Short answer: Root access is full administrative control of a server's operating system (Administrator on Windows): you can install any software, change any setting and are responsible for security. Every unmanaged VPS includes it; managed platforms such as Cloudways do not.
Root access explained
With root you can install packages, open ports, run Docker, edit system configuration and create users. The same power means mistakes and compromises affect the whole server, so use a normal user with sudo for daily work and keep SSH keys instead of passwords.
See it in the data
Frequently asked questions
Does shared hosting give root access?
No. Root access is one of the main reasons people move from shared hosting to a VPS.