← Vibe coding hub · Setup guide
Claude Code doesn’t need a powerful server — it’s the AI doing the heavy lifting, not your box. What you want is something cheap, reliable, easy to manage, and always on. Here’s how the main VPS providers compare for running Claude Code (or any AI coding agent), and which one I’d actually pick.
What Claude Code actually needs
- RAM: 1 GB works for small projects; 2 GB is the comfortable sweet spot once you’re running builds, databases, or several tools.
- CPU: 1 shared vCPU is fine — the agent mostly waits on the API, not local compute.
- Disk: 25 GB is plenty for code; more only if you handle large assets.
- Bandwidth & uptime: any reputable host is fine here.
Translation: the cheapest tier at almost any provider runs Claude Code. So the real decision is ease of use, free credit, and how much hand-holding you want.
The comparison
| Provider | Entry plan (approx) | Free credit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DigitalOcean | $6/mo — 1 GB / 1 vCPU / 25 GB | $200 for 60 days | Easiest UX, best docs, beginners |
| Hetzner Cloud | ~€3.79/mo — 4 GB / 2 vCPU / 40 GB | Occasional promo | Best raw value (more RAM per €), EU |
| Vultr | $6/mo — 1 GB / 1 vCPU / 25 GB | Promo credit | Many regions, similar to DO |
| Akamai (Linode) | $5/mo — 1 GB / 1 vCPU / 25 GB | Promo credit | Cheapest entry, solid network |
Specs and prices change — check the provider before buying.
My pick: DigitalOcean (for most people)
If you want the smoothest path, go with DigitalOcean. The interface is the friendliest, the documentation is the best in the business, one-click backups are built in, and the referral gives you $200 in credit for 60 days — so a $6 droplet is effectively free for your first couple of months while you decide if this is for you. Pick the $12 / 2 GB plan if you’ll run databases or heavier builds.
The value pick: Hetzner
If you’re comfortable with a more barebones control panel, Hetzner Cloud is unbeatable on price — you get 4 GB of RAM for roughly what others charge for 1 GB. The trade-off is a less polished UI and EU/US-limited regions. Great choice if you know your way around a server.
Bottom line
Any of these runs Claude Code fine. Beginners: DigitalOcean (easiest + free credit). Value-hunters: Hetzner (most RAM per dollar). Once you’ve picked one, follow the full setup guide to get Claude Code running securely.
Don’t want to pick or configure anything? I’ll provision the right server and set up Claude Code for you, kept secure and backed up.
FAQ
How much RAM do I need for Claude Code?
1 GB works for small projects; 2 GB is comfortable once you add databases or run builds. The agent itself is light — most memory goes to whatever you’re building.
Is a $5–6 VPS really enough?
Yes for most use. Claude Code offloads the thinking to Anthropic’s servers, so your VPS just runs code and tools. Upgrade to 2 GB only if you hit memory limits during builds.
Which is cheapest?
Hetzner for raw value (4 GB for ~€4). Akamai/Linode has the lowest sticker entry ($5). DigitalOcean is a touch more but the easiest and comes with $200 of free credit to start.