Want your own game server without paying $15 a month for it? You can get a reliable one for the price of a coffee, if you know where the real deals are. The hard part is that cheap game server hosting is full of tiny RAM plans, first-month-only discounts and per-slot pricing that adds up fast.
This guide to the best cheap game server hosting compares 10 providers on what you will actually pay each month, how much RAM and how many players you get for it, how long you have to ask for a refund, and which promo codes genuinely lower the bill. Every price was checked on each host’s own site in October 2026.
Whether you run a small Minecraft world with friends, a Palworld base, or a community server for a Discord group, you will find cheap game server hosting that will not fall over the moment your group logs in.
Short on time? These are our top 3 picks for cheap game server hosting in 2026:
- Minecraft 2GB from $1.80/month, unlimited players
- Promo code DPHost: 40% off your first order
- Ryzen 9 hardware, free DDoS protection, 15 locations
- Budget Minecraft 1GB from $1.99/month
- 30% off standard plans that stays at renewal
- 70+ games and 3,000+ one-click modpacks
- Free-forever Minecraft server, no card needed
- Paid plans from $2/month, 50% off first invoice
- 7-day money-back guarantee
How Much Does Cheap Game Server Hosting Cost in 2026?
Cheap game server hosting usually means a managed server under about $6 a month, and budget game server hosting at the very bottom of the market starts around $1.50. At that price you should still expect DDoS protection, a control panel with one-click mod installs, and a refund window, so you are not stuck with a server that lags. What you trade away is RAM and player capacity, not basic reliability.
| Monthly Budget | What You Typically Get | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Free | A limited Minecraft server | Testing with one or two friends |
| $1.50 to $3 | 1GB to 2GB RAM, budget tiers | Small vanilla Minecraft or Terraria worlds |
| $3 to $6 | 2GB to 6GB RAM | Groups of 5 to 10, light mods |
| $6 to $12 | 4GB to 8GB RAM, or a game panel VPS | Modpacks, Palworld, Valheim, bigger groups |
A cheap game server hosting plan is only a good deal if it fits your game. A $2 plan that crashes with five players costs you more in frustration than a $4 plan that runs smoothly.
10 Best Cheap Game Server Hosting Providers in 2026
Here is the full list, ranked by value for money, from the cheapest game server hosting to the best value for bigger groups. Click any name to jump to the full breakdown.
💬 Key Takeaway
- GravelHost – Best Overall Cheap Game Server Hosting, from $1.80
- Shockbyte – Best Cheap Minecraft Server Hosting, from $1.99
- ScalaCube – Best for a Free or $2 Starter Server, from $2.00
- UltaHost – Best Cheap Game Hosting With a 30-Day Refund, from $2.85
- BisectHosting – Best Cheap Hosting for Switching Games, from $5.99
- Hostinger – Best Cheap Game Panel VPS, from $6.99
- Apex Hosting – Best Cheap Hosting for Beginners, from $2.99
- HostHavoc – Best Cheap Plan With Premium Support, from $3.75
- Nodecraft – Best Free Trial and Game Swapping, from $4.17
- RackNerd – Best Cheap VPS to Host a Game Server Yourself, from $35.99/year
1. GravelHost – Best Overall Cheap Game Server Hosting
Pros
- Minecraft from $1.80/month for 2GB, with unlimited player slots
- Use code DPHost for 40% off your first order as a new customer
Cons
- Refund window is 72 hours and limited to one refund per account
- The $1.80 price is the smallest custom plan, the standard cards start at 4GB for $3.60
Summary
GravelHost offers the lowest real price per GB in this list, from $1.80/month for a 2GB Minecraft server, on Ryzen 9 hardware with free DDoS protection and 15 locations.
Price: USD 1.80 Per month, Minecraft 2GB custom plan
Visit GravelHostIf you want the most RAM for the least money, GravelHost is the one to beat. Its Minecraft servers start at $1.80 a month for 2GB with unlimited player slots, and the standard plans work out to roughly $0.90 per GB: 4GB for $3.60, 6GB for $5.40 and 8GB for $7.20 a month, all billed monthly with no inflated renewal. For pure price per GB, no other cheap game server hosting plan here comes close.
That price does not come with corner-cutting. Servers run on Ryzen 9 5900X and 7950X hardware, DDoS protection is included, and you get one-click mod and plugin installs from CurseForge, Modrinth and Technic, a modpack installer, a version changer, and even a mobile app to manage your server. Terraria starts even lower at $1.50 a month, and GravelHost lists 50+ games including FiveM, Palworld, Rust and ARK.
