Clawdbot is a self hosted AI assistant that lives inside your messaging apps. Instead of opening another app, you message it the way you would a colleague on Telegram, WhatsApp or Discord, and it remembers context, runs scheduled tasks and, if you allow it, can act on the web for you. The project has been renamed twice, first to Moltbot and then to OpenClaw, which is its current name. If you searched for an OpenClaw VPS or a Moltbot VPS, this guide covers the same thing. You can find the project itself at openclaw.ai and its documentation at docs.openclaw.ai.

Whatever the name, it behaves like a long running service. It remembers things, keeps sessions open and runs tasks while you sleep. A home computer struggles with that. It goes to sleep, drops off WiFi and restarts for updates. A VPS simply stays on, and it keeps the assistant away from your personal files, which matters when a tool can run commands for you.

Most people overbuy here. When your setup sends requests to an outside AI model through an API, the server spends most of its time passing messages back and forth. Storage needs are small too. A steady connection beats a big processor.

There is one exception. If you want to run a large language model on the server itself instead of calling an API, these numbers stop applying. You would need far more memory and probably a GPU, which is a different kind of machine.

Before you compare spec sheets, ask yourself these questions. We list them in the order we would check them.

• Does the provider have a solid uptime record? A cheap server that reboots at random makes a good assistant look broken.
• Where is the data center? Pick a region close to you and to the AI services you call, so replies do not lag.
• Can you take snapshots? A one click restore is the best undo button you will ever have.
• Do you get root access and a real firewall? You need both for the security steps later in this guide.
• Is the price honest? Check what a dedicated IPv4 address, backups and extra bandwidth add, and what the plan costs on renewal.
• Can you pay your way and reach support? Payment options and support hours decide how a bad day feels.

We looked at each provider through the checklist above: reliability, locations, snapshots, control over the server, pricing clarity and support. Think of this list as a rough guide, not a leaderboard. Plans and prices change often, so confirm the details on each site. We run Eldernode, so you should know we are not fully neutral, and we have tried to be fair to everyone here.

If the comparison left you undecided, match yourself to one of these three situations.

Not sure where to look first? Browse the Eldernode Linux VPS plans and pick one that matches the middle column.

A VPS is not the only place Clawdbot can live. Here is how the common options compare for anyone who wants to run Clawdbot 24/7.

For most individuals and small teams, a VPS hits the sweet spot. You get a dedicated Linux machine that is always online, without the surprise bills or the learning curve of a large cloud platform.

The server is usually the small part of the bill. The AI model behind Clawdbot charges by usage, and that number can grow faster than you expect. Set a spending limit with your AI provider on day one and check it weekly at the start.

Clawdbot can act on your behalf, so treat the server like something that matters. A few minutes now saves you from an ugly surprise later.

• Log in with SSH keys and turn off password login.
• Create a normal user for daily work instead of using root.
• Turn on a firewall and open only the ports you truly need.
• Whatever you do, don't leave your assistant's control panel open to the public internet. It's the easiest way to invite trouble. The Docker installation guide for Ubuntu is a good place to start.

1. 1Order a VPS with Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and connect over SSH.
2. 2Update the system, create a regular user and set up the firewall.
3. 3Check the requirements in the official getting started guide and install what it lists.
4. 4Install Clawdbot with the official installer, then use the onboarding wizard to add your API key and connect your first messaging channel.
5. 5Make sure it runs as a background service so it restarts by itself (the wizard can set this up), then take a snapshot.

Follow the project's own getting started guide for the exact commands, since they change between releases. For more server guides, browse the Eldernode blog.

Most issues on a small server come down to memory, logs or the firewall. Start with these.

Choose a provider you trust, start with 2 vCPU and 4 GB of RAM, secure the server on day one and take a snapshot once everything works. If you want the simplest route, pick a beginner friendly host. If price matters most, look at Hetzner or Contabo. If you want a hands on team behind your server, Eldernode is built for that. Upgrade only when you truly need more.