How To Self-Host Without Actually Self-Hosting

Makes the process more simple

Design created by Monique

Several months back, I wrote about self-hosting. If you want to achieve maximum privacy, then self-hosting is the way to go, as only you have access to the data and there is no need to rely on third-party providers. The problem with self-hosting and why more people don't pursue it is because it requires the technical knowledge, hardware, and money to keep everything up and running. It's a commitment, and not everyone can or wants to be committed to it.

As I looked more into self-hosting, I came across an option that sort of act as an in-between self-hosting and relying on third parties. Managed self-hosting is when you still rely on a provider to run, update, and maintain a server that runs the application, but you control your data, where it goes, and has no vendor lock in. While some will argue that this is not true self-hosting and there is some truth to that, I say it still retains some of the spirit of it. You are in control of your data, you decide where it's hosted and if you no longer want to use the service or migrate it, you have that power.

Many of these providers have lists of what services you can host and are always adding more, so make sure you check it out. Some of the most common applications you'll see include Nextcloud, WordPress, and Ghost. Some of them will require you have your own server to use and others you just need to create an account and the rest is set up. Below are some of the providers that make self-hosting these apps a lot easier.

• PikaPods - Based in Malta. Pricing can start at $1

• Cloudron - Based in Germany. Free for two apps. Pricing starts at $15

• Yunohost - Based in France. Pricing varies

• Coolify - Base unknown. Pay as you go.

With these providers, you are able to cut some third parties out and have more control of your data. While it’s not true self-hosting, it’s better than having providers such as Google and Microsoft hosting your information.

Make sure you do your research and see which one is best for you if you go this route. If you know of other providers that can help self-host apps, feel free to let me know in the comments.

Until Next Time,

Monique 💻

---

---