As a DigitalPrahlad reader you can use the code DPHost at checkout for a one-time 40% off your first order as a new customer, which makes it the best cheap game server hosting deal in this guide. Just note the refund window is 72 hours and only one refund is allowed per account.
GravelHost Cheapest Plans
| Plan | RAM | Players | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minecraft 2GB (custom) | 2GB | Unlimited | $1.80/mo |
| Minecraft 4GB | 4GB | Unlimited | $3.60/mo |
| Minecraft 6GB | 6GB | Unlimited | $5.40/mo |
| Terraria | Entry plan | Varies | From $1.50/mo |
| Locations | 15, including Dallas, New York, London, Amsterdam, Singapore, Mumbai, Tokyo and Sydney |
| Refund | 72 hours, one per account |
| Support | 24/7 tickets and Discord, average reply under 5 minutes |
| Promo code | DPHost: 40% off first order for new customers |
Who Should Pick It
Anyone who wants the lowest monthly cost without giving up modern Ryzen hardware, especially Minecraft groups that need more RAM than other budget hosts give at the same price. It is our top pick for cheap game server hosting overall. For our own tests of its uptime, ping and refund rules, read the full GravelHost review.
2. Shockbyte – Best Cheap Minecraft Server Hosting
Pros
- Budget Minecraft line from $1.99/month for 1GB
- 30% off standard Minecraft plans that stays on at renewal
Cons
- Backups are capped at 3 copies and 15GB in total
- Refund is 72 hours, once per customer, and renewals are not refundable
Summary
Shockbyte runs a dedicated budget Minecraft line from $1.99/month for 1GB, plus standard plans with a 30% discount that applies every month, across 70+ games.
Price: USD 1.99 Per month, Budget Minecraft 1GB
Visit ShockbyteShockbyte has been in cheap game server hosting since 2013 and powers over a million servers, and it is one of the few big names with a separate budget Minecraft line. That line starts at $1.99 a month for 1GB, $3.99 for 2GB and $5.99 for 3GB, which is enough for a small vanilla world with a few friends.
If you need more than the budget tier, its standard Minecraft plans currently carry a 30% discount labelled recurring, so the Dirt plan with 1GB is $2.79 a month instead of $3.99, and the price does not jump after the first month. Paying quarterly takes another 10% off and paying annually takes 50% off. That makes it one of the few cheap game server hosting deals where the discount actually lasts.
Shockbyte is also an official Rust partner (it ranks second in our best Rust server hosting guide) and supports 70+ games, with a one-click installer for 3,000+ modpacks. The trade-offs are small but real: backups are limited to three copies and 15GB, and the 72-hour refund can only be used once.
Shockbyte Cheapest Plans
| Plan | RAM | Players | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Minecraft 1GB | 1GB | 2 recommended | $1.99/mo |
| Budget Minecraft 2GB | 2GB | 4 recommended | $3.99/mo |
| Minecraft Dirt (standard) | 1GB | Unlimited | $2.79/mo (30% off recurring) |
| Minecraft Sand (standard) | 2GB | Unlimited | $5.59/mo (30% off recurring) |
| Games | 70+, official Rust partner |
| Refund | 72 hours, once per customer |
| Support | 24/7 tickets, paid fast-track option |
| Discount | 30% off recurring on standard Minecraft, 50% off annual billing |
Who Should Pick It
Minecraft groups that want a well-known brand at a budget price, and anyone who prefers a discount that does not disappear after month one. It is the safest cheap game server hosting choice for a first Minecraft world.
3. ScalaCube – Best for a Free or $2 Starter Server
Pros
- Minecraft from $2/month and a free-forever Minecraft plan
- 50% off the first invoice on Minecraft, plus a 7-day refund
Cons
- The $2 plan has only 768MB RAM, too small for modded Minecraft
- Support is ticket-only from inside the control panel
Summary
ScalaCube is the cheapest way to start: a free-forever Minecraft plan, paid servers from $2/month, 50% off the first Minecraft invoice, and a 7-day refund.
Price: USD 2.00 Per month, Minecraft 768MB (10 players)
Visit ScalaCubeNot sure you even want to pay yet? ScalaCube offers a Minecraft server that is free forever, with no credit card and no time limit, and its paid plans start at just $2 a month. That entry plan has 768MB of RAM for up to 10 players, the next step is 1.5GB for 20 players at $5, and Minecraft orders get 50% off the first invoice. No other option in this cheap game server hosting list lets you start at zero.
