Disclosure: this page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Direct answer: RackNerd’s 2 GB plan at $35.99/yr is the best cheap VPS for self-hosting a stack like Nextcloud plus WireGuard, with Hostinger’s 8 GB KVM 2 for heavier or database-heavy setups.
Self-hosting is the best reason to buy a cheap VPS: you get a permanent, always-on Linux box for less than a streaming subscription. The question is how much RAM your stack needs.
A quick sizing guide
| Service | Realistic RAM |
|---|---|
| WireGuard / VPN | 256 MB |
| Pi-hole / AdGuard Home | 256 MB |
| Nextcloud (1 user) | 1–2 GB |
| Plex / Jellyfin | 2 GB+ (no transcoding) |
| 4–5 small services together | 2–3 GB |
The pick: RackNerd 2GB
For self-hosting, the sweet spot is 2 GB RAM at $35.99/yr (~$2.71/mo). It’s enough to run Nextcloud + WireGuard + a few bots comfortably, with full root and a dedicated IPv4 — and the price is absurd.
See RackNerd's 2GB planWhen to choose Hostinger instead
If you want a more managed experience and more RAM for heavier stacks (or a database-heavy setup), Hostinger’s KVM 2 (8 GB RAM, $8.99/mo intro) gives you serious headroom.
FAQ
Q: How much RAM do I need for a self-hosted VPS?
WireGuard and Pi-hole need about 256 MB each, Nextcloud needs 1-2 GB, Plex wants 2 GB+ without transcoding, and 4-5 services together need 2-3 GB.
Q: What is the best cheap VPS for self-hosting?
RackNerd’s 2 GB plan at $35.99/yr runs Nextcloud, WireGuard, and a few bots comfortably with full root and a dedicated IPv4.
Q: When should I choose Hostinger for self-hosting?
Choose Hostinger’s KVM 2 with 8 GB RAM at $8.99/mo intro for heavier stacks or a database-heavy setup.
Q: What should I do first when self-hosting on a VPS?
Use Docker Compose for everything and lock down SSH with key auth and password login disabled on day one.
Bottom line: Most self-hosters are happiest on RackNerd’s 2 GB plan, upgrading to Hostinger’s 8 GB only if they need more RAM.
Check Hostinger's VPS plansTwo practical tips
- Use Docker Compose for everything — it makes moving or backing up your stack trivial.
- Lock down SSH (key auth, disable password login) on day one; a public-facing VPS gets probed immediately.