If you’re looking for free VPS hosting, you’re in the right place! Free Virtual Private Servers (VPS) are a fantastic option for small projects, developers, and businesses that need a reliable hosting solution without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the best free VPS providers for 2024, showcasing their features, benefits, and where you can get started.
What is Free VPS Hosting?
Free VPS hosting offers a virtual private server at no cost, providing users with a personal slice of server resources. Unlike shared hosting, VPS gives you dedicated resources like RAM, CPU, and storage, ensuring better performance and control. These free plans are usually suitable for smaller projects, testing environments, or beginners learning server management.
🏆 Top 15 Free VPS Hosting Providers for 2024 🏆
Below are some of the best free VPS hosting services currently available. Each provider is compared based on use cases, advantages, disadvantages, price, and key features.
1. Oracle Cloud Free Tier
Oracle Cloud is a powerful option for anyone looking for a long-term free VPS solution. It offers a forever-free tier that includes 2 vCPUs, 1 GB RAM, and 30 GB of storage. With a wide range of operating systems and databases to choose from, this service is perfect for developers or businesses who want a reliable, no-cost VPS.
Key Features:
- 2 vCPUs, 1 GB RAM
- 30 GB block storage
- Multiple operating system options
- Free forever, no expiration
- High-performance virtual machines
Use Case:
Ideal for developers, small businesses, or students looking for long-term hosting for applications, websites, or testing environments.
Pros:
- Free forever with no hidden fees
- Dedicated resources
- Wide OS support (Linux, Windows, etc.)
Cons:
- Requires some technical knowledge for setup
- Limited customer support in the free tier
Pricing:
Completely free with Oracle Cloud’s forever-free tier.
2. Google Cloud Free Trial
Google Cloud offers a 12-month free trial with $300 credits, providing users access to their scalable cloud infrastructure. It supports a variety of use cases like app development, testing, and website hosting.
Key Features:
- $300 in credits for 12 months
- 1 vCPU, 614 MB RAM for Compute Engine
- Global data center availability
- Integration with Google services
Use Case:
Best suited for developers who need powerful resources for app testing, development, and deployment.
Pros:
- Generous $300 credits for free usage
- Easy integration with Google services (BigQuery, Firebase, etc.)
- Reliable performance and uptime
Cons:
- Limited to 12 months
- Requires credit card for sign-up
Pricing:
Free for 12 months with $300 credits.
3. Amazon AWS Free Tier
Amazon AWS is one of the most popular cloud services globally, and their 12-month free tier allows users to run an EC2 instance for free with 1 GB RAM, 1 vCPU, and 30 GB SSD storage.
Key Features:
- 1 GB RAM, 1 vCPU
- 30 GB SSD storage
- Access to EC2, S3, and other AWS services
- Free for 12 months
Use Case:
Great for beginners and developers looking to familiarize themselves with AWS or run small web applications.
Pros:
- Trusted by businesses worldwide
- Access to a wide range of AWS tools and services
- Scalable infrastructure
Cons:
- Free only for 12 months
- Complex pricing model if you go beyond the free tier
Pricing:
Free for 12 months.
4. Microsoft Azure Free Tier
Microsoft Azure offers a 12-month free trial with $200 in credits and access to their virtual machines. Azure is widely known for its enterprise-grade services and integrations with Microsoft products.
Key Features:
- $200 credits for the first 30 days
- 1 vCPU, 750 hours free for 12 months
- Windows and Linux server options
- Global data centers
Use Case:
Best suited for developers and businesses running Windows-based applications or integrating with other Microsoft tools.
Pros:
- Generous free tier credits
- Excellent support for Windows applications
- Enterprise-grade infrastructure
Cons:
- Free tier expires after 12 months
- Complex setup for beginners
Pricing:
Free for 12 months with $200 credits.
5. Vultr Free Trial
Vultr offers a limited-time free trial for their cloud computing services. They are known for their high-performance servers and user-friendly interface.
Key Features:
- 1 vCPU, 512 MB RAM
- Customizable plans after trial
- SSD-based storage
- Global server locations
Use Case:
Ideal for developers looking for a VPS with excellent performance, especially for hosting web applications or testing environments.
Pros:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Fast SSD storage
- High-performance servers
Cons:
- Free trial period is limited
- Limited storage in the free tier
Pricing:
Free trial with limited resources.
6. Linode Free Trial
Linode offers a free trial for their VPS hosting services with access to 1 vCPU and 1 GB RAM. Linode is popular among developers for its simplicity and reliability.
Key Features:
- 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM
- SSD storage
- Easy-to-use control panel
- Customizable cloud infrastructure
Use Case:
Great for developers who need a simple and affordable VPS for hosting applications or small websites.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use
- SSD storage for faster performance
- Free trial available
Cons:
- Requires sign-up for trial access
- Limited support in the free tier
Pricing:
Free trial available for a limited time.
7. Kamatera Free Trial
Kamatera offers a 30-day free trial with customizable plans. You can configure your server with the resources you need, making it ideal for businesses and developers with specific hosting requirements.