Its control panel combines server management and billing in one place, with FTP, RCON, phpMyAdmin and one-click installs for more than 3,000 modpacks, plus Spigot, Paper, Forge and Fabric server types. ScalaCube covers 14 regions, including Brazil, Singapore and India, and backs paid plans with a 7-day money-back guarantee.
Two things to know before you choose it for cheap game server hosting: the $2 plan is fine for a vanilla world but too small for modpacks, and some games carry a smaller first-month discount than Minecraft (Palworld shows 20% off).
ScalaCube Cheapest Plans
| Plan | RAM | Players | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minecraft Free | Limited | Varies | Free forever |
| Minecraft 768MB | 768MB | 10 players | $2.00/mo |
| Minecraft 1.5GB | 1.5GB | 20 players | $5.00/mo |
| Minecraft 3GB | 3GB | 40 players | $10.00/mo |
| Locations | 14 regions, including Brazil, Singapore and India |
| Refund | 7 days |
| Support | Tickets from the control panel, Discord |
| Discount | 50% off first invoice on Minecraft, 20% on some games |
Who Should Pick It
Players who want to try hosting for free first, and small vanilla Minecraft groups on the tightest budget. This is cheap game server hosting at its most basic, and that is the point.
4. UltaHost – Best Cheap Game Hosting With a 30-Day Refund
Pros
- Minecraft Java from $2.85/month, and the price renews at the same rate
- 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat
Cons
- Plans bought with a promo code or discount link are non-refundable
- Most non-Minecraft games start at a flat $5.50/month
Summary
UltaHost runs Minecraft Java servers from $2.85/month for 1GB and 10 players, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, 24/7 live chat and DDoS protection on every gaming plan.
Price: USD 2.85 Per month, Minecraft Java 1GB (10 players)
Visit UltaHostWorried about getting stuck with a server that lags? UltaHost has the longest refund window in this list: a 30-day money-back guarantee on game hosting, compared with 72 hours or 7 days at most budget hosts. Its Minecraft Java plan starts at $2.85 a month for 1GB and 10 players, and the listed price is also what it renews at. That combination is rare in cheap game server hosting.
Bigger plans are 2GB for $5.99 and 3GB for $9.99, while most other games on its gaming hub start at $5.50 a month, with Palworld from $8 for 8 slots. Every gaming plan includes DDoS protection, automated backups and a one-click mod installer, and support runs 24/7 over live chat and tickets, with critical tickets answered in under 30 minutes.
Read the refund rule carefully, though: plans bought with a promo code or special discount link are not refundable, so if the 30-day guarantee matters to you, pay the regular price.
UltaHost Cheapest Plans
| Plan | RAM | Players | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minecraft Java 1GB | 1GB | 10 players | $2.85/mo |
| Minecraft Java 2GB | 2GB | More players | $5.99/mo |
| Most other games | Entry plan | Varies | From $5.50/mo |
| Palworld | Entry plan | 8 slots | $8.00/mo |
| Refund | 30 days (not on promo-priced plans) |
| Support | 24/7 live chat and tickets |
| DDoS | Included on all gaming plans |
| Billing | Yearly -30%, 2 years -40%, 3 years -50% |
Who Should Pick It
First-time server owners who want a long safety net, and anyone who prefers live chat support at any hour. It turns cheap game server hosting into a low-risk trial.
5. BisectHosting – Best Cheap Hosting for Switching Games
Pros
- One plan covers 110+ games, with free game and location swapping
- 21 locations and an average ticket reply under 15 minutes
Cons
- Real Minecraft entry price is $5.99 for 2GB, not the $2.99 sometimes quoted
- Only 2 backup slots, more need the $4.99/month BisectBoost add-on
Summary
BisectHosting’s single BisectOne plan runs any of 110+ games from $5.99/month for 2GB, with free game swapping, 21 locations and fast 24/7 support.
Price: USD 5.99 Per month, BisectOne 2GB
Visit BisectHostingDoes your group jump between Minecraft, Valheim and whatever releases next month? BisectHosting is built for that. One BisectOne plan runs any of its 110+ games, you can swap games for free, and you can move between 21 locations at no cost.
Pricing is by RAM: 2GB is $5.99 a month, 4GB is $11.99 and 8GB is $23.99, and Minecraft, Terraria and Valheim start at the 2GB tier. You will sometimes see a $2.99 figure quoted, but that is not a current game plan, so budget for $5.99. Paying annually brings 2GB down to about $4.80 a month. That puts it at the top end of cheap game server hosting, but one plan does the work of several.
Support is a real strength, with a stated average ticket reply under 15 minutes, and the Starbase panel can pre-install 2,300+ Minecraft modpacks. Backups are the weak spot: two slots are included, and more need the BisectBoost add-on.
