iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
There is no proven single cheapest Starbound host. The lowest published entry price in the available 2026 listings is Monolith Corp’s £4.50 per month, but that is not a like-for-like winner: the offers use different currencies, regions, billing terms and resource allocations. Gravel Host lists $5.99 for 4 GB and up to eight players, Shockbyte’s UK page lists £5.90 for 2 GB and four players, and Server.pro starts at $7 for 4 GB. Godlike.Host is our top pick for Starbound: it has a free Starbound server card for trying its panel (it must be extended every 3 hours, has limited panel features and one location), and its paid plans are on its Starbound page, so see the current plans.
A “good” cheap server is the least expensive plan that fits your player count and mods, has usable file access, is near your players, includes acceptable backups and has clear renewal and refund terms. Treat every capacity, uptime and performance statement below as a provider claim; no independent load or latency testing established a best performer.
What “cheapest” really means for a Starbound server
Sticker prices cannot be compared until you normalize the details behind them. A £4.50 German plan, a $5.99 North American plan and a £5.90 UK plan are not the same transaction, and a two-player private world has different needs from a modded eight-player community.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Currency and tax: Pounds and dollars may be shown before local taxes or payment fees. Use the checkout total for your billing country.
- Billing term: A monthly figure can differ from a quarterly or annual commitment. Longer terms may receive discounts, but the total paid up front and the renewal price matter more than the headline monthly equivalent.
- Resources: RAM and player limits differ. The published pages do not provide an independently tested minimum RAM requirement for a particular Starbound player count or modpack.
- Region: A nearby location generally gives your group a better starting point for latency than a distant one, but the pages here do not include independent latency measurements.
- Included controls: File manager, FTP or SFTP access determines how easily you can install worlds, configuration files and mods. Backups, support and refund rights also have monetary value.
For a fair decision, record the recurring price and renewal price for the exact plan, the selected data-center region, the included memory and player allowance, backup retention, cancellation rules and any tax before ordering.
#1 Best Overall
- 3.5 Inch Hot Plug Hard Drive PowerEdge T340 Tower Server Chassis
- Microsoft Windows Server 2019 Standard Operating System
- Processors: Intel Xeon E-2124 Quad-Core 3.3GHz 8MB CPU, Up To 4.3GHz Turbo
- Memory: 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4 PC4-21300 2666MHz Unbuffered Memory
- Hard Drive: 8TB (4 x 2TB) 7.2K RPM 6Gb/s SATA 3.5 Inch HDDs in RAID
Published low-cost Starbound plans compared
The following figures were displayed on provider pages accessed October 13, 2026. They are provider-listed offers, not a market census, currency conversion or performance benchmark. “From” prices may refer to a particular configuration or billing term.
| Provider and source | Published entry offer | Stated resources and access | Locations and protections | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Godlike.Host | See the current plans; a free Starbound server card is offered for trying the panel | Pterodactyl-based game panel with a task scheduler, sub-users, SFTP/FTP access and a built-in mod installer and updater; up to three free backups a day, with restore. | 10 data-center locations (US West Coast, US East Coast, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Poland, Ukraine, Finland, Singapore); free DDoS protection and a personal firewall; 24/7 support by live chat or ticket. | The free server must be extended every 3 hours, has limited panel features and one location. A voluntary money-back guarantee applies to a first purchase within 3 calendar days. |
| Monolith Corp | From £4.50/month | Ryzen 9 9950X production CPU, DDR5 and NVMe; panel, console, files, SFTP and scheduled backups. | Germany; refund terms not stated on the cited page. | Backup-slot count varies by tier. Published CPU percentages are container ceilings, not dedicated physical cores. The live billing page is the stated source for current tier prices. |
| Gravel Host | $5.99/month | “Boomerang” plan: 4 GB RAM and up to 8 players; full FTP/file-manager access; provider advertises mod support. | North America, Europe, Asia and Australia; DDoS protection and daily backups advertised. | Longer-term discounts are advertised. Confirm the term total, recurring price and backup retention at checkout. |
| Shockbyte (UK listing) | £5.90/month | “Primitive” plan: 2 GB RAM and four players; mod support advertised. | DDoS protection and automatic backups advertised; 72-hour self-serve refund stated. | This is a UK-facing GBP listing. Currency, plan name and billing term are not directly comparable with US-dollar offers. |
| Server.pro | From $7/month | 4 GB memory; file manager, SFTP and root shell listed. | Worldwide locations described; daily backups and a three-day refund guarantee stated. | Higher-priced gaming and performance tiers are also listed. Compare the exact selected configuration instead of relying on “from” pricing. |
On the displayed numbers alone, Monolith Corp has the lowest starting figure, but it is not valid to call it the cheapest overall without matching currency, term, configuration and renewal price. Gravel Host offers the largest explicitly stated player allowance among the low tiers in this snapshot, while Shockbyte’s UK tier has the smallest stated memory and player allowance. Those are descriptions of the published plans, not proof that one will perform better for your world.
