Summary of Best Rust Server Hosting Providers
Provider | Starting Price | Storage (GB) | CPU (Cores) | RAM (GB) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
$4.49 | 50-400 | 1-8 | 4-32 | Visit Hostinger | |
$5.50 | 50-750 | 2-12 | 2-64 | Visit Ultahost | |
$4.00 | 20-4000 | 1-32 | 1-128 | Visit Kamatera | |
$2.00 | 10-640 | 1-12 | 1-24 | Visit IONOS | |
$6.00 | 30-480 | 1-16 | 2-32 | Visit InterServer |
Rust is a multiplayer survival game that involves survivors fighting for their lives in an ever-changing, harsh environment. But you know that already. In this article, we will show you the best Rust server hosting providers. These providers offer all the infrastructure and support you need to get the best of the tough yet exciting multiplayer game.
Here Are the Top 5 Rust Server Hosting Providers
- Hostinger – Best VPS Provider for Rust Server Hosting
- Ultahost – Best SSD Storage for Rust Server Hosting
- Kamatera – Best Rust Server Hosting Overall
- IONOS – Best Cheap Gaming Service Provider for Rust Server Hosting
- InterServer – Best Bare Metal Server for Rust Server Hosting
The Best Rust Server Hosting Services of 2024 (Bought and Tested)
With over 29 million users worldwide, Hostinger is a top-notch hosting provider that offers all the tools and features you need to set up a private gaming server for you and your friends. You can easily access and manage your server with the user-friendly hPanel.
- Overall score – 4.5
- Pricing – 4.5
- Features – 4.5
- Performance – 4.5
- Support – 4.5
- User Friendly – 4.5
Pricing: Hostinger offers three Minecraft Server Hosting plans. The entry plan (VPS Alex Plan) offers 4 GB RAM, 1 vCPU hardware, mod support, full root access, DDoS protection, and automatic off-site backups for $6.99/mo. We recommend the $12.99/mo VPS Creeper Plan because of its 8 GB RAM and 2 vCPU hardware.
Features: Hostinger Minecraft Server Hosting plans feature instant setup, dedicated IP address, automated backups, mod support, full root access, automatic installers, and lag-free servers with SSD storage and Intel Xeon Processors.
Performance: Hostinger Minecraft Server Hosting plans include DDoS protection and automated backups to protect your gaming data. You also get a 99.9% uptime guarantee.
Support: Hostinger offers 24/7 customer support. Live chat support is available, alongside tutorials and guides to help you set up and customize your server. However, there’s no phone support.
User Friendly: With Hostinger, you can create an account and purchase a hosting plan within minutes. The entire process is simple for even beginners. If you encounter issues, you can contact the customer support for assistance.
Additional Parameter – Simple VPS plans: Hostinger is perfect for casual gamers who want a simplified Rust VPS gaming server. The plans are just three, so you won’t have to spend too much time comparing them. The plans are also quite affordable, and the highest tier plan is sufficient for even advanced gamers. If you want other options, you can check their regular VPS hosting plans.
Pros & Cons
- Instant server availability
- Dedicated IP address
- Plugin and automatic mod installers
- Premium hardware & SSD storage
- No dedicated servers
Ultahost is a top-tier gaming hosting services provider. Their dedicated servers and VPS plans offer plenty of hosting resources and powerful infrastructure to deploy Rust online. Their generous SSD storage allocation deserves mention. They are ideal for large gaming circles with a lot of gaming data.
- Overall score – 4.7
- Pricing – 4.5
- Features – 5
- Performance – 4.7
- Support – 4.7
- User Friendly – 4.7
Pricing: The cheapest VPS plan (VPS BASIC) costs $3.85/mo. This plan offers a single-core CPU, 1 GB RAM, and 30 GB NVMe storage. If you require cPanel, your bill will be $22.85/mo. Dedicated servers start at $90.93/mo. The cheapest plan includes 1 CPU (2.80-3.20GHz), 2x 960GB SSD, 64 GB RAM, and managed gaming servers. Ultahost accepts payment via debit/credit cards, Payoneer, swift transfer, and cryptocurrencies.
