As with anything there are benefits and risks.

If you want to get into mining, you need to ask yourself if it is a hobby or an investment and then take your approach. Buying hardware is hard to give a reliable roi, but it is a lot of fun.  The CEX.io 'trolls' are keen to promote cloud mining because there is a small kick-back if you register - but at the same time most of them have found cloud mining a good way to be both a bit of fun as a hobby as well as an investment.  It also provides a way out if things turn bad quickly.

Make your own choices is the answer - but make sure you have fun and don't waste your money. With any possible large gains, it normally comes with large risks.