BisectHosting Cheapest Plans
| Plan | RAM | Players | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| BisectOne 2GB | 2GB | Unlimited | $5.99/mo |
| BisectOne 4GB | 4GB | Unlimited | $11.99/mo |
| BisectOne 8GB | 8GB | Unlimited | $23.99/mo |
| 2GB billed annually | 2GB | Unlimited | About $4.80/mo |
| Games | 110+, free game swapping |
| Locations | 21, free location swapping |
| Refund | 72 hours |
| Support | 24/7, average reply under 15 minutes |
Who Should Pick It
Groups that play several games and want one cheap plan they can switch between, without paying for a new server each time. Few options in cheap game server hosting are this flexible.
6. Hostinger – Best Cheap Game Panel VPS
Pros
- 4GB RAM, 1 vCPU and 50GB NVMe from $6.99/month with unlimited players
- 100+ games, mod support and a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- The $6.99 price needs a 24-month prepay and renews at $11.99/month
- It is a VPS with a game panel, so backups are weekly
Summary
Hostinger’s Game Panel VPS gives 4GB RAM, NVMe storage and unlimited players from $6.99/month on a 24-month term, with 100+ games and a 30-day refund.
Price: USD 6.99 Per month, Game Panel 1 on a 24-month term
Visit HostingerWant real server resources instead of a small slot-based plan? Hostinger’s Game Panel is a VPS with a game panel on top, so even the smallest plan gives you 4GB of RAM, 1 vCPU, 50GB of NVMe storage and unlimited players for $6.99 a month. You can run more than one game on the same plan, and it supports 100+ titles from Minecraft and Palworld to Rust and Valheim. Think of it as cheap game server hosting with VPS-level resources.
The catch is commitment: that price needs a 24-month prepay, and Game Panel 1 renews at $11.99 a month. Larger plans are $9.49 for 8GB and $13.99 for 16GB on the same terms. You get DDoS protection, free weekly backups, one-click installs, 2,000+ Minecraft modpacks and full root access if you want to go beyond the panel.
With a 30-day money-back guarantee, it is a low-risk cheap game server hosting choice if you are sure you will keep playing for a couple of years.
Hostinger Cheapest Plans
| Plan | RAM | Players | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game Panel 1 | 4GB | Unlimited | $6.99/mo (24 months), renews $11.99 |
| Game Panel 2 | 8GB | Unlimited | $9.49/mo, renews $14.99 |
| Game Panel 4 | 16GB | Unlimited | $13.99/mo, renews $28.99 |
| Games | 100+ |
| Refund | 30 days |
| Backups | Free automatic weekly backups |
| Hardware | AMD EPYC with NVMe |
Who Should Pick It
Groups that want plenty of RAM, unlimited players and the option to host several games, and that are happy to prepay for two years. It is the most powerful cheap game server hosting plan here if you commit long term.
Use code DPHOST at checkout for an additional 10% off at Hostinger
7. Apex Hosting – Best Cheap Hosting for Beginners
Pros
- Entry plans from $2.99/month for Bedrock, Terraria and CS2
- Code APEX25 takes 25% off your first order, plus 24/7 live chat
Cons
- Standard Minecraft Java plans start at 4GB, $14.99/month after the first month
- Refunds need a reason and a ticket within 7 days
Summary
Apex Hosting pairs beginner-friendly setup and 24/7 live chat with entry plans from $2.99/month, 14 locations, 300Gbps DDoS protection and 25% off the first order with APEX25.
Price: USD 2.99 Per month, entry plans for Bedrock, Terraria and CS2
Visit Apex HostingNever set up a game server before? Apex Hosting has been doing this since 2013 and built its reputation on helping beginners, with a Multicraft-based panel, built-in video guides and 24/7 live chat. Entry plans start at $2.99 a month for games like Minecraft Bedrock, Terraria and CS2, and the code APEX25 takes 25% off your first order. Of all the cheap game server hosting options here, it offers the most hand-holding.
Apex is not the cheapest for Minecraft Java, though. Its standard Java plans start at 4GB, $11.24 for the first month and $14.99 a month after that, so it suits groups who value support over the lowest possible price. You get all mod and plugin support, free server transfers, automatic backups and DDoS protection against attacks up to 300Gbps across 14 locations.
Refunds are possible within 7 days, but Apex asks for a reason and a formal ticket, so test your server early.
