: Best for those who want a feature-complete experience with a custom "Starbase" panel and 21 global data center locations.

Based on performance, ease of modding, and price, these are the current top picks:

Buying an server is the most reliable way to host a persistent world for your friends or community without straining your own PC. Most reputable game hosts offer "managed" plans that handle the technical heavy lifting, like port forwarding and server updates, through a web-based control panel. 1. Top Rated Hosting Providers (2026)

: Offers the absolute lowest entry price starting at $1.00/month , though it requires more technical knowledge to set up manually. 2. How to Buy and Set Up Your Server

: The best budget entry point, with basic plans starting as low as $2.50/month for small groups.