Self-hosted server vs hosting calculator
Compare the total cost of running your own game server against renting hosting, and find the break-even point.
This doesn't look up any hosting provider's prices — enter your own hardware cost and a real hosting quote to compare.
The hardware's one-off cost is included in the comparison, but hardware failure or replacement, and the time/effort of managing your own server, are not — this is a money-only comparison based on the numbers you supply.
Worked example
Say self-hosting needs £600 of hardware plus £5/month in running costs, versus a £15/month hosting quote, compared over 24 months. Self-hosted total: £600 + £5 × 24 = £720. Hosting total: £15 × 24 = £360 — hosting is actually cheaper here by £360 over those 2 years.
Now say the hardware only costs £100 with no running cost, same £15/month hosting quote: self-hosting breaks even after £100 ÷ £15 ≈ 6.7 months, and comes out ahead for any period longer than that.
FAQ
Where do the prices come from?
You enter them yourself — a real hardware price and a real hosting quote. This calculator doesn't look up any provider's actual prices.
What counts as "running cost" for self-hosting?
Ongoing costs like electricity, internet, or a home-server subscription add-on — whatever it actually costs you per month to keep the hardware running, separate from the one-off purchase.
How is the break-even point calculated?
The number of months until the hardware's one-off cost is paid back by the monthly saving versus hosting — hardware cost divided by (hosting fee minus running cost).
What if hosting is cheaper every month, not just up front?
Then there's no break-even point — self-hosting never catches up, and the calculator says so explicitly instead of showing a meaningless negative number.
Does this include the time cost of managing your own server?
No — this only compares money. Self-hosting also takes ongoing time and technical effort that this calculator doesn't estimate.
Does this account for hardware failing or needing replacement?
No — it assumes the hardware lasts the whole period you're comparing. A shorter real lifespan would make self-hosting look better here than it actually is.
Can I use this for any kind of dedicated server, not just games?
Yes — it's a generic cost comparison, not tied to gaming specifically, though that's the most common use case here.
What if I already own the hardware?
Enter 0 for the hardware cost — the comparison then only weighs ongoing running cost against the hosting fee.
Is this comparing per-server or a whole setup?
Whatever single hardware cost and running cost you enter — combine multiple pieces of hardware into one total yourself if needed.
Does a longer time period always favour self-hosting?
Yes, as long as the hosting fee is higher than the running cost per month — the fixed hardware cost matters less the longer you use it.