Apex Hosting Cheapest Plans
| Plan | RAM | Players | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedrock, Terraria, CS2 | Entry plan | Varies | From $2.99/mo |
| Valheim, Project Zomboid | Entry plan | Varies | From $5.99/mo |
| Minecraft Java 4GB | 4GB | Unlimited | $11.24 first month, then $14.99/mo |
| Locations | 14 |
| Refund | 7 days, with a reason |
| Support | 24/7 live chat and tickets |
| Promo code | APEX25: 25% off first order |
Who Should Pick It
First-time server owners who would rather pay a little more for step-by-step help than troubleshoot alone. It is cheap game server hosting for people who would rather ask than dig through forums.
8. HostHavoc – Best Cheap Plan With Premium Support
Pros
- Minecraft from $3.75/month, plus code FALL for 10% off for life
- Own hardware, standard DDoS protection and ticket replies under 10 minutes
Cons
- The 1GB plan suits only 1 to 4 vanilla players
- 72-hour refund window, and billing support is not 24/7
Summary
HostHavoc runs game servers on its own hardware from $3.75/month for Minecraft, with ticket replies under 10 minutes, 14 data centers and code FALL for 10% off for life.
Price: USD 3.75 Per month, Minecraft GRASS 1GB (sale price)
Visit HostHavocHostHavoc is the pick if cheap game server hosting has to mean dependable. It owns and runs its own hardware, says it never over-provisions servers, includes DDoS protection on every plan, and reports an average ticket response under 10 minutes. Its Minecraft GRASS plan is $3.75 a month during its current fall sale (normally $5), and WOOD with 2GB is $7.50.
On top of that, the code FALL takes 10% off new services for life, which beats a one-time discount for a server you plan to keep. Other games are priced per slot, from about $0.30 a slot for ARK to $1.28 a slot for Palworld, across 30+ supported games and 14 data centers in the US, Europe, Singapore and Sydney.
Keep the limits in mind: the 1GB plan suits 1 to 4 vanilla players and is not recommended for modpacks, and the refund window is 72 hours.
HostHavoc Cheapest Plans
| Plan | RAM | Players | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minecraft GRASS | 1GB | 1 to 4 (vanilla) | $3.75/mo (sale), normally $5 |
| Minecraft WOOD | 2GB | 5 to 10 | $7.50/mo (sale), normally $10 |
| Palworld | Per slot | Varies | From $12/mo |
| Locations | 14 data centers |
| Refund | 72 hours |
| Support | 24/7 technical, average reply under 10 minutes |
| Promo code | FALL: 10% off new services for life |
Who Should Pick It
Server owners who keep a world running for months and care more about uptime and fast support than the absolute lowest price. In cheap game server hosting, that level of support is unusual.
9. Nodecraft – Best Free Trial and Game Swapping
Pros
- 24-hour free trial with no credit card
- Save and Swap between 78 games on one plan, with free cloud backups
Cons
- The 30% discount is first month only
- Live chat and phone support run 11:30 AM to 8 PM CST, not 24/7
Summary
Nodecraft offers a 24-hour no-card free trial, 78 games you can swap on one plan, free cloud backups and 26 locations, with Minecraft from $4.17 for the first month.
Price: USD 4.17 Per month, Minecraft entry plan (first month, 30% off)
Visit NodecraftWant to test before you pay anything? Nodecraft lets you try a server free for 24 hours with no credit card, or for 3 days if you add payment details. Minecraft Java starts at $4.17 for the first month with its current 30% new-server discount, and the regular plans start from $5.96. That makes it the easiest cheap game server hosting to test with real players.
Its biggest draw is Save and Swap: one subscription can switch between 78 games without paying for a new plan, and cloud backups are included on every plan and kept for at least 45 days, even after you cancel. Nodecraft covers 26 locations, including Madrid, Prague, Tokyo and Auckland, and there is no player slot limit.
Two catches: the 30% off is for the first month only, and live chat and phone support are limited to 11:30 AM to 8 PM CST.
Nodecraft Cheapest Plans
| Plan | RAM | Players | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minecraft Java | Entry plan | Unlimited | $4.17 first month (30% off) |
| Regular plans | 2GB to 32GB | Unlimited | From $5.96/mo |
| Build Your Own | Custom | Unlimited | $6.99 first month, then $9.98 |
| Games | 78, Save and Swap at no charge |
| Locations | 26 |
| Refund | 7 days, one service per account |
| Free trial | 24 hours, no card |
Who Should Pick It
Groups that rotate between several games, and anyone who wants to try cheap game server hosting free before spending anything.