Features: Gaming features on Ultahost plans include 8+ global server locations, enterprise-grade NVMe SSD storage, a 99.9% uptime guarantee, Intel Xeon processors, server security, and automatic plugin updates.
Performance: Rust gamers using Ultahost servers will experience good reliability and uptime because the web host ensures the servers are always fully operational. The hosting company also provides instant scalability, so gamers can upgrade servers as necessary. Other performance features include 99.99% uptime and DDoS protection.
Support: Gaming support is available 24/7 via live chat and ticketing system. The web host also maintains an active online community where users can get insights from fellow Rust gamers. In addition, Ultahost offers an extensive knowledge base with guides and tutorials. Gamers needing extra support can opt for an advanced or premium support add-on.
User Friendly: Ultahost is an easy-to-use web hosting provider, and their gaming hosting plans are no exception. Rust gamers will find it easy to navigate the site and select their desired pans. The support team is also available to assist with technical issues.
Additional parameter – Generous Storage: Generally, you have to choose between more storage space and fast disk read/write time. This is because the cheaper option (HDD) offers slower speed while the faster option (SDD) is expensive. Ultahost allows you to get both by offering generous SSD storage space at a cheap price. If space is a priority for you, then consider using Ultahost services.
Pros & Cons
- 8+ global server locations
- Lightning-fast speed NVMe SSD storage
- 99.9% uptime, guarantee
- Automatic server and plugin updates
- cPanel requires extra payment
Kamatera is the king of cloud servers. The web host offers powerful cloud server hosting packages with additional services such as extra backups and managed service. You also get to choose from 18 data centers globally. Hosting your Rust server on Kamatera assures you of quality gameplay with no performance lag.
- Overall score – 4.9
- Pricing – 5
- Features – 5
- Performance – 5
- Support – 4.5
- User Friendly – 5
Pricing: Kamatera offers a pay-as-you-use model. The base configuration costs $4 monthly ($0.005/hour) and offers 1 GB RAM, 1 vCPU (2667 MHz), and 20 GB SSD storage. A configuration suitable for a small Rust server (2 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, 25 GB space) will cost upwards of $30 monthly. Managed service costs an extra $50 monthly.
Features: Rust gaming features from Kamatera include cloud hosting infrastructure, 10Gbit/sec port, SSD storage, data centers on almost all continents, and a 99.95% uptime guarantee. Other features include 24/7 customer support, an intuitive management panel, high-performance drives, and anti-DDoS protection.
Performance: In terms of reliability, you have nothing to worry about. Kamatera offers a 99.95% uptime guarantee. You can get 100% uptime for over a year or more. In terms of performance, it depends on your server configuration. We recommend the “Burstable” or “Dedicated” CPU types alongside 8 GB RAM and 60+ storage space. This assures you of smooth gameplay at all times.
Support: General support for gamers is available via email, live chat, and phone. The support team will assist you with general server setup and maintenance issues and provide guidance while you do the work yourself. If you want them to handle severe maintenance on your behalf, you must purchase the managed service add-on.
User Friendly: Kamatera tries to make Rust server hosting as simple as possible. You can purchase a pre-configured plan or design one based on your needs and budget. They also allow you to pay by the hour (billed by the second) or monthly. Once your server is ready, you can set up the Rust hosting environment using the intuitive management panel. If you need help, the support team is only one message away.
Additional parameter – Instant scalability: As you save game data and add new players, you will begin to reach the limits of your Rust server rental. Kamatera allows you to allocate more resources from its easy-to-use interface. If you are having a social gaming session with many friends, you can temporarily increase your server capacity to accommodate the increased traffic. After the session ends, you can downgrade your plan to the former resource allocation. The best part is that you will only pay for what you use.