Key Features:
- Customizable VPS configurations
- 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM
- SSD storage
- 30-day free trial
Use Case:
Ideal for businesses or developers who need flexibility in server configuration and reliable cloud hosting.
Pros:
- Highly customizable server options
- Scalable infrastructure
- SSD storage for improved performance
Cons:
- Free trial is limited to 30 days
- May require technical expertise for setup
Pricing:
Free for 30 days.
8. InterServer VPS Hosting
InterServer offers an affordable VPS hosting plan with a free trial for new users. They provide flexible configurations that are ideal for small businesses and web applications.
Key Features:
- 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM
- SSD storage
- Multiple operating system options
- Free trial for new users
Use Case:
Great for small businesses and web developers who need a low-cost VPS hosting solution with flexible options.
Pros:
- Flexible configuration options
- Free trial available
- SSD storage for better performance
Cons:
- Limited performance compared to other providers
- Free trial requires sign-up
Pricing:
Free trial available, low-cost plans afterward.
9. Alibaba Cloud Free Tier
Alibaba Cloud offers a 12-month free trial with 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM, and SSD storage. It’s ideal for businesses looking for global cloud services, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Key Features:
- 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM
- SSD storage
- Global data centers
- Free for 12 months
Use Case:
Perfect for businesses expanding in Asia or those looking for reliable cloud services with global reach.
Pros:
- Global data center coverage
- Powerful infrastructure
- Free for 12 months
Cons:
- More complex setup compared to others
- Limited customer support in free tier
Pricing:
Free for 12 months.
10. Heroku Free Tier
Heroku offers a forever free tier for developers, focusing on application hosting and deployment. With 512 MB RAM and 550 dyno hours per month, Heroku is a great option for small app projects.
Key Features:
- 512 MB RAM
- 550 dyno hours per month
- Easy app deployment
- Forever free tier
Use Case:
Perfect for developers hosting small-scale applications or projects with low resource requirements.
Pros:
- Simple app deployment
- Free forever
- Scales with paid options
Cons:
- Limited resources in free tier
- Suitable for smaller apps only
Pricing:
Free forever with limited dyno hours.
11. ProFreeHost VPS Hosting
ProFreeHost offers a free forever VPS hosting plan with basic features ideal for personal websites or blogs. It provides basic server resources and unlimited bandwidth.
Key Features:
- 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM
- Free forever
- Unlimited bandwidth
- 100% free hosting
Use Case:
Ideal for basic websites, personal blogs, or small-scale web projects.
Pros:
- Free forever
- Unlimited bandwidth
- No hidden fees
Cons:
- Limited performance
- No advanced features
Pricing:
Free forever.
12. InfinityFree VPS Hosting
InfinityFree provides free forever hosting with 1 vCPU, 512 MB RAM, and unlimited bandwidth, perfect for websites and blogs. It’s one of the most popular free hosting services.
Key Features:
- 1 vCPU, 512 MB RAM
- Free forever
- Unlimited bandwidth
- No ads on your website
Use Case:
Best suited for small personal websites and blogs.
Pros:
- Free forever
- Unlimited bandwidth
- No advertisements
Cons:
- Limited resources
- Basic support
Pricing:
Free forever.
13. AccuWeb Hosting VPS Free Tier
AccuWeb Hosting offers a free tier VPS for students with basic specifications such as 1 GB RAM, 1 vCPU, and SSD storage, ideal for learning and development purposes.
Key Features:
- 1 GB RAM, 1 vCPU
- SSD storage
- Free for students
Use Case:
Best for students and learners seeking a free VPS to run projects and educational sites.
Pros:
- Free for students
- SSD storage
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Limited to students only
- Lower resources compared to paid plans
Pricing:
Free for students with limited resources.
14. Hostinger VPS Hosting
Hostinger provides affordable VPS hosting plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Their entry-level plan offers 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM, and 20 GB of SSD storage, making it suitable for small to medium-sized websites.
Key Features:
- 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM
- 20 GB SSD storage
- Full root access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Use Case:
Perfect for small businesses or web developers looking for a reliable VPS hosting solution at an affordable price.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Full root access for customization
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Limited resources on the entry-level plan
- Renewal prices can be higher
Pricing:
Starting at $3.99/month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
15. A2 Hosting VPS
A2 Hosting is known for its high-performance VPS hosting with a focus on speed. Their plans start with 1 vCPU and 512 MB RAM, offering both managed and unmanaged options.
Key Features:
- 1 vCPU, 512 MB RAM
- SSD storage
- Managed and unmanaged plans available
- Anytime money-back guarantee
Use Case:
Ideal for developers and businesses needing a fast, flexible hosting solution that can grow with their needs.
Pros:
- High-speed performance
- Flexible hosting options
- Anytime money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Higher starting prices than competitors
- Managed plans can be costly
Pricing:
Starting at $29.99/month with an anytime money-back guarantee.
