OpenClaw is an open-source AI coding assistant that lets you run your own AI-powered development environment. It supports 28+ model providers — Anthropic, OpenAI, Mistral, and local models via Ollama — giving you full control over your AI toolchain.
We tested OpenClaw on 5 different VPS and GPU hosting providers to find the best performance-to-price ratio. Below you'll find our complete comparison including benchmarks, setup guides, and our top pick for 2026.
Hostinger is the Best VPS for OpenClaw
Starting at $3.99/mo with easy 1-click setup, 24/7 support, and excellent performance for CPU-based OpenClaw deployments.
Get Hostinger VPS →OpenClaw on Hostinger — Video Tutorial
Watch our step-by-step guide on deploying OpenClaw on a Hostinger VPS in under 15 minutes:
What is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is an open-source AI gateway and coding assistant that executes shell commands in your development environment. It allows you to read and write files in your project directories, supports 28+ model providers, and gives you the flexibility to use Claude Opus for complex tasks, fall back to Sonnet when unavailable, and drop to a local model when you want zero data leaving your machine.
Self-hosting OpenClaw means you control your data, avoid per-seat licensing costs, and can customize the system to your exact workflow. Running it on a VPS ensures 24/7 availability, team access, and consistent performance regardless of your local hardware.
Minimum Server Requirements
| Spec | Minimum (CPU only) | Recommended (CPU) | GPU Accelerated |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | 16 GB + 8GB VRAM |
| CPU | 2 vCPU | 4 vCPU | 4+ vCPU |
| Storage | 20 GB | 40 GB NVMe | 80 GB+ NVMe |
| OS | Ubuntu 22.04+ | Ubuntu 22.04+ | Ubuntu 22.04+ with CUDA |
| Docker | Required | Required | Required + NVIDIA Container Toolkit |
Best Hosting Providers for OpenClaw
We tested OpenClaw on each provider. Here's how they compare:
| Provider | Type | RAM | Price | Best For | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hostinger | VPS | 8 GB | $7.99/mo | Beginners + CPU | 9.2/10 | Visit → |
| Hetzner | VPS | 8 GB | €5.59/mo | EU + Best Value | 9.0/10 | Visit → |
| vast.ai | GPU | 48 GB VRAM | $0.69/hr | GPU + Local Models | 8.8/10 | Visit → |
| Vultr | VPS | 8 GB | $48/mo | 32 Global Locations | 8.5/10 | Visit → |
| DigitalOcean | VPS | 8 GB | $48/mo | Developer Experience | 8.4/10 | Visit → |
Quick Setup: OpenClaw on Hostinger VPS
1. Create a Hostinger VPS
Sign up at Hostinger and select the KVM 4 plan (8GB RAM). Choose Ubuntu 22.04 as your OS and the server location closest to your team.
2. Install Docker
SSH into your server and install Docker with a single command:
curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh3. Deploy OpenClaw
Clone the repository and start with Docker Compose:
git clone https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw.git
cd openclaw
docker compose up -d4. Configure & Access
Open your browser at http://your-server-ip:3000 and complete the initial setup. Connect your preferred AI model provider (OpenAI, Anthropic, or local Ollama).
Need a detailed guide?
Visit our dedicated OpenClaw hosting guide for complete setup instructions, troubleshooting, and optimization tips.
Visit open-claw-hosting.com →Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum requirements for OpenClaw?
OpenClaw requires at least 4GB RAM, 2 vCPU, and 20GB storage for basic operation. For GPU-accelerated inference with local models, you need an NVIDIA GPU with at least 8GB VRAM (RTX 3060 or better). Most users start with a $7.99/mo Hostinger VPS which provides 8GB RAM — more than enough for CPU-based deployments.
Can I run OpenClaw on Hostinger VPS?
Yes, Hostinger VPS is one of the most popular choices for running OpenClaw. Their KVM 4 plan ($7.99/mo) with 8GB RAM provides excellent performance. We have a complete video tutorial showing the setup process in under 15 minutes.
Is RunPod or vast.ai better for OpenClaw with GPU?
Both are excellent for GPU-accelerated OpenClaw. vast.ai generally offers lower prices (starting at $0.20/hr for older GPUs) while RunPod has a more polished interface. For RTX 4090 workloads, vast.ai typically costs $0.69-0.80/hr. Choose vast.ai for budget, RunPod for ease of use.
How much does it cost to host OpenClaw?
CPU-only hosting: $3.99/mo (Hostinger) or €4.15/mo (Hetzner). GPU hosting: $0.20-0.80/hour on vast.ai or RunPod depending on GPU model. For most users, a $7.99/mo Hostinger VPS with 8GB RAM is the sweet spot.
OpenClaw vs n8n — which should I self-host?
They serve different purposes: OpenClaw is an AI coding assistant while n8n is a workflow automation platform. Many users run both on the same VPS. Check our n8n hosting guide if you're interested in workflow automation.