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What Can You Do With a VPS? 20 Things Worth Running on One (2026)

Published May 4, 2026 · 7 min read · Galaxy Cloud Solutions

A VPS is a blank Linux server. That sounds limiting until you realize what Linux can run. Here are 20 things that are genuinely useful to host on a VPS, from the obvious to the ones people do not think of.

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Websites and Web Apps

1. Your Website or Blog

The most common use. A $5 VPS handles a WordPress site or static site with more performance and control than shared hosting at a similar price. You get to configure the web server, PHP version, and caching exactly how you want.

2. A Web Application

Node.js, Python, Ruby, Go — any web framework runs on a VPS. Unlike shared hosting, you can run persistent processes, background jobs, and WebSocket connections without restrictions.

3. A REST API or Backend Service

Running an API on a VPS is straightforward. Point your domain at it, put Nginx in front, grab a Let's Encrypt cert, and you have a production-ready API endpoint.

Self-Hosted Tools

4. Nextcloