Decision notes / Hosting
AI agent hosting. Managed or self hosted?
Managed agent hosting trades some infrastructure control for less server work. Self hosting gives you that control, along with the job of keeping the runtime available and secure.
Compare plansThere is no universal winner. Choose around the access, maintenance and recovery work you want to own.
- ManagedClawd hosts
Provisioning and a hosted agent runtime.
- Either wayYou direct
Tasks, provider choices and connected credentials.
- Self hostedYou operate
Server, runtime, network and backups.
The practical part
Compare the work behind the agent.
| Responsibility | Managed with Clawd | Self hosted |
|---|---|---|
| Runtime | Clawd provisions the supported agent runtime. | You install and operate the runtime. |
| Permissions | You supply credentials and choose agent access. | You supply credentials and configure server access. |
| Data exit | You export files while your plan is active. | You arrange backups and test recovery. |
Runtime and maintenance
Clawd provides a launchpad for hosted Hermes and OpenClaw runtimes. On your own server, you install and operate the runtime and decide how updates, restarts and monitoring work.
Access and control
With Clawd, you configure the agent through its dashboard and supported tools. With self hosting, you choose the host and network setup. In either case, you are responsible for the permissions and credentials you give the agent.
Files and an exit plan
Clawd exposes agent files for download while your plan is active. Its terms say to export before the paid period ends. For a self hosted setup, decide where backups live and test a restore before relying on them.
Make the call.
A good fit when
You want a managed agent runtime and are comfortable with the supported configuration, plan limits and data terms.
Consider another setup when
You need root access, a private network layout or infrastructure policies that require you to operate the host.
Before you choose
Good questions.
Is Clawd a general purpose VPS?
Clawd is a managed agent runtime for supported agent workflows. Choose a server you operate yourself if your requirement is unrestricted infrastructure control.
Does managed hosting remove my security responsibilities?
No. You still choose the tasks, supply credentials and control what the agent can access. Review Clawd's security documentation and keep permissions narrow.
Is there an uptime guarantee?
Clawd's terms describe the service as available as provided and do not promise an uptime SLA. Review those terms against your availability needs.
Can I take my files with me?
Agent files can be downloaded while your plan is active. Export before your paid period ends. Moving files does not guarantee that every tool or provider configuration will work unchanged on another host.