Best VPS for OpenClaw in 2026: Top Picks, Specs, and Real User Questions
If you are searching for the best VPS for OpenClaw, you are usually trying to avoid three things:
- Buying dedicated hardware just to run an always-on assistant
- Losing hours to server setup, Docker issues, and dependency conflicts
- Exposing a powerful tool to the public internet with weak security
This guide explains the VPS specifications that actually matter for OpenClaw, the best providers for different budgets, and the most common questions users ask when setting up their own servers.
If you are still deciding whether to self-host or use a managed platform, you may also find our guide on
how to choose the right OpenClaw deployer helpful.
For a full comparison of managed platforms, see our
Best OpenClaw Deployer guide.
Quick Answer: Best VPS for OpenClaw (Comparison Table)
| Provider | Best For | Recommended Specs | Starting Level | Difficulty | Ideal User Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hetzner Cloud | Best overall value | 4 vCPU / 8 GB RAM | Low | Medium | Serious builders |
| DigitalOcean | Beginners | 2 vCPU / 4 GB RAM | Medium | Easy | First-time users |
| Contabo | Cheap high RAM | 4 vCPU / 8 GB RAM | Low | Medium | Budget power users |
| Oracle Free | Free testing | 4 vCPU / 12+ GB | Free | High | Experimenters |
| Vultr | Global access | 2 vCPU / 4 GB RAM | Medium | Easy | International users |
For most users, Hetzner Cloud with 4 vCPU and 8 GB RAM is the safest long-term choice.
What OpenClaw Needs From a VPS
OpenClaw performance depends more on RAM, disk speed, and browser automation than on raw CPU power.
A practical baseline is:
Minimum Setup
- 2 vCPU
- 4 GB RAM
- SSD or NVMe storage
Recommended Setup
- 4 vCPU
- 8 GB RAM
- NVMe storage
Power User Setup
- 8 vCPU
- 16 GB RAM
- NVMe storage
If you use browser automation or multiple workflows, prioritize RAM.
Best VPS Providers for OpenClaw
1. Hetzner Cloud (Best Overall Value)
Best balance of performance and pricing.
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance
- Fast NVMe storage
- Easy scaling
- Strong EU infrastructure
Cons
- Limited stock in some regions
- Requires security setup
Best for users who want long-term stability at low cost.
2. DigitalOcean (Best for Beginners)
Ideal for first-time VPS users.
Pros
- Simple dashboard
- Strong documentation
- Active community
Cons
- More expensive than budget providers
Best for learning and early-stage users.
3. Contabo (Best Cheap RAM)
Best option for high memory on a budget.
Pros
- Affordable 8 GB and 16 GB plans
- Large storage
Cons
- Support quality varies
Best for budget-conscious automation users.
4. Oracle Cloud Free Tier (Best for Testing)
Best for zero-cost experimentation.
Pros
- Free cloud resources
- High RAM potential
Cons
- Limited availability
- Not stable for production
Best for learning before upgrading.
5. Vultr (Best Global Coverage)
Good alternative with many regions.
Pros
- Wide data center network
- Simple pricing
Cons
- Higher pricing
Best for international deployment.
Recommended VPS Specs by Use Case
Basic Assistant
For Telegram or Discord bots and light tasks
Recommended: 2 vCPU, 4 GB RAM
Daily Workflow Assistant
For regular automation and memory usage
Recommended: 4 vCPU, 8 GB RAM
Heavy Automation
For browser control and parallel tasks
Recommended: 8 vCPU, 16 GB RAM
Common Questions About VPS for OpenClaw
Is a VPS Enough for OpenClaw?
Yes. A properly configured VPS is enough for most users. Dedicated hardware is only required for extreme workloads.
Is 2 vCPU and 4 GB RAM Enough?
It works for basic usage, but 8 GB RAM improves reliability and performance.
Is Hosting OpenClaw on a VPS Secure?
Yes, if configured properly. A default VPS without hardening is vulnerable.
What Security Steps Matter Most?
You should always:
- Use SSH keys
- Disable root login
- Enable firewall rules
- Restrict open ports
- Enable automatic updates
- Add brute-force protection
These steps prevent most attacks.
Why Does OpenClaw Fail on VPS Setups?
Common reasons include:
- Port conflicts
- Wrong runtime versions
- Low memory
- Missing dependencies
- Docker misconfiguration
Most issues are environment-related.
How to Choose the Best VPS for OpenClaw
Use this checklist:
- Prioritize RAM first
- Choose the nearest region
- Prefer NVMe storage
- Confirm upgrade options
- Enable firewall protection
If all five are covered, your setup will be stable.
Recommended Default Setup (Most Users)
For long-term reliability:
- Provider: Hetzner Cloud
- Specs: 4 vCPU, 8 GB RAM
- OS: Ubuntu 22.04
- Security: SSH keys, firewall, auto-updates
This setup balances performance, cost, and scalability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Minimum VPS Size for OpenClaw?
2 vCPU and 4 GB RAM is the minimum. 4 vCPU and 8 GB RAM is better for daily use.
Which VPS Has the Best Value?
Providers with strong price-to-performance ratios usually deliver the best long-term value.
Can I Run OpenClaw for Free?
Free tiers can be used for testing, but are not recommended for production systems.
Self-Hosting vs Managed Platforms
Self-hosting gives you full control, but requires technical maintenance.
If you prefer a no-maintenance setup, compare managed solutions in our
Best OpenClaw Deployer guide.
Managed platforms handle:
- Updates
- Security
- Backups
- Monitoring
- Scaling
This is often worth the extra cost for non-technical users.
Conclusion
The best VPS for OpenClaw depends on your workload.
Choose:
- Hetzner for best value
- DigitalOcean for simplicity
- Contabo for cheap RAM
- Oracle for testing
- Vultr for global reach
If you plan to use OpenClaw seriously, invest in stable infrastructure early.
A reliable VPS turns OpenClaw from a fragile experiment into a dependable digital assistant.
