Head-to-head · CS2 Server Hosting
Nodecraft vs Apex Hosting
Nodecraft leads on 0 checks, Apex Hosting on 1, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreNodecraft · 8.5/10
- Lowest starting priceApex Hosting · $3.99/mo
- Free trialonly Nodecraft
Nodecraft scores higher on our rubric for cs2 server hosting: 8.5 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #7 and #9.
Apex Hosting is cheaper to start at $3.99/mo against $9.98/mo.
Nodecraft is the better fit for groups that alternate CS2 with other games. Apex Hosting is the better fit for budget CS2 servers for a handful of friends.
- Nodecraft fits best
Groups that alternate CS2 with other games
- Apex Hosting fits best
Budget CS2 servers for a handful of friends
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Side by side
| Feature | Nodecraft 8.5/10 Visit ↗ | Apex Hosting 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.5 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #7 in CS2 Server Hosting | #9 in CS2 Server Hosting |
| Best for | Groups that alternate CS2 with other games | Budget CS2 servers for a handful of friends |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $9.98/mo | $3.99/mo (best) |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Features Nodecraft 2/5 · Apex Hosting 2/5 | ||
| Plugin support | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Workshop maps | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Game switching | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Server API | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| DDoS protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Entry slots | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Locations | 27 locations | Not checked yet |
| Refund window | 7 days | Not checked yet |
| Priced by | Per GB of RAM, Premium 24/7 tier | Per GB of RAM ($3.99 for 1 GB) |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Nodecraft sells CS2 on two tiers and is refreshingly honest about which to use. The Budget line, from $5.96 a month for 2 GB, hibernates when nobody is online and wakes from a share link, and Nodecraft labels it not recommended for this… Read the review → |
Apex Hosting's CS2 entry plan is the cheapest regular price in this list: 1 GB for $3.99 a month, which Apex describes as the minimum for Counter-Strike 2, with the first month at $2.99 through a 25 percent first-order discount. The next… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Nodecraft — where it wins
- Save a CS2 setup, swap games, and restore it later
- 27 locations including São Paulo, Tel Aviv and Auckland
- Free trial and a seven-day money-back guarantee
Where it doesn't
- Its Budget tier is flagged as not recommended for CS2
- Premium 2 GB at $9.98 costs more than most CS2 entries
- Support is staffed on limited daily hours
Apex Hosting — where it wins
- Lowest regular CS2 entry here at $3.99 for 1 GB
- Guides for installing MetaMod and CounterStrikeSharp
- EX plan gives four dedicated Ryzen cores and 16 GB
Where it doesn't
- 1 GB is the minimum Apex itself lists for CS2
- The next step up is 5 GB at $18.75 a month
- No trial or free tier for CS2
- Nodecraft8.5/10 · Paid plans · price varies by game
Premium 24/7 CS2 servers from $9.98 for 2 GB, 27 locations, save-and-swap and a seven-day refund.
Visit NodecraftFull verdict → - Apex Hosting8.2/10 · Paid plans · price varies by game
1 GB CS2 servers at $3.99 a month, CounterStrikeSharp and MetaMod guides, and a dedicated-core EX tier.
Visit Apex HostingFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