10. RackNerd – Best Cheap VPS to Host a Game Server Yourself
Pros
- 2GB RAM and 2 vCPU for $35.99/year, about $3/month
- Same price at renewal, with 12+ US and European locations
Cons
- Fully DIY: no game panel, you install and update everything
- No refunds by default, and backups are not included
Summary
RackNerd’s 2GB, 2 vCPU KVM VPS costs $35.99 a year, about $3 a month with the same renewal price, making it the cheapest way to self-host a game server if you are comfortable with Linux.
Price: USD 3.00 Per month equivalent, 2GB KVM VPS at $35.99/year
Visit RackNerdComfortable with a terminal? Then the cheapest game server is often one you run yourself, and it beats most cheap game server hosting plans on RAM per dollar. RackNerd’s special KVM VPS gives you 2GB of RAM, 2 vCPU and 35GB of SSD for $35.99 a year, about $3 a month, and the price stays the same when it renews. For bigger worlds, 4GB with 3 vCPU is $59.99 a year. For a group that can handle setup, it is the most hands-on form of cheap game server hosting.
This is unmanaged hosting: there is no game panel, so you install the game server yourself, for example the official Minecraft server or a Steam game through SteamCMD, or a free panel like Pterodactyl. RackNerd has locations across the US, Canada and Europe, plus a Windows VPS from $27.59 a month if your game needs Windows.
Know the risks before you pick this over managed cheap game server hosting: refunds are not given by default, backups are not included, and DDoS protection is only advertised for its Los Angeles location.
RackNerd Cheapest Plans
| Plan | RAM | Players | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| KVM VPS 1GB | 1GB | Self-managed | $21.99/year |
| KVM VPS 2GB | 2GB, 2 vCPU | Self-managed | $35.99/year (about $3/mo) |
| KVM VPS 4GB | 4GB, 3 vCPU | Self-managed | $59.99/year |
| Windows VPS 2GB | 2GB | Self-managed | $27.59/mo |
| Management | Unmanaged, full root access |
| Refund | None by default |
| Locations | 12+ in the US, Canada and Europe |
| Renewal | Same price on renewal |
Who Should Pick It
Technical players who want the most RAM per dollar and do not mind installing, updating and backing up the server themselves.
Cheap Game Server Hosting Compared
Here is every cheap game server hosting plan side by side, with the refund window and any promo code you can use.
| Host | Cheapest Plan | Refund | Promo |
|---|---|---|---|
| GravelHost | $1.80/mo, Minecraft 2GB | 72 hours | DPHost, 40% off first order |
| Shockbyte | $1.99/mo, Budget Minecraft 1GB | 72 hours | 30% off recurring (standard plans) |
| ScalaCube | Free, or $2/mo for 768MB | 7 days | 50% off first Minecraft invoice |
| UltaHost | $2.85/mo, Minecraft Java 1GB | 30 days | Site-wide sales |
| BisectHosting | $5.99/mo, 2GB (any game) | 72 hours | Cheaper on annual billing |
| Hostinger | $6.99/mo, 4GB Game Panel (24 months) | 30 days | Up to 67% off |
| Apex Hosting | From $2.99/mo (Bedrock, Terraria) | 7 days | APEX25, 25% off first order |
| HostHavoc | $3.75/mo, Minecraft 1GB (sale) | 72 hours | FALL, 10% off for life |
| Nodecraft | $4.17 first month, Minecraft | 7 days | 30% off first month, free trial |
| RackNerd | $35.99/year, 2GB VPS (DIY) | None by default | Same price at renewal |
Cheapest Game Server Hosting by Game
Most people searching for cheap game server hosting have one game in mind, and prices change a lot from game to game. Here is the cheapest verified starting price for popular titles across the 10 hosts above.
| Game | Cheapest Pick | Starting Price | Also Consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minecraft Java | GravelHost | $1.80/mo (2GB), 40% off with DPHost | Shockbyte Budget 1GB at $1.99/mo |
| Minecraft Bedrock | Apex Hosting | From $2.99/mo | ScalaCube free plan |
| Terraria | GravelHost | From $1.50/mo | Apex Hosting from $2.99/mo |
| Palworld | UltaHost | $8/mo (8 slots) | Apex Hosting from $8.99/mo |
| Valheim | BisectHosting | $5.99/mo (2GB) | Apex Hosting from $5.99/mo |
| Rust | HostHavoc | From $0.53 per slot | Nodecraft from $20.86/mo |
| ARK | HostHavoc | From $0.30 per slot | UltaHost from $16/mo |
Per-slot prices look tiny, but multiply them by your player count before comparing. For most groups, the cheapest game server hosting for Minecraft is GravelHost or Shockbyte, while heavier survival games like Palworld and ARK cost more everywhere because they need more RAM.