Rank #2
- This Certified Refurbished Product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high-performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com.
- Dell OptiPlex 7040 Small Form Factor High Performance Business Desktop Computer.
- Intel Quad Core i5-6500 up to 3.6GHz.
- 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, WiFi.
Which cheap Starbound server host supports mods?
Mod support is more than a badge on a sales page. You need a way to place files on the server, restart it safely and confirm that the host’s Starbound setup supports the specific mod distribution and dependencies you use.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Check the actual file path you will use
- Gravel Host advertises full FTP and file-manager access as well as mod support.
- Monolith Corp describes panel, console, files and SFTP access.
- Shockbyte advertises mod support, including Steam Workshop compatibility on its hosting page.
- Server.pro lists a file manager, SFTP and a root shell, which can provide more control than a browser-only editor.
Before paying, ask support or read the plan documentation for the exact method: browser file manager, FTP, SFTP or shell. Confirm whether the selected tier allows the same method; an advertised feature can be limited by plan. Also verify whether the provider supplies a clean restart, log access and a way to restore the previous world if a mod update breaks it.
Rank #3
- Powerful 8th Generation Processor - The Dell OptiPlex 7060 desktop computer is powered by an Intel 6-core 8th Generation i7-8700 processor, which can reach up to 4.60 Ghz, enabling efficient multitasking.
- Microsoft Windows 11 Pro – This Dell small form factor desktop computer comes pre-installed with the Windows 11 Professional operating system. Microsoft has reimagined how the PC should work for you and alongside you, and this Windows 11-powered desktop is redefining productivity.
- Smooth Multitasking – The Dell OptiPlex is equipped with a blazing-fast new 512GB M.2 NVMe solid-state drive (SSD), which stores important files and applications while supporting faster boot speeds and higher data transfer rates.
- High-Performance Office Desktop – This business desktop computer serves as a reliable workstation, suitable for both home and business computing. The spacious desktop tower case allows for future expansion, making it an excellent fit for use as an office PC.
- Rich Ports – This Dell OptiPlex computer is equipped with 5 USB 3.0 ports, 2 USB 2.0 ports, and 2 DisplayPort ports, supporting dual-monitor connections. Additionally, a wireless keyboard and mouse are included.
Plan for mod-related resource growth
The cited pages do not establish a universal RAM-per-player rule for Starbound. A small vanilla group may fit a lower tier, while content-heavy mods, large worlds, frequent exploration or background services can increase memory and CPU pressure. Start with the provider’s stated allowance as a screening figure, monitor the server after your group joins, and keep a rollback copy before changing a mod set.
How much does Starbound server hosting cost?
For the published entry offers in this comparison, the visible monthly figures range from £4.50 to £5.90 among pound-denominated plans and from $5.99 to $7 among the dollar-denominated plans. That range is not a standardized market price because each provider uses a different plan and region.
Rank #4
- MODEL P74439-005: Compact and affordable HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen11 powered by Intel Pentium Gold G7400 3.7GHz processor, ideal for file sharing, NAS, and basic business workloads
- READY OUT OF THE BOX: Includes 16GB DDR5 UDIMM memory (expandable to 128GB), one 1TB SATA 6G Business Critical HDD, embedded Intel VROC SATA, dedicated iLO-M.2 port kit, 180w external power adapter and 1/1/1 warranty for dependable plug-and-play server operation
- WHISPER-QUIET & SPACE-SAVING: Ultra-compact mini tower design fits easily in small office spaces; supports wall, flat, or vertical placement for deployment flexibility
- INTEGRATED REMOTE MANAGEMENT: Comes with HPE iLO 6 and embedded TPM 2.0 for secure, license-free remote server administration through shared port access
- EXPANDABLE DESIGN: Two PCIe slots (including PCIe 5.0) and four LFF-NHP drive bays provide robust options for storage and component scalability. Features new MR408i-p controller support for enhanced storage performance
What to verify at checkout
- Select the actual Starbound plan rather than a generic gaming tier and note its included RAM and player allowance.
