Head-to-head · CS2 Server Hosting
Shockbyte vs Apex Hosting
Shockbyte leads on 0 checks, Apex Hosting on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreShockbyte · 8.6/10
- Lowest starting priceApex Hosting · $3.99/mo
- Most featuresApex Hosting · 2 of 5
Shockbyte scores higher on our rubric for cs2 server hosting: 8.6 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #9.
Apex Hosting is cheaper to start at $3.99/mo against $9.99/mo.
Shockbyte is the better fit for friend groups running casual scrims. Apex Hosting is the better fit for budget CS2 servers for a handful of friends.
- Shockbyte fits best
Friend groups running casual scrims
- Apex Hosting fits best
Budget CS2 servers for a handful of friends
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Side by side
| Feature | Shockbyte 8.6/10 Visit ↗ | Apex Hosting 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.6 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #6 in CS2 Server Hosting | #9 in CS2 Server Hosting |
| Best for | Friend groups running casual scrims | Budget CS2 servers for a handful of friends |
| Pricing model | Paid | Paid |
| Starting price | $9.99/mo | $3.99/mo (best) |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Features Shockbyte 1/5 · Apex Hosting 2/5 | ||
| Plugin support | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Workshop maps | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Game switching | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Server API | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| DDoS protection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Entry slots | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Locations | 13 locations | Not checked yet |
| Refund window | 3 days | Not checked yet |
| Priced by | Fixed plans by RAM | Per GB of RAM ($3.99 for 1 GB) |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Shockbyte packages CS2 for people who want a match server without configuration work. Plans come with pre-loaded game configs, one-click controls, instant map switching, live match restarts, RCON and built-in GOTV with demo recording, and… 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
Shockbyte — where it wins
- Built-in GOTV and demo recording plus live match restarts
- CS:GO server hosting included with every CS2 purchase
- 72-hour self-serve refund
Where it doesn't
- 2 GB entry plan is $9.99, above per-GB rivals
- Plugin support sits in a collapsed FAQ, not a guide
- No trial or free tier to try first
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
- Shockbyte8.6/10 · Paid plans · price varies by game
Match-ready CS2 plans with GOTV demo recording, RCON and a free CS:GO server included with every purchase.
Visit ShockbyteFull 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 →
More comparisons
All CS2 server hosting comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update