Pros & Cons
- 30-day free trial plan
- 10Gbit/sec port connection speed
- Pay-as-you-use model
- Instant scalability
- 18 global data centers
- Managed service costs extra
IONOS is a leading enterprise-grade web hosting provider serving over 8 million customers globally. Their affordable pricing plans and unlimited storage make them a top Rust hosting provider. We recommended their hosting resources for streamers and advanced Rust gamers who want top-tier performance on a budget.
- Overall score – 4.6
- Pricing – 4.5
- Features – 4.8
- Performance – 4.5
- Support – 4
- User Friendly – 5
Pricing: IONOS offers one of the cheapest servers we’ve seen. The VPS options start at $2/mo. This plan (VPS Linux XS) offers 1 vCore, 1 GB RAM, and 10 GB SSD, all free for the first 30 days after you sign up. On the dedicated server end, the cheapest plan is the ARM-32 HDD plan, featuring 6 cores, 32 GB RAM, and 2x 1000 GB HDD at $70/mo.
Features: IONOS VPS plans are fully virtualized servers with root access. They feature unlimited traffic, NVMe storage, a Plesk control panel, multiple data center location options, and 24/7 customer support. The dedicated server plans include full CPU, RAM, and storage configuration options, API & cloud integration, AMD and Intel processors, and an advanced firewall.
Performance: Due to its hardware and recent performance, we consider IONOS a reliable web host. They operate 10 certified data centers, so you can find one near your gaming community. It offers 99.9% uptime, fully secured networks, and DDoS protection.
Support: All IONOS plans include 24/7 customer support. You can contact the support team anytime via phone, email, or live chat. There’s also an extensive online help center and a community of users ready to share their experiences and knowledge.
User Friendly: IONOS simplifies the process of setting up and managing your Rust server. Your server becomes available as soon as you make your purchase. You can search the knowledge base for guidance on optimizing your server for a good Rust gaming experience. If you run into issues, contact the support team for assistance.
Additional parameter – Affordability: If you are looking for cheap yet reliable servers for high-performance Rust gaming servers, sign up with IONOS. There are many mid-tier plans that will cater to your gaming needs without putting a hole in your pocket.
Pros & Cons
- State-of-the-art processors
- Up-to-date security features
- Fast SSD NVMe storage
- Full root access
- High renewal prices
InterServer is a leading dedicated server provider. They offer almost a hundred dedicated server plans grouped into various categories. These plans are generally affordable, have generous features, and are compatible with Rust server hosting. They also offer powerful VPS plans for hobbyist Rust gamers who do not want to invest in a full server.
- Overall score – 4.8
- Pricing – 5
- Features – 4.8
- Performance – 5
- Support- 5
- User Friendly- 4.5
Pricing: The cheapest VPS plan costs $6/mo. It offers 1 CPU core, 2 GB RAM, 30 GB SSD space, and 2 TB transfer. The entry-level dedicated server plan (AMD RYZEN 5600X) costs $73/mo. This plan offers 6 CPU cores, 64 GB RAM, and 150 TB transfer. You can also choose a 2 TB HDD or 250 GB SSD for this configuration. If you can’t afford the dedicated server plan, you can choose a higher-tier VPS plan.
Features: With InterServer dedicated servers, you get DDoS protection, 1 GB or 10 GB port connection, 150 TB transfer, remote access, 24/7 server monitoring, and managed support. The VPS plans feature cloud servers, SSD storage, full server control, and self-healing hardware. These servers are bare metal, so you have to optimize them for Rust gaming on your own.
Performance: InterSever offers a 99.9% uptime guarantee. However, since their servers are U.S.-based, you will get slightly better performance if your gaming circle is located in North America. We recommend the 10 GB port connection option as it offers a smoother gameplay experience.
Support: 24/7 support is available via live chat, ticket system, and phone. Dedicated servers come with managed support. However, the managed support is not comprehensive, so you will still have to perform some server tasks yourself.
