Setup Options Overview

There are three main ways to run OpenClaw:

Option 1: Local (Recommended for Beginners)

Run OpenClaw on your own machine.

Pros:

• Full control
• No ongoing costs
• Fastest iteration
• Easy debugging

Cons:

• Only works when your machine is on
• Requires some technical setup

Best for: Learning, development, personal use

Option 2: VPS (Virtual Private Server)

Run OpenClaw on a cloud server (DigitalOcean, Linode, etc.)

Pros:

• Always on (24/7)
• Accessible from anywhere
• ~$5-20/month

Cons:

• Requires server management
• SSH access needed
• Slightly more complex setup

Best for: Production use, always-on agents

Option 3: Docker

Containerized deployment for consistency.

Pros:

• Reproducible environment
• Easy to move between machines
• Good for teams

Cons:

• Docker knowledge required
• Extra layer of complexity

Best for: Teams, complex deployments

My Recommendation

Start local. Get everything working on your machine first.

Once you're comfortable, move to a VPS for 24/7 operation.

Don't overcomplicate it. A Mac Mini running OpenClaw is a perfectly good setup.