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Node.js apps are light on RAM until they aren’t. Here’s how to size a VPS for a Node app and deploy it so it survives a reboot.
How much RAM does a Node app need?
| App type | RAM |
|---|---|
| A small API or bot | 512 MB–1 GB |
| A web app with a database | 1–2 GB |
| Multiple services / build-heavy apps | 2–4 GB |
The database (Postgres/MySQL) is usually what pushes you up a tier, not Node itself.
The pick: RackNerd 2GB
For a typical Node.js web app (API + Postgres + a reverse proxy), RackNerd’s 2GB plan at ~$35.99/yr is the value sweet spot. Full root, a dedicated IPv4, and enough RAM to run the whole stack comfortably.
See RackNerd's 2GB planIf you need more RAM: Hostinger KVM 2
For bigger apps or multiple Node services, Hostinger’s KVM 2 (8 GB RAM, ~$8.99/mo intro) gives you real headroom plus faster NVMe storage.
Check Hostinger's VPS plansDeploy it properly
- Use PM2 (or systemd) so your app restarts on crash and on reboot:
npm install -g pm2
pm2 start app.js --name my-app
pm2 save && pm2 startup
- Put nginx in front to serve static files and terminate HTTPS.
- Set
NODE_ENV=productionand don’t run as root.
Bottom line: Node API/bot → RackNerd 1–2GB. Bigger web app or multiple services → Hostinger 8GB. Use PM2 + nginx and you’ll rarely touch it again.