User Friendly: InterServer is generally easy to use, but beginners may struggle with setting up their hosting environment. However, they can check online resources or contact fellow gamers for assistance. On the server side, the web host will assist with certain tasks, such as system/control panel reinstallation, hardware issues, and repair of malfunctioning servers. Any other tasks fall under paid service.
Additional parameter – Bare Metal Servers: InterServer offers cheap bare metal server plans. Bare metal servers offer you the best performance and full range control. They are perfect for serious Rust gamers who want the best gaming experience for their gaming circle. Typically, these servers cost a lot, but with InterServer, you can get them at pocket-friendly prices.
Pros & Cons
- Unmetered bandwidth
- 150 TB transfer (Dedicated server plans)
- Free managed support
- 99.9% uptime guarantee
- Managed support offers limited services
Ranking comparison between the Top Providers
Best Rust Hosting Services: Final Recommendations
We recommend Kamatera as the top choice for the best Rust gaming experience. Their cloud servers are optimized from the ground up to give you the best hosting experience regardless of what you use them for. You can also configure your server to your taste and choose what you pay for. With their 18 data centers, you are sure to find a server location with blazing loading speeds for your Rust gaming circle.
We understand that Kamatera may not be right for everyone, so we recommend other equally great options such as Ultahost, IONOS, InterServer, Hostinger, and StableHost.
- If your priority is ample SSD storage, then Ultahost is definitely a provider to consider.
- StableHost has a slight edge due to its customer support response time.
- If you’re on a tight budget, IONOS offers affordable servers, from $2/mo, that are perfect for Rust server hosting.
- Hostinger is a great option if you want a web host that offers full gaming support.
Types of Rust Server Hosting and Which Is the Right One for You?
There are two types of Rust Server Hosting plans: VPS and dedicated server. There is also a third option – cloud servers. However, most providers use cloud servers for their underlying hosting infrastructure. Let’s examine them briefly:
- Virtual Private Server (VPS) is a type of web hosting in which a single physical server is divided into multiple virtual servers. Each virtual server operates independently and has its own resources (CPU, RAM, and disk space). VPS hosting provides affordable options for users who cannot afford or do not need a complete server.
- Cloud servers are similar to VPS hosting but use a network of physical servers to host websites and applications. The resources of these servers are pooled, and the hosting provider can allocate resources dynamically to meet the needs of a particular website or application. Some Rust server hosting providers, such as IONOS, offer cloud servers as a different package, while providers like Kamatera use cloud servers for their hosting packages.
- Dedicated servers offer the resources of a single server to a single client. We recommend dedicated servers as they offer the best hosting experience. However, you can also get a good gaming experience with a VPS plan. Just ensure that it provides sufficient resources to run the game.
The ideal specifications to look out for in any server hosting plan for Rust are:
- Processor with at least 3.4 GHz (Preferably single core)
- 4-6 GB of RAM for a small group and 8-16 GB of RAM for a large group
- Minimum storage of 32 GB – preferably SSD or NVMe (6 GB of hard disk space goes for the basic installation)
Factors to Consider When Choosing Rust Server Hosting
When choosing a Rust server hosting provider, you should consider some fundamental factors:
- Server location: The closer the data center is to your location, the better the gaming experience. You should focus on web hosts with data centers close to your location.
- Support service: It is important to choose a hosting provider that offers 24/7 support. Some providers also offer managed support, while others do not.
- Affordability: Select a provider that offers competitive pricing without sacrificing the quality of their services.
- Easy Management: Most web hosts offer cPanel. However, it is common to find web hosts offering DirectAdmin, Plesk, or even their own proprietary control panels. We recommend using a control panel you are familiar with. If you are using a server for the first time, cPanel makes it easy to switch to another provider.
- Anti-DDoS protection: Advanced-level DDoS protection is a must when hosting Rust or any game server. Private Rust servers have been the target of multiple DDoS attacks.