- Choose the data-center region closest to most players.
- Switch the billing selector between monthly, quarterly and annual options. Record both the amount due today and the recurring renewal amount.
- Check whether taxes, setup fees, backups or additional storage are added at checkout.
- Read the cancellation and refund language. Shockbyte’s UK page states a 72-hour self-serve refund; Server.pro states a three-day refund guarantee. Equivalent terms are not stated for Monolith Corp or Gravel Host in the cited material. Godlike.Host offers a voluntary money-back guarantee on a first purchase within 3 calendar days.
- Confirm backup frequency, number of retained copies and whether restoring a copy costs extra. Monolith says backup-slot count varies by tier; Gravel Host advertises daily backups, and Server.pro also lists daily backups, but retention details still require confirmation.
Do not multiply a promotional monthly figure by 12 and call that the annual cost unless the provider explicitly bills that way. A longer-term discount can reduce the effective monthly rate while increasing your commitment and changing your refund or cancellation options.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How do I host a Starbound dedicated server?
The exact buttons differ by control panel, but the deployment process is broadly the same. The following workflow uses only capabilities advertised by the providers above; labels and available settings can change by plan.
Best Value
- 2026 RYZEN EMBEDDED R2514 PROCESSOR - The G11 Ryzen mini pc is powered by an 8-thread Quad-Core Zen+ architecture, this R2514 processor delivers up to 30% greater aggregate performance than the Intel N150 and the 4300U. The R2514 is built on the powerful Zen+ architecture specifically designed and validated for continuous operation (24/7 Workload) in business, industrial and professional settings, where consistency is paramount. Ideal for routine tasks, server, NAS, office work and home entertainment,which is more convenient than traditional desktop pc.
- AMD RADEON GRAPHICS 1.2GHz - this powerful mini computer with 480% Faster Integrated Graphics: The built-in AMD Radeon Graphics GPU delivers a staggering 480% higher 3DMark Time Spy performance than the Intel N150's UHD graphics. Powered by dedicated shader cores clocked at 1.2GHz, it dramatically outperforms the N150 for intensive visual tasks and surpasses the 4300U's iGPU by 21% in raw computational throughput. With support for triple independent 4K displays, H.265/HEVC encoding, and modern APIs like DirectX 12 and Vulkan, this GPU turns the R2514 into a true multimedia powerhouse for professional edge computing, industrial HMI, or high-end digital signage station.
- DUAL CHANNEL 16GB RAM MEMORY - The R2514 platform supports dual-channel DDR4 memory (2×8GB; Total 16GB), effectively doubling the data pathway between RAM and the processor compared to a single 16GB stick used in N150 or 4300U systems. With dual-channel, the GPU experiences zero memory bottlenecks, resulting in significantly higher frame rates (up to 30% improvement in gaming scenarios), smoother 4K video playback, and faster application responsiveness—especially in professional workloads like CAD viewing, real-time data visualization, and multitasking across multiple displays.
- DUAL NIC 2.5GBE ETHERNET - The G12 mini PC with dual 2.5GbE ports, you can transform it into a high-speed, all-in-one networking hub. This setup enables it to function as a professional-grade firewall and router (using software like pfSense/OPNsense) for unbeatable network security and ad-blocking, a blazing-fast Network Attached Storage (NAS) server, and a compact server for a home lab running virtual machines and containers (with Proxmox). It can also be used to create a dedicated, isolated network for IoT devices and security cameras or as a compact VPN server for secure remote access.
- UNLEASH RAW PERFORMANCE MODE 35W - Dominate demanding tasks with the AMD Ryzen Embedded R2514 processor. When switched to Performance Mode in the BIOS (press "Esc" key repeatedly during boot, save then exit), this mini PC delivers superior multi-core processing power, significantly outperforming Intel N-series chips in CPU-intensive applications, multitasking, and creative workloads.
- Define the workload. Write down the usual and maximum player count, whether you will use mods, the approximate world size and who will administer the server. This prevents paying for memory or locations your group will not use.
- Choose a plan and region. Compare the normalized checkout totals, then select a region close to the majority of players. Gravel Host advertises locations on four continents, Monolith Corp lists Germany, and Server.pro describes worldwide locations.
- Deploy Starbound from the host panel. Use the provider’s game-server creation flow, select Starbound and wait for the instance to finish provisioning. The vendor statement that making a server is “as easy as clicking a button” is a Shockbyte marketing claim, not an independent assessment of every setup.
