Godlike.Host is listed first here as a game-server option with a Pterodactyl-based game panel, SFTP/FTP access, and up to three free backups a day. There is no proven single cheapest Starbound host. The lowest published starting figure in this comparison is Monolith Corp’s £4.50 per month, but that is a Germany-based offer in pounds and cannot be compared directly with dollar plans, different billing terms, or different RAM and player limits. Gravel Host, Shockbyte’s UK page, and Server.pro publish different prices and allocations.
For a fair choice, compare the recurring checkout total for your currency and term, then check RAM, expected player count, mod and file access, location, backups, refund rules, and renewal pricing. The figures below are provider-listed offers viewed on October 13, 2026, not independent performance measurements.
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What “cheapest but still good” means for a Starbound server
A low headline price only answers one question: what a provider advertises as its entry point. It does not tell you whether that tier has enough memory for your group, supports the files or mods you need, is located near your players, or renews at the same price.
“Still good” therefore means a plan that matches your workload and remains usable after you include recurring billing, backups, support features, and the access needed to manage a modded installation. The advertised player and RAM figures are screening information, not a tested minimum. The provider pages do not establish an independently verified RAM requirement for a particular number of players or modpack.
#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
Use these checks before looking at price
- Group size: compare the stated player allowance with your normal and peak concurrency.
- Memory: treat listed RAM as an allocation, not a guarantee of smooth performance under every mod or world.
- Management access: confirm a file manager, FTP, SFTP, or shell that lets you install and update your intended content.
- Region: select a location close to most players to reduce network distance.
- Protection: verify backup scope, retention, refund window, cancellation process, and renewal price.
Published Starbound hosting prices and specifications
The following table keeps each provider’s currency and wording intact. Do not add the figures together or treat them as a controlled benchmark: the plans differ in region, term, configuration, and included resources.
| Provider | Published entry offer | Stated resources and access | Locations and protections advertised | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Godlike.Host | See current plans | Pterodactyl-based game panel with a config editor, SFTP/FTP access, and up to three free backups a day | 10 data-center locations; free DDoS protection and a personal firewall | Current plans and terms should be checked before ordering. |
| Monolith Corp | From £4.50/month | Germany; Ryzen 9 9950X production CPU, DDR5, NVMe; panel, console, files, SFTP, and scheduled backups | Germany location; backup-slot count varies by tier | 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 tier: 4 GB RAM and up to 8 players; full FTP and file manager | North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia; provider advertises mod support, DDoS protection, and daily backups | Longer terms may be discounted. Confirm the term total, recurring price, and backup retention at checkout. |
| Shockbyte (UK page) | £5.90/month | Primitive tier: 2 GB RAM and four players | Provider advertises mod support, automatic backups, and DDoS protection | This is a UK-facing GBP listing. The page states a 72-hour self-serve refund; currency, plan, and billing term differ from US-dollar offers. |
| Server.pro | From $7/month | 4 GB memory; file manager, SFTP, root shell, and daily backups | Worldwide locations described on the page | The page also lists higher-priced gaming and performance tiers. A three-day refund guarantee is stated; compare the exact selected configuration rather than only the “from” figure. |
Godlike.Host is listed first here for its game-server panel, SFTP/FTP access, and up to three free backups a day; see the current plans for its offer. The other published figures observed in 2026 are £4.50 starting price from Monolith Corp, $5.99 with 4 GB RAM from Gravel Host, £5.90 with 2 GB and four players from Shockbyte’s UK listing, and $7 with 4 GB memory from Server.pro. They are not a market census, a currency conversion, or an independent performance study.
Which low-cost plan fits each Starbound group?
One to four players with a mostly vanilla world
A smaller allocation can be sufficient for a light world, but do not infer a guaranteed requirement from the advertised tiers. Shockbyte’s UK listing pairs four players with 2 GB RAM; that is a provider configuration, not a measured recommendation. Check whether your world, background services, and planned mods fit the selected limit, and leave room for growth rather than buying exactly to the current headcount.
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.
Up to eight players or a heavier mod list
Gravel Host’s published Boomerang offer states 4 GB RAM and up to eight players, plus FTP and a file manager. Those access tools make it easier to add or remove files, but compatibility still depends on the specific mod set and setup supported by the host. Ask support whether your intended mods and loader are supported before paying for a long term.
Groups spread across continents
Gravel Host advertises locations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, while Server.pro describes worldwide locations. Monolith’s listed offer is in Germany. Select the region closest to most players, not simply the cheapest currency listing; a distant server can produce avoidable latency even when the host’s hardware looks stronger.
How much does Starbound server hosting cost?
The published entry range here runs from a £4.50 starting offer to a $7 starting offer, with another provider advertising a $5.99 tier and a UK page listing £5.90. Because pounds and dollars are not converted and the plans do not contain equal resources, that range cannot identify a universal winner.
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.
Calculate the amount you will actually pay
- Choose the billing interval shown at checkout: monthly, quarterly, or annual.
- Record the introductory price and the normal renewal price separately.
