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Running a Tor relay helps the network and needs little CPU — but it is bandwidth-hungry and requires care around policy.

What a Tor relay needs

  • Bandwidth — a relay’s value is measured in transfer, not RAM.
  • Modest RAM and CPU — a few hundred MB handles most relays.
  • A provider that allows Tor — check the acceptable-use policy first.

The pick: RackNerd 1GB

RackNerd’s 1 GB plan at $21.99/yr is enough for a middle relay, with full root and a dedicated IPv4. Start as a middle (non-exit) relay to avoid the abuse complaints that come with exit traffic.

Set it up

sudo apt install -y tor

In /etc/tor/torrc:

ORPort 443
Nickname YourRelayName
ExitRelay 0
  • Never run an exit relay from a personal VPS — it invites legal and abuse issues.
  • Cap bandwidth with RelayBandwidthRate so you don’t blow your transfer allowance.
  • Check your provider’s ToS — some forbid Tor entirely.

Bottom line: a middle relay fits on the cheapest KVM plan. Monitor bandwidth, and only run an exit if you know exactly what that entails.

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