OpenClaw on a VPS
OpenClaw runs best on a VPS. The recommended setup is Hetzner CX22 ($4.49/month, Ubuntu 22.04, Node.js 20, PM2). Zero hardware to maintain, accessible from anywhere, 24/7 uptime. DigitalOcean from $6/month is the easiest for beginners.
Best VPS providers for OpenClaw
Best value by far. European company, excellent reliability, tiny latency. Best choice for budget-conscious users.
Easiest onboarding. Great documentation, $200 free credit for new users. Best if you're new to VPS.
Good global coverage. Comparable to DigitalOcean pricing and features.
Solid performance. Good for US-East users. Familiar interface for longtime Linux users.
Setup guide (Ubuntu 22.04)
Create a $4–6/month Ubuntu 22.04 LTS server. Generate an SSH key pair and add your public key during setup.
ssh root@YOUR_SERVER_IP
curl -fsSL https://deb.nodesource.com/setup_20.x | sudo -E bash - sudo apt install -y nodejs
sudo npm install -g openclaw pm2
openclaw init
pm2 start 'openclaw gateway start' --name openclaw pm2 startup pm2 save
sudo ufw allow ssh sudo ufw enable
VPS FAQ
What is the best hosting for OpenClaw?
A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is the best hosting for OpenClaw. Hetzner Cloud CX22 at $4.49/month is the top recommendation — 2 vCPUs, 4GB RAM, excellent uptime, and European data protection. DigitalOcean is the easiest to start with and gives $200 free credit to new users. Both run OpenClaw 24/7 without any hardware to manage.
What VPS should I use for OpenClaw?
Hetzner CX22 ($4.49/month) is the best VPS for OpenClaw — best performance-per-dollar, 4GB RAM, 2 vCPUs, and EU data residency. DigitalOcean Basic Droplet ($6/month) is the easiest to set up. Both are community-proven. Avoid Contabo for OpenClaw unless you need very large storage — their CPU performance is inconsistent.
What's the best VPS for OpenClaw?
Hetzner CX22 at $4.49/month is the community favourite — 2 vCPUs, 4GB RAM, excellent performance, European data protection. DigitalOcean is the easiest to get started with and offers $200 free credit for new users. Both run OpenClaw perfectly.
How much RAM does OpenClaw need on a VPS?
1GB is the minimum. OpenClaw itself uses ~100–200MB. A 1GB VPS works but is tight. 2–4GB is comfortable, especially if you install other tools or run multiple skills concurrently. Hetzner's CX22 at $4.49/month gives you 4GB — plenty of headroom.
VPS vs Raspberry Pi — which is better for OpenClaw?
VPS wins on reliability (no home power cuts, no ISP outages affecting it), accessibility (fixed public IP, accessible from anywhere), and zero hardware maintenance. Raspberry Pi wins on zero monthly cost after hardware and full local control. For most users who want reliable 24/7 operation, VPS is simpler.
Is my data safe on a VPS?
Your data sits on the VPS provider's hardware, not your own machine. Use environment variables for API keys (never hardcode them in config files). Enable UFW firewall. Use SSH key authentication, not passwords. Consider encrypting sensitive data at rest. VPS is safe when configured properly.
Can I run OpenClaw on a $4/month VPS?
Yes, Hetzner's CX11 (1vCPU, 2GB RAM) at $3.49/month or CX22 at $4.49/month both run OpenClaw without issues. The AI computation happens at Anthropic/OpenAI's servers, not yours — your VPS just handles the Node.js process and messaging, which is very lightweight.
How do I keep OpenClaw running after I close the SSH connection?
Use PM2: npm install -g pm2, then pm2 start 'openclaw gateway start' --name openclaw, then pm2 startup && pm2 save. PM2 daemonizes the process, restarts it on crash, and persists across reboots. Check status anytime with pm2 status.