How Much RAM Should a Cheap Game Server Hosting Plan Have?
RAM is where cheap game server hosting plans either work or fall apart. Not sure what you need? Try our free game server RAM calculator to get an estimate for your game, players and mods. The hosts themselves give useful guidance: Shockbyte recommends its 1GB budget plan for about 2 players, HostHavoc rates 1GB for 1 to 4 vanilla Minecraft players and says it is not recommended for modpacks, and BisectHosting labels 2GB as suitable for about 3 Minecraft players.
| Your Server | Sensible Starting RAM | Cheapest Fit in This List |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla Minecraft, 2 to 4 friends | 1GB to 2GB | GravelHost 2GB, Shockbyte Budget 1GB |
| Vanilla Minecraft, 5 to 10 players | 2GB to 4GB | GravelHost 4GB, Shockbyte Budget 2GB |
| Modded Minecraft or modpacks | 4GB to 8GB | GravelHost 6GB, Hostinger Game Panel |
| Palworld | 8GB or more | Hostinger Game Panel 2, GravelHost Alpha Mammorest |
For cheap Minecraft server hosting, those numbers mean a $2 to $4 plan is plenty for a small group. Palworld is far heavier than Minecraft. Our best Palworld dedicated server guide covers its RAM needs in detail, so do not size a Palworld world off a Minecraft plan.
What to Look for in Cheap Game Server Hosting
A low price only matters if the server runs well. These are the specs and features worth checking before you buy cheap game server hosting:
- CPU and storage: fast single-thread CPUs like AMD Ryzen 9 and NVMe storage keep tick rates stable. GravelHost uses Ryzen 9 5900X and 7950X, and Hostinger uses AMD EPYC with NVMe.
- Control panel: look for one-click installs and an easy console. Apex Hosting and HostHavoc use Multicraft for Minecraft, BisectHosting uses its own Starbase panel, and self-hosters often install Pterodactyl.
- Mod support: check for CurseForge and Modrinth modpacks and server types like Paper, Spigot, Forge and Fabric if you plan to run mods.
- DDoS protection: game servers are common attack targets, so it should be included, not an add-on.
- Location and ping: choose a data center close to most players, a cheap server on the wrong continent still lags.
- Backups: confirm how many are included. Shockbyte caps backups at 3, while Nodecraft keeps cloud backups for 45 days.
- Refund window: it ranges from 72 hours at Shockbyte and HostHavoc to 30 days at UltaHost.
If a cheap game server hosting plan ticks these boxes, the low price is a genuine deal rather than a shortcut.
Is Free Game Server Hosting Worth It?
Free hosting is fine for a quick test, but it comes with limits. Popular free Minecraft hosts like Aternos and Minehut shut your server down when nobody is online and can make you wait in a queue to start it again. ScalaCube’s free Minecraft plan is a genuine free-forever option with no card required, though it notes that some modding features need a paid plan. Nodecraft’s 24-hour no-card trial is another way to test performance before you pay.
Once your group plays regularly, a cheap game server hosting plan at $2 to $4 a month usually pays for itself in uptime, backups and DDoS protection that free tiers do not promise.
How to Spot a Fake Cheap Deal
Not every low price is real. Watch for these traps when comparing cheap game server hosting:
- First-month-only discounts. Nodecraft’s 30% off and Apex’s APEX25 apply once, so check the price from month two.
- Long prepay terms. Hostinger’s $6.99 needs 24 months upfront and renews at $11.99.
- Per-slot pricing. A low per-slot rate can cost more than a flat plan once your group grows.
- Tiny RAM. A $2 plan with 768MB is fine for vanilla, but not for modpacks.
- Backup limits. Some hosts cap backups or sell extra slots as an add-on.
- Refund fine print. UltaHost does not refund promo-priced plans, and several hosts allow only one refund per account.
The cheapest game server hosting is the plan that fits your game today and still costs the same next month.
Can You Host a Game Server Yourself on a Cheap VPS?
Yes, and it is often cheaper than managed cheap game server hosting if you are comfortable with Linux. On a VPS like RackNerd’s 2GB plan you install the server yourself, for example the official Minecraft Java server, or most Steam game servers through SteamCMD.
You save money compared with cheap game server hosting, but you take on updates, backups and security yourself. If you are also setting up a Linux machine to play on, our guide to the best Linux distros for gaming is a good starting point, and our breakdown of game server locations helps you pick a region close to your players.