Comparison Table of Free VPS Hosting Providers
| Provider | Use Case | Advantages | Disadvantages | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oracle Cloud | Long-term hosting | Free forever, dedicated resources | Requires technical knowledge | Free forever | 2 vCPUs, 1 GB RAM, 30 GB storage |
| Google Cloud | App testing and development | $300 credits, integration with Google | Limited to 12 months | Free for 12 months | 1 vCPU, 614 MB RAM |
| Amazon AWS | Small web applications | Trusted service, wide range of tools | Free for only 12 months | Free for 12 months | 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM, 30 GB SSD storage |
| Microsoft Azure | Windows-based applications | Generous credits, enterprise support | Free tier expires after 12 months | Free for 12 months | 1 vCPU, 750 hours free |
| Vultr | High-performance projects | User-friendly, fast SSD storage | Limited free trial | Free trial | 1 vCPU, 512 MB RAM |
| Linode | Simple and affordable VPS | Easy to use, SSD storage | Limited support | Free trial | 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM |
| Kamatera | Flexible server configuration | Highly customizable | Requires technical expertise | Free for 30 days | Customizable VPS configurations |
| InterServer | Low-cost VPS hosting | Flexible options, SSD storage | Limited performance | Low-cost plans | 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM |
| Alibaba Cloud | Global cloud services | Global coverage, powerful infrastructure | Complex setup | Free for 12 months | 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM |
| Heroku | Small-scale app hosting | Simple app deployment | Limited resources | Free forever | 512 MB RAM, 550 dyno hours per month |
| ProFreeHost | Basic personal websites | 100% free, unlimited bandwidth | Limited features | Free forever | 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM |
| InfinityFree | Personal websites and blogs | No ads, unlimited bandwidth | Basic support | Free forever | 1 vCPU, 512 MB RAM |
| AccuWeb Hosting | Learning and development | Free for students | Limited to students | Free for students | 1 GB RAM, 1 vCPU |
| Hostinger | Small business websites | Affordable, full root access | Renewal prices can be higher | Starting at $3.99/month | 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM, 20 GB SSD storage |
| A2 Hosting | Fast, flexible hosting | High-speed performance | Higher prices for managed plans | Starting at $29.99/month | 1 vCPU, 512 MB RAM |
🌟 Benefits of Free VPS Hosting
- Cost-effective: The main attraction of free VPS hosting is that you can access a VPS environment without paying. It’s ideal for beginners or small projects.
- Full Control: You get root access, allowing you to install software, configure settings, and manage the server as you would on a paid VPS.
- Test and Develop: Great for testing apps, websites, and environments before going live on a paid platform.
- Dedicated Resources: Unlike shared hosting, you get your own slice of CPU, RAM, and storage, resulting in better performance and scalability.
- No Commitment: Try out various platforms without any obligation to continue once the free period or credits expire.
How to Get Free VPS Hosting 🛒
To get started with free VPS hosting, follow these steps:
- Choose a Provider: Pick from the list above based on your requirements.
- Sign Up: Most platforms require you to create an account and provide basic details like name, email, and sometimes payment information (for trial purposes).
- Claim Your Free Plan: Whether it’s credits or a permanent free tier, select the appropriate option.
- Deploy Your VPS: Use the control panel provided by the host to set up your VPS, including operating system selection, server location, and configuration.
- Start Hosting: Once deployed, you can start using your VPS for your project!
For example, you can Get Oracle Cloud Free Tier now and enjoy free VPS hosting forever! 🎉
Use Case Details: Why Use Free VPS Hosting?
Free VPS hosting is perfect for:
- Developers testing new apps
- Small businesses looking to host a website or web service
- Students needing a sandbox environment for learning
- Freelancers running personal projects or portfolios
- Entrepreneurs launching MVPs (Minimum Viable Products)
If you’re starting out and need a budget-friendly hosting solution, these free VPS services offer a fantastic way to scale your project with little to no upfront cost.
🌐 Where to Buy and Pricing
While these VPS plans are free, some providers offer limited-time free trials or permanent free tiers. Here’s where you can sign up:
- Oracle Cloud: Free forever
- Google Cloud: Free for 12 months with $300 credits
- Amazon AWS: Free for 12 months
- Microsoft Azure: Free for 12 months with $200 credits
FAQs About Free VPS Hosting ❓
- Is free VPS hosting reliable?
- Yes, most reputable providers offer reliable free VPS hosting with uptime guarantees, but resources may be limited.
- What is the difference between shared hosting and VPS?
- Shared hosting shares resources among multiple users, while VPS provides dedicated resources, offering better performance.
- How long can I use free VPS hosting?
- Some providers offer permanent free tiers, while others provide free trials for 12 months or limited usage credits.
- Can I upgrade from free VPS to paid plans?
- Yes, most free VPS providers allow easy upgrades to paid plans with more resources and features.
- Are there any hidden costs with free VPS hosting?
- Usually, no. However, some providers may require payment details for trial purposes, but you won’t be charged unless you upgrade.
By using free VPS hosting, you can start building your website, developing applications, or learning server management—all without spending a penny! 🚀 Ready to get started? Sign up for Oracle Cloud Free Tier here and launch your VPS today!