage your Vultr server. You would create a server on the Vultr website and connect it to your control panel. It’s a low-cost option but also requires some additional steps which are similar to GridPane where you connect your Vultr server through your Vultr API key.
4. CloudPages
CloudPages is a newer control panel which lets you connect Vultr through your key.
They’re relatively new but they use LiteSpeed which is big plus. I don’t think it will be long until you see more people use CloudPages, but that all depends on their support and ability to grow. It starts at $10/month for 1 server which is a little pricey compared to something like RunCloud.
How you do manage your Vultr server, do you use HF or cloud dedicated? And are you happy with it? I’ve had great uptimes but I also know they’ve had issues. Let me know what you think.
Which WordPress host offers Vultr?
Most WordPress hosts don't offer Vultr hosting exclusively, so you'll need to use a control panel like Cloudways, RunCloud, GridPane, or Cloudways to launch/connect a Vultr server.
Which Vultr instance is fastest?
Vultr High Frequency and cloud dedicated generally offer better performance than other Vultr instances.
How do I host my WordPress site on Vulr?
Cloudways lets you launch a Vultr server directly from their dashboard. With other control panels, you'll buy Vultr directly through their website than connect it to the control panel.
Cheers,
Tom
Cloudways no longer supports Vultr servers since Digital Ocean acquired it.
I guess they discontinued it on their site, but you can still get it through the landing page they made for me. I sent them a not-so-happy email after they did this.