Tips to Keep Your Game Server Hosting Cheap
A few habits keep cheap game server hosting cheap long after the first month:
- Start on the smallest cheap game server hosting plan that fits, and upgrade only when you see lag.
- Use promo codes on the first order, such as DPHost at GravelHost or APEX25 at Apex.
- Pay quarterly or annually where the discount is real, such as Shockbyte’s 50% off annual billing.
- Pick a location close to most players, a cheap server far away still feels laggy.
- Watch for seasonal sales. Our Black Friday hosting deals guide tracks the yearly discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest game server hosting in 2026?
ScalaCube has a free-forever Minecraft plan, and among paid plans GravelHost starts at $1.80 a month for a 2GB Minecraft server, with Shockbyte’s Budget Minecraft line at $1.99 for 1GB. New GravelHost customers can also use code DPHost for 40% off the first order.
Is cheap game server hosting good enough for Minecraft?
Yes, for vanilla Minecraft with a small group. A 1GB to 2GB plan handles about 2 to 4 players, while modpacks usually need 4GB to 8GB, so size the plan to your group and mods rather than picking the lowest price.
How much RAM do I need for a game server?
For vanilla Minecraft with a few friends, 1GB to 2GB is enough. Modded Minecraft needs 4GB to 8GB, and heavier games like Palworld need 8GB or more.
Which cheap game server host has the best refund policy?
UltaHost offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on game hosting, and Hostinger offers 30 days on its Game Panel. Most other budget hosts give 72 hours to 7 days.
Can I get a free game server?
Yes. ScalaCube offers a free-forever Minecraft server with no card required, and Nodecraft offers a 24-hour free trial without a card. Free plans have limits, so most regular groups move to a cheap paid plan.
Is it cheaper to host a game server on a VPS?
Often, yes. RackNerd’s 2GB VPS costs $35.99 a year, about $3 a month, but you install and maintain the server yourself, with no game panel, backups or refunds by default.
Do cheap game server hosts include DDoS protection?
Most do. GravelHost, Shockbyte, ScalaCube, UltaHost, BisectHosting, Hostinger, Apex Hosting, HostHavoc and Nodecraft all list DDoS protection. On a self-managed VPS like RackNerd it depends on the location.
Is there a promo code for cheap game server hosting?
Yes. GravelHost code DPHost gives new customers 40% off the first order, Apex Hosting code APEX25 gives 25% off the first order, and HostHavoc code FALL gives 10% off new services for life.
Which cheap game server hosting is best for Palworld?
UltaHost has the lowest verified Palworld price in this list at $8 a month for 8 slots, with Apex Hosting from $8.99. Palworld needs much more RAM than Minecraft, so cheap game server hosting plans built for Minecraft are usually too small for it.
Is cheap game server hosting safe to use?
Yes, if the host includes DDoS protection, backups and a refund window. Every managed host in this list includes DDoS protection, so the main risks with cheap game server hosting are too little RAM and short refund windows rather than security.
Final Verdict: Which Cheap Game Server Hosting Should You Pick?
There is no single best cheap game server hosting plan, because the right one depends on your game and group size. If you want the short version, these are the five to start with:
- GravelHost for the most RAM per dollar, from $1.80 a month, plus 40% off with DPHost.
- Shockbyte for a cheap, trusted Minecraft server from $1.99 a month.
- ScalaCube if you want to start free and move to $2 a month later.
- UltaHost for a 30-day refund and 24/7 live chat from $2.85 a month.
- BisectHosting if your group switches between games on one plan.
Whichever cheap game server hosting you choose, check the price from month two and the refund window before you pay. That habit saves more than any coupon.
In Short, These Are the Best Cheap Game Server Hosting Providers in 2026
| # | Provider | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | GravelHost | Overall Cheap Game Server Hosting | $1.80/mo |
| 2 | Shockbyte | Cheap Minecraft Server Hosting | $1.99/mo |
| 3 | ScalaCube | for a Free or $2 Starter Server | $2.00/mo |
| 4 | UltaHost | Cheap Game Hosting With a 30-Day Refund | $2.85/mo |
| 5 | BisectHosting | Cheap Hosting for Switching Games | $5.99/mo |
| 6 | Hostinger | Cheap Game Panel VPS | $6.99/mo |
| 7 | Apex Hosting | Cheap Hosting for Beginners | $2.99/mo |
| 8 | HostHavoc | Cheap Plan With Premium Support | $3.75/mo |
| 9 | Nodecraft | Free Trial and Game Swapping | $4.17/mo |
| 10 | RackNerd | Cheap VPS to Host a Game Server Yourself | $35.99/year |
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