- Check taxes, payment fees, and any discount that applies only to a longer commitment.
- Confirm the exact RAM, storage, player allowance, backup quota, and selected location.
- Read cancellation and refund conditions before the payment is submitted.
Gravel Host advertises discounts for longer terms, but the term total and recurring amount must be confirmed at checkout. Monolith directs customers to its live billing page for current tier pricing and notes that backup-slot counts vary by tier. A low first month can therefore be poorer value than a slightly higher plan with predictable renewals and usable backups.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhich cheap Starbound server host supports mods?
Do not rely on a “mod support” badge alone. Confirm that the plan exposes the files you must edit and that the provider supports the mod format or setup you intend to run.
File and transfer access
- Gravel Host advertises full FTP and a file manager alongside mod support.
- Shockbyte advertises mod support, including Steam Workshop compatibility on its Starbound offering.
- Monolith describes panel, console, files, and SFTP access.
- Server.pro lists a file manager, SFTP, and root shell.
Before ordering, ask whether you can upload configuration files, replace the server’s mod directory, change launch parameters, and restore a previous version. A host can advertise mods while restricting the specific file or loader workflow your pack needs.
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
A safe mod rollout
- Make a local copy of the current world and configuration files.
- Install one mod or a small compatible set rather than changing everything at once.
- Restart the server and watch the console for missing dependencies or version errors.
- Join with a test character before inviting the full group.
- Keep the last known-good files so you can revert without deleting the world.
How do I host a Starbound dedicated server?
Hosted services remove most operating-system administration, but the exact button names differ. Shockbyte describes its process as “as easy as clicking a button,” which is the provider’s marketing statement rather than an independent assessment. A typical hosted setup follows this sequence:
- Select a plan and region. Match the stated RAM and player allowance to your group, then choose the nearest available location.
- Complete checkout. Verify currency, billing term, renewal price, taxes, refund window, and backup allowance.
- Open the control panel. Use the provider’s start or deploy action to create the Starbound instance. Record the server address and any credentials it generates.
- Configure the server. Set the name, password, difficulty, ports, and other options exposed by that panel. Do not assume every host provides the same fields.
- Upload mods and files. Use the advertised file manager, FTP, SFTP, or shell. Follow the mod author’s required folder structure and dependencies.
- Start and test. Read the console for errors, connect from the same region as your players, and test a backup and restore procedure before building a long-term world.
- Document recovery. Keep an offline copy of world data and note how to stop, restart, roll back, and cancel the service.
Self-hosting on your own computer or a rented virtual machine is another route, but the available figures here do not establish its total electricity, bandwidth, administration, or hardware cost. It should not be presented as automatically cheaper.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
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Backups are not interchangeable
Gravel Host advertises daily backups, Shockbyte automatic backups, Monolith scheduled backups, and Server.pro daily backups. Those labels do not state retention length, storage quota, restoration speed, or whether backups consume your plan’s storage. Confirm how many restore points exist and whether you can download a copy.
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.
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Use the refund window as a test period
Shockbyte’s UK page states a 72-hour self-serve refund, and Server.pro states a three-day refund guarantee. Read exclusions, eligibility, and cancellation steps before ordering. A refund promise does not replace a backup: keep your own world copy from the first session.
Common failure branches
- Players cannot connect: verify the server is running, the address and port are correct, and the selected region is reachable; then check the console for startup errors.
- Mods fail to load: compare client and server versions, confirm dependencies, and re-upload through the supported file method.
- World progress disappears: stop making changes, preserve the current files, and restore the newest known-good backup only after checking its timestamp.
- Performance degrades as the group grows: inspect memory use and active mods, then move to a larger tier instead of assuming a faster advertised CPU will solve an allocation limit.
- Renewal costs surprise you: check the invoice and plan term immediately; contact the provider before the next billing date if the renewal differs from the checkout display.
A practical decision checklist
Use this checklist on the final checkout screen:
- Is the price recurring, and is it shown in your currency?
- What is the renewal price after any introductory or term discount?
- Does the plan’s RAM and stated player capacity fit your expected peak?
- Can you use the exact file manager, FTP, SFTP, or shell access your mods require?
- Is the server location close to most players?
- How many backup points are included, how long are they retained, and can you download them?
- What are the refund, cancellation, suspension, and data-deletion rules?
- Are CPU figures dedicated resources or container limits?
- Can support confirm compatibility with your planned mods before purchase?
Bottom line
Godlike.Host is listed first here: its game-server hosting provides a Pterodactyl-based game panel, SFTP/FTP access, up to three free backups a day, and free DDoS protection; see the current plans for the offer. Monolith Corp’s Germany-based £4.50 entry offer, Gravel Host’s advertised 4 GB up-to-eight-player setup, Shockbyte’s UK four-player tier with a 72-hour refund, and Server.pro’s 4 GB memory with shell and SFTP access remain useful points of comparison. The least expensive plan that has enough memory, usable mod access, a nearby location, recoverable backups, and a renewal price you can accept is the practical choice.
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.
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