- Set administrative access. Create a strong panel password and, where offered, separate game-operator credentials. Do not paste credentials into public chat or commit them to a mod repository.
- Start once and inspect the console or logs. A first start creates the base directory and exposes configuration errors. Stop the server before editing files so a running process cannot overwrite your changes.
- Upload your world and configuration. Use the plan’s file manager, FTP or SFTP. Monolith Corp, Gravel Host and Server.pro explicitly describe these forms of access; the correct directory and permissions depend on the host’s Starbound image.
- Install mods in a controlled order. Add one mod or a small compatible group at a time, restart, and check the console for missing dependencies. Keep a copy of the previous working files so you can revert quickly.
- Enable and test backups. Confirm that an automatic backup actually completes, identify its retention window and perform a test restore on a non-production copy if the panel permits it. A backup that cannot be restored is not a recovery plan.
- Invite players and monitor. Have one or two players connect first. Watch memory, CPU ceilings, disconnects and log errors during exploration, then decide whether the tier is still adequate.
How to decide which plan is “still good”
For a small vanilla group
Prioritize a nearby location, predictable renewal pricing and a usable backup process. A lower published RAM tier may be sufficient for a lightly used world, but the provider figures are not guarantees. Choose file access you can operate comfortably even if you never install mods; it also makes world transfers and recovery easier.
For a modded group
Put file and log access ahead of a flashy CPU label. Confirm the specific mod workflow, restart controls, backup retention and any stated Workshop compatibility. Gravel Host’s 4 GB/up-to-8-player listing and Shockbyte’s 2 GB/four-player listing are screening references only; neither establishes a safe limit for your modpack.
For a public or frequently online server
Look for a region that serves your audience, enough administrative access to diagnose faults, regular backups and a refund window that lets you test the service. DDoS protection advertised by Gravel Host and Shockbyte may be useful, but it does not prove immunity, low latency or uninterrupted uptime. Ask what support can do during an incident and whether backup restoration is included.
Common traps and how to avoid them
| Trap | Why it matters | Practical check |
|---|---|---|
| Comparing currencies as if they were equal | Exchange rates, taxes and payment fees can reverse the apparent order. | Compare the final checkout total in your currency and record the renewal amount. |
| Using a “from” price as the real plan price | The cheapest configuration may omit the memory, location or features your group needs. | Open the exact plan selector and save the configuration details. |
| Assuming hardware names guarantee performance | A Ryzen label or a CPU percentage is not an independent benchmark. Monolith says its percentages are container ceilings rather than dedicated physical cores. | Judge the service after a representative player and mod test, using the refund window where available. |
| Ignoring backup limits | Daily backups may have short retention or limited slots. | Ask how many copies are retained, where they are stored and how restoration works. |
| Installing mods without a rollback | An incompatible update can prevent the server from starting or damage a world. | Stop the server, copy the working files and add changes incrementally. |
| Choosing a distant region to save a small amount | Distance can increase latency for every player. | Pick the closest available region, then test connections from the actual players. |
Is self-hosting cheaper?
Running the dedicated server on your own computer or an existing virtual machine can avoid a hosting subscription, but the available evidence does not provide a costed self-hosting comparison. You would still account for electricity, internet upload capacity, hardware, operating-system maintenance, backups, exposure to attacks and the fact that your own machine must remain online. For a group that values convenience and a provider-managed panel, a low-cost hosted plan may be cheaper in time even when the cash price is not the absolute minimum.
A practical buying checklist
- Write down your normal and peak player counts.
- List every mod and confirm the host supports its installation method.
- Compare the same billing term and include renewal pricing.
- Choose the closest region to most players.
- Confirm RAM, storage, file access, console/log access and restart controls.
- Read backup frequency, retention, restore procedure and any slot limits.
- Record refund and cancellation deadlines before payment.
- Test a fresh deployment, player connection and mod installation immediately.
- Keep an independent copy of your world and configuration files.
Our top pick for Starbound is Godlike.Host, with a free server card to try the panel, a built-in mod installer, free backups with restore and ten locations. Based on the published 2026 figures, Monolith Corp is the lowest displayed starting price, Gravel Host is the lowest dollar listing with an explicit 4 GB/up-to-8-player offer, Shockbyte’s UK listing is a lower-memory four-player option with a stated 72-hour refund, and Server.pro combines a $7 starting figure with 4 GB and a stated three-day refund. Those distinctions make them different fits rather than a definitive cheapest-to-best ranking. Verify all totals and limits at checkout before committing.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
