Guide
Best OpenClaw Hosting Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about hosting OpenClaw — from managed cloud platforms to self-hosting on a VPS. Compare options, pricing, and find the best fit for your needs.
Why Does OpenClaw Need Hosting?
OpenClaw is an AI agent that needs to run 24/7 to be always available on your messaging apps. Unlike ChatGPT which runs on OpenAI's servers, OpenClaw runs on your infrastructure. That means you need a server — either your own or a managed host.
If OpenClaw runs on your laptop, it stops working when your laptop sleeps. For a reliable AI assistant, you need a server that's always on. That's where hosting comes in.
The Three Ways to Host OpenClaw
1. Managed Cloud Hosting (Easiest)
A managed host handles everything — server provisioning, Docker, SSL, updates, monitoring, and backups. You just configure your bot and deploy. Best for non-technical users or anyone who doesn't want to manage infrastructure.
Popular managed hosts for OpenClaw:
| Provider | Starting Price | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| OpenClaw Launch | $6/mo | Visual configurator, AI credits included |
| MyClaw | $19/mo | Dedicated server, full root access |
| Clawi.ai | $15/mo | Quick setup |
| ClawHosters | $12/mo | 2-minute setup |
2. VPS Self-Hosting (Most Control)
Rent a Virtual Private Server (VPS) and install OpenClaw yourself using Docker. Full control over everything, but requires technical knowledge.
Popular VPS providers:
| Provider | Starting Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hetzner | $4/mo | Best value in EU/US, great performance |
| DigitalOcean | $6/mo | Good documentation, easy UI |
| Vultr | $6/mo | Many locations, hourly billing |
| Linode (Akamai) | $5/mo | Reliable, good support |
Minimum specs for OpenClaw: 1 vCPU, 2 GB RAM, 20 GB SSD. Most $5-6/mo plans work fine for a single OpenClaw instance.
Read our complete self-hosting setup guide →
3. Local Machine (Free but Unreliable)
Run OpenClaw on your Mac, Windows PC, or Linux desktop. Free, but your AI agent goes offline whenever your computer sleeps, restarts, or loses internet.
Good for: Testing and experimentation. Not recommended for production use.
How to Choose the Right Hosting
| Your Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Non-technical, want it working today | OpenClaw Launch ($6/mo) |
| Want the cheapest managed option | OpenClaw Launch ($6/mo) |
| Need root access / dedicated server | MyClaw ($19/mo) |
| Developer, want full control | Self-host on Hetzner ($4/mo) |
| Just want to try OpenClaw | Local install (free) or OpenClaw Launch |
| Team / business use | MyClaw Pro/Max or self-host |
What to Look for in OpenClaw Hosting
- Uptime — Your AI agent needs to be available 24/7. Managed hosts handle this automatically.
- Automatic updates — OpenClaw releases frequently. Managed hosts update for you; self-hosters must update manually.
- Security — Look for isolated containers, encrypted configs, and automatic SSL. OpenClaw has had security vulnerabilities — fast patching matters.
- Backups — Your agent's memory, credentials, and config should be backed up daily.
- Cost transparency — Watch for hidden fees. AI model API costs are separate from hosting. Some providers include credits; others don't.
Total Cost Breakdown
Hosting is only part of the cost. You also pay for AI model API usage:
| OpenClaw Launch | MyClaw | Self-Host (Hetzner) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosting | $6/mo | $19/mo | $4–6/mo |
| AI credits included | $1/mo | $0 | $0 |
| AI API (typical usage) | $5–30/mo | $5–30/mo | $5–30/mo |
| Setup time | 30 seconds | ~5 minutes | 2–6 hours |
| Total / month | $11–36 | $24–49 | $9–36 |
Self-hosting is cheapest in dollars but costs hours of setup and ongoing maintenance. OpenClaw Launch offers the best balance of price and convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch hosting providers later?
Yes. OpenClaw's config is portable. Export your config JSON from one host and import it to another. Your AI model API keys, channel tokens, and settings all transfer.
Do I need my own AI API keys?
Depends on the provider. OpenClaw Launch includes AI credits and provides API access through OpenRouter. MyClaw and self-hosting require you to bring your own API keys from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, etc.
What happens if my host goes down?
Your AI agent stops responding until the server is back. Managed hosts have monitoring and auto-restart. Self-hosters need to set up their own monitoring (PM2, systemd, or health-check scripts).
Get Started
Ready to deploy your OpenClaw AI agent? Here are your next steps:
- Deploy with OpenClaw Launch — 30-second setup, from $6/mo
- Compare hosting options in detail
- Self-hosting setup guide
- What is OpenClaw? — Complete beginner's guide