- Uptime: Uptime is key to ensuring that your server is always accessible. You can verify the provider’s uptime by checking reviews from hosting experts and other users.
- Backups: Backups are an essential aspect of server management. They help preserve your server’s data and protect against malicious attacks, such as bad players and malicious code. Choose a provider that offers automatic backups and restore options.
Managed vs Unmanaged Hosting: Which Is Better for Rust Hosting?
When it comes to server management, there are two major options: managed and unmanaged.
- Managed hosting means the web host will help you manage your server. They will help you set it up, optimize it for your needs, and monitor it. It is perfect for beginners, casual gamers, and people who don’t mind using preset settings. The downsides are limited customization options and price (the web host will charge extra for managed service). Note that some web hosts promise managed service but still require you to handle server issues. An example is InterServer. For this reason, make sure you read the fine print.
- Unmanaged hosting means the web host makes the server available, then hands it over to you. You are free to make changes even at the root level. This option offers greater control but has the most technical requirements. It is also cheaper than a managed plan. If you are experienced and need customization options, then choose unmanaged hosting. But note that you are fully responsible for whatever happens to your server.
How do we rank, and how should you choose your Rust Hosting Provider?
- Types of Hosting3%
- Customization Options10%
- Scaling Options3%
- Performance10%
- Feature Set10%
- Ease of Use7%
- Customer Support7%
- Pricing20%
- User Reviews30%
At HostAdvice, we use a comprehensive methodology to rank hosting providers and help you choose the one that best suits your needs. Here are the factors we consider and the percentage we attach to each:
- Types of Hosting (3%): VPS, cloud, and dedicated servers are the only options available to Rust gamers. Most providers offer all three (IONOS), some offer only two (StableHost), while some offer only one (Hostinger)
- Customization Options (10%): Many web hosts allow you to customize your hosting plan. On these plans, you will also have complete root access to optimize the server to your taste.
- Scaling Options (3%): We focus primarily on web hosts that allow you to upgrade and downgrade your hosting resources based on your needs. Some providers allow you to do this within your current plan, while others may require you to switch plans.
- Performance (10%): Performance is a two-way street. On the web host’s side, we look for strong uptime, high-speed connections, fast storage and processors, Cloudflare CDNs, and port connections. We also expect web hosts to provide tools to boost your Rust gaming performance. These include servers close to your location, security tools, and instant scalability.
- Feature Set (10%): We expect all Rust server rental services to offer a user-friendly control panel, SSD storage, fast processors, automated backups, root access, multiple OS options, support for mods and plugins, and 24/7 customer support.
- Ease of Use (7%): We focus on the type of control panel offered, website navigation, user dashboard, and streamlined account creation process. The popular options for control panels are cPanel and Plesk. However, it is not uncommon to find providers like Hostinger offering in-house proprietary panels (hPanel).
- Customer Support (7%): 24/7 technical support is non-negotiable. Some providers offer these through live chat, ticket system, email, or phone. We also check whether the web host provides a knowledge base and an active online community.
- Pricing (20%): Our focus here is to seek value for money, not necessarily low prices. Some plans may look expensive, but when you consider all the features included, you will realize you are getting a bargain.
- User Reviews (30%): We check reviews left by users on our website and other third-party review sites to get a full perspective on each Rust hosting provider. We also consider reviews conducted by our own in-house web hosting experts.
What is Rust Server Hosting, and who is it for?
Rust server hosting is any hosting server that can host the Rust survival game. VPS and dedicated servers fall into this category.
Some web hosts advertise Rust server hosting on their websites, while others don’t. What is important is that the server plans provide the needed infrastructure to host, run, and manage a Rust server. You should expect DDoS protection, lag-free permanence, quality customer service, and sufficient hosting resources.
Rust server hosting is perfect for
- casual gamers
- streamers
- Rust gaming communities
Since the underlying hosting infrastructure is a regular VPS or dedicated server, the hosting package can also be used for other hosting applications, such as website or database hosting.