Question 1

What is OpenClaw?

Accepted Answer

OpenClaw (formerly ClawdBot/Moltbot) is an open-source AI agent platform that runs on your own server. The agent connects to messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Signal, and iMessage. It can autonomously execute tasks: manage emails, organize files, browse the web, run terminal commands, and much more. You maintain full control over your data.

Question 2

What is the best OpenClaw hosting provider?

Accepted Answer

Hostinger is our top recommendation for affordable self-hosting because its OpenClaw template substantially shortens setup. IONOS is a strong German VPS alternative with European data centers. xCloud suits users who want a managed start without server administration.

Question 3

Can I host OpenClaw for free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, theoretically it is possible. Oracle Cloud offers a free Always-Free tier with 4 ARM CPUs, 24 GB RAM, and 200 GB storage that can run OpenClaw. However, you still need API keys for LLM providers like OpenAI or Anthropic, which incur costs. For production use, we recommend a paid VPS starting at around $4/mo for reliable performance.

Question 4

Managed vs. self-hosting: which is better?

Accepted Answer

Managed hosting such as xCloud is suitable if you want to start without server administration. You pay more but save time on setup, updates, and security. Self-hosting on Hostinger, IONOS, or Hetzner gives you full control and costs less, but it requires basic Docker knowledge and regular maintenance.

Question 5

What are the system requirements for OpenClaw?

Accepted Answer

Minimum requirements are 2 GB RAM and 1-2 vCPUs. Recommended is 4 GB RAM and 2 vCPUs for daily use. For more intensive usage with multiple integrations, browser automation, and many skills, 8-16 GB RAM with 2-4 vCPUs is advisable. Storage should be at least 10 GB (for Docker images and logs). AI processing happens at the LLM provider, not on your server.

Question 6

Can I host OpenClaw with Docker?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Docker is the recommended way to host OpenClaw. Hostinger offers a 1-click template for it. With IONOS, Hetzner, and Vultr, you install and manage Docker yourself. Plan time for updates, backups, and server hardening.

Question 7

How much does OpenClaw hosting cost per month?

Accepted Answer

Costs depend on the hosting type: VPS self-hosting starts at around $2-5/mo (LumaDock from $1.99, Hetzner from EUR 3.49, Contabo from EUR 3.60). Managed hosting starts at around $24/mo (xCloud). Additionally, there are costs for the LLM provider (e.g., OpenAI API), which vary based on usage. For most users, total costs range from $10-30/mo.

Question 8

Is OpenClaw GDPR compliant?

Accepted Answer

OpenClaw itself is open source and stores data locally on your server. GDPR compliance therefore mainly depends on your hosting location and LLM provider. With Hetzner (German data centers, ISO 27001) or Contabo (German servers available), you are on the safe side. However, note that data is sent to the LLM provider (e.g., OpenAI in the US). For maximum privacy, you can use local LLMs with Ollama.

Question 9

What messaging channels does OpenClaw support?

Accepted Answer

OpenClaw supports a wide range of messaging platforms: WhatsApp, Telegram, Slack, Discord, Google Chat, Signal, iMessage, and Microsoft Teams. You can connect multiple channels simultaneously and control your AI agent through any of these platforms. Setup is done through OpenClaw configuration, with some managed providers like xCloud having messaging integration pre-configured.

Question 10

Which LLM providers can I use with OpenClaw?

Accepted Answer

OpenClaw supports virtually any LLM provider: OpenAI (GPT-4o, GPT-5 Nano), Anthropic (Claude), Google (Gemini), as well as open-source models via Ollama (Llama, Mistral, etc.). You can also configure multiple LLMs simultaneously and switch between them. The choice of LLM provider affects response quality and ongoing costs. For most users, OpenAI is a good starting point.

Question 11

How do I secure my OpenClaw instance?

Accepted Answer

Important security measures: 1) Use SSH key authentication instead of passwords. 2) Configure UFW firewall and only open necessary ports. 3) Perform regular updates. 4) Use Tailscale or Cloudflare Tunnel for secure access without open ports. 5) Use strong API keys. DigitalOcean offers a security-hardened image, and Hetzner enforces SSH key authentication at setup.

Question 12

What is the difference between managed and self-hosted?

Accepted Answer

With self-hosting on Hostinger, IONOS, Hetzner, Contabo, or Vultr, you rent a VPS and manage OpenClaw yourself. Hostinger simplifies installation with a 1-click template. You retain full control but also take responsibility for updates, security, and maintenance. With managed hosting such as xCloud, the provider handles these tasks for a premium.

OpenClaw Hosting Comparison

Our VPS recommendation for OpenClaw

Frequently Asked Questions

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