Compare every option — from $0/mo free tier to managed VPS. Find the right fit for your setup.
OpenClaw runs 24/7, so your hosting choice directly affects reliability, response time, and your monthly bill. We tested every major provider below — measuring uptime, deployment simplicity, and real-world latency for OpenClaw workloads. Each guide includes step-by-step instructions, honest pros and cons, pricing details, and platform-specific troubleshooting tips. Whether you want a one-click managed VPS, a budget European server, a free Oracle Cloud instance, or a local install on your own Mac or Linux machine, we have a guide for you. Pick your platform below and follow the walkthrough — most users are up and running in under 15 minutes.
The official recommended host for OpenClaw. True 1-click deploy with pre-integrated AI tokens — no external API keys needed.
Great for developers who want raw performance at a low price. Popular in Europe.
Free forever ARM instances — great if you don't mind the complexity and Oracle's terms.
Official 1-Click OpenClaw app on the DigitalOcean Marketplace. One click creates a Droplet with OpenClaw pre-installed.
Global infrastructure with hourly billing. Good for developers who want flexibility.
Run OpenClaw directly on your Mac. Free but limited — only runs when your computer is on.
Run on any Linux machine. Great for home servers or spare hardware.
Run OpenClaw on a Raspberry Pi. Fun DIY project but limited performance.
I want the easiest, cheapest setup
Hostinger KVM 2 is the recommended starting point. $6.99/month, 1-click Docker install, and enough RAM to run OpenClaw plus 2–3 AI models simultaneously.
I want to test OpenClaw for free
Oracle Cloud Free Tier gives you a permanently free ARM instance. Slower than a paid VPS but perfectly functional for testing and light personal use.
I already have a Mac at home
Local macOS is the fastest way to get started. No cost, no server. The tradeoff: OpenClaw only works while your Mac is on and awake.
I need hands-off setup
Our managed setup service handles everything — server provisioning, Docker, integrations, and the first automations — in a single session.
