Protect access
Use the provider's recommended authentication, keep gateway and model keys private, review firewall settings, and update OpenClaw regularly.
OpenClaw hosting guide
Deploy OpenClaw on a server or your own computer
Compare a ready-made DigitalOcean Droplet, a Hostinger VPS, and a local installation. Pick the setup that fits your budget and how much server work you want to do.
OpenClawDir is an independent directory. The DigitalOcean option uses our referral code, which may earn us account credit after a qualifying signup. Other provider links are standard links.
At a glance
Choose a way to run OpenClaw
| Option | Starting configuration | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DigitalOcean OpenClaw Droplet | 2 vCPUs, 4 GiB RAM, 80 GiB SSD on the Regular Basic plan | Starts at $12/month; linked 4 GiB plan is $24/month | A ready-made OpenClaw image with server control |
| Hostinger OpenClaw VPS | KVM 1: 1 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, 50 GB NVMe | From $6.49/month on a prepaid 2-year promotion; $11.99/month renewal | A lower entry price if you are comfortable with an upfront term |
| Your computer | Your existing hardware | No hosting subscription; model API and electricity costs may apply | Trying OpenClaw before paying for an always-on server |
Prices and configurations checked September 26, 2026. Providers can change them. Model usage, backups, taxes, and other extras may cost more. Check the provider's final checkout before paying.
Recommended ready-made server
DigitalOcean OpenClaw Droplet
DigitalOcean publishes a preconfigured OpenClaw Marketplace image starting at $12/month on a 2 GB Basic Droplet. Its documentation recommends 2 CPUs and 4 GB RAM for personal use, so the links below select that $24/month Regular Basic plan. Choose a smaller plan in DigitalOcean if it suits your usage. Model usage, backups, taxes, and other extras may cost more. Check current Droplet pricing ↗
Choose a location for the 4 GB plan
Each option opens DigitalOcean with OpenClaw, the datacenter, and the $24/month Regular Basic plan selected. Add an SSH key, review the total, and confirm creation in DigitalOcean.
- 1Choose a region or sign up.
Select a location above. New DigitalOcean users can use the referral signup link first. Referral benefits depend on DigitalOcean's eligibility rules.
- 2Confirm the Droplet in DigitalOcean.
The link selects the OpenClaw image, 4 GB plan, and region. Sign in, add SSH authentication, and review the final price before selecting Create Droplet. DigitalOcean's “1-Click App” means the software image is preconfigured; account and billing confirmation still happen there.
- 3Finish setup and verify access.
Follow DigitalOcean's current OpenClaw setup guide to connect by SSH, configure a model provider, pair the dashboard, and test a chat. Keep your gateway token and model keys private.
We verified the regional links select OpenClaw and the 4 GB Regular plan while keeping the referral code in the URL. Final referral attribution can only be confirmed after a qualifying new signup appears in DigitalOcean's referral statistics. Read DigitalOcean's referral terms ↗
Sources: OpenClaw 1-Click setup and sizing · Droplet pricing
Prepaid VPS alternative
Hostinger OpenClaw VPS
Hostinger offers an OpenClaw VPS template. Its KVM 1 plan lists 1 vCPU, 4 GB RAM, and 50 GB NVMe storage. The advertised $6.49 monthly equivalent requires paying for a 2-year term upfront; the listed renewal is $11.99 per month for another 2-year term.
Hostinger link is a standard provider link; no Hostinger affiliate link has been added. Source: Hostinger's current plan page.
Try it first
Install on your own computer
A local install avoids a hosting bill and lets you learn the setup before moving to an always-on server. Your assistant is available only while that computer and its network connection are running. Follow OpenClaw's official install and onboarding instructions for your operating system.