$ ssh clawdbot.space --loading...
$ ssh clawdbot.space --loading...
/** Should you run OpenClaw on your own hardware, or pay for a managed setup? Here's the honest breakdown. */
If you value privacy, want full control over models and skills, and don't mind 30 minutes of setup, self-hosted OpenClaw is the better long-term choice. If you want to skip setup entirely and don't mind a monthly fee, a hosted option like open-claw.org may save time upfront.
| Feature | Self-Hosted | Hosted |
|---|---|---|
Monthly cost | Hardware + API only (~$0β$40) | $39.9/mo + overages |
Setup time | 15β45 minutes | Near-instant |
Data privacy | Your data stays on your machine | Runs on provider infrastructure |
Model choice | Claude, OpenAI, Ollama, Groq, etc. | Provider-curated pool |
Custom skills | Install any community or custom skill | Limited to approved skills |
Maintenance | You update and secure the server | Provider-managed |
Offline use | Yes, with local models | No |
API credits | You bring your own keys | $40 included credits |
Based on a single user with moderate API usage.
Most users can get running in 30 minutes. Pick your platform: