# aws-vs-hetzner > AWS vs Hetzner for OpenClaw? Compare pricing, setup, performance, and long-term maintenance to find the better option and choose the right hosting without wasting time or money. **Author:** Ampere.sh Team --- ## Quick Comparison: AWS vs Hetzner **AWS**: From $40/month **Hetzner**: From low monthly VPS pricing **Ampere**: From $0/month ### AWS | Area | AWS | Hetzner | | --- | --- | --- | | Cost | Pricing is more flexible, but it can be harder to understand | Pricing is simpler and easier to follow | | Setup | Setup usually takes more decisions and configuration | Setup is usually more direct and easier to handle | | Maintenance | You still manage updates, backups, security, and monitoring | You still manage updates, backups, security, and monitoring | | Best for | Users who want more cloud features and flexibility | Users who want simpler and lower-cost self-hosting | - Example cloud VM - 2 vCPU - 4 GB RAM - Flexible storage options - Usage-based billing - Broad global region coverage - Massive cloud ecosystem - Strong networking and security tools - Great for AWS-native teams - Global infrastructure coverage - Strong long-term scalability - More expensive for straightforward OpenClaw hosting - More setup complexity - Pricing can be harder to predict - You still handle updates, monitoring, and maintenance - Can feel too heavy for smaller OpenClaw setups ### Hetzner - NVMe SSD storage - High transfer allowance - Simple VPS-style deployment - Lower cost than AWS for many comparable setups - Better price-to-performance for OpenClaw self-hosting - More direct hosting experience - Strong fit for cost-conscious users - Easier to justify for smaller deployments - Still a self-managed VPS - You handle setup, updates, security, backups, and uptime - Fewer managed services than AWS - Less suited for users who want a full cloud ecosystem - More hands-on than managed hosting ### Ampere - Managed OpenClaw hosting - OpenClaw-ready setup - No VPS creation - Faster launch path - Built for day-to-day OpenClaw use - No VPS management - Managed OpenClaw setup - Less maintenance burden - Better for users who do not want infrastructure work - Less raw infrastructure control than self-hosting - Less customizable than a raw VPS - Managed setup means less low-level control ## What OpenClaw Actually Needs From Hosting When choosing hosting for OpenClaw, the basics matter more than extra cloud features. OpenClaw does not need the biggest cloud platform. It needs a setup that is stable, secure, and easy to manage over time. In practical terms, that usually means: - a Linux-based server or VPS - enough RAM and storage for Docker, logs, and regular usage - reliable network access - simple firewall and security setup - a monthly cost that is easy to manage - a setup you can maintain without too much overhead ## AWS for OpenClaw: Where It Makes Sense AWS makes more sense when OpenClaw is part of a bigger cloud setup. It is a good fit for users who: - already use AWS - need more infrastructure flexibility - want more control over networking and security - may expand into a larger cloud environment later For a simple OpenClaw deployment, AWS can feel heavier than necessary. There are more setup choices, more configuration steps, and pricing is often less straightforward. So AWS is usually the better option when you need a broader cloud platform, not just a simple place to host OpenClaw. ## Hetzner for OpenClaw: Where It Makes Sense Hetzner makes more sense when you want a simpler and lower-cost self-hosting option. - want better price-to-performance - prefer straightforward VPS hosting - do not need a large cloud ecosystem - want an easier-to-understand monthly cost For many OpenClaw users, that makes Hetzner easier to work with. It is often the better choice when the goal is to run OpenClaw on a reliable VPS without paying for extra cloud features you may not use. So Hetzner is usually the better option when you want practical self-hosting with less cost and less complexity. ## Ampere for OpenClaw: Where It Makes Sense Ampere.sh makes sense if you want OpenClaw without the usual self-hosting work. It is a better fit for users who: - want to get started quickly - do not want to manage a VPS - want less maintenance over time - want a simpler way to run OpenClaw ## AWS vs Hetzner Comparison: Cost, Setup, Maintenance - **Cost:** AWS is flexible but harder to predict; Hetzner is simpler. - **Setup:** AWS usually needs more configuration; Hetzner is more direct. - **Maintenance:** both still require updates, security, backups, and monitoring. ## Common Mistakes When Choosing OpenClaw Hosting ### Choosing only by price ### Thinking setup will be easy ### Forgetting about maintenance ### Choosing more than you need ### Ignoring backups and security ### Not asking if self-hosting is worth it ### Simple takeaway The biggest mistake is looking only at specs or price. - setup effort - long-term maintenance - how much hosting work you want to handle yourself ## Use OpenClaw Without Running Your Own Server Skip the setup work and avoid the usual hosting overhead. [Start Free](https://www.ampere.sh/setup) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is AWS or Hetzner better for OpenClaw? Hetzner is usually better for most self-hosted OpenClaw setups because it is simpler and lower cost. AWS makes more sense if you already use AWS or need a larger cloud setup around OpenClaw. ### Can I run OpenClaw on AWS? Yes, OpenClaw can run on AWS. It is a good option for users who want more cloud flexibility, but it usually takes more setup and ongoing management. ### Can I run OpenClaw on Hetzner? Yes, OpenClaw can run on Hetzner. It is often a better fit for users who want a simpler VPS setup and lower-cost self-hosting. ### Is Hetzner cheaper than AWS for OpenClaw hosting? In many cases, yes. Hetzner is usually easier to understand on cost and is often more affordable for straightforward OpenClaw hosting. ### Do I need to manage the server myself on AWS or Hetzner? Yes. With both AWS and Hetzner, you still handle the hosting yourself, including setup, updates, security, backups, and maintenance. ### What is the easiest way to use OpenClaw without self-hosting? The easiest way is to use managed hosting. This removes the need to set up and manage your own VPS, so you can use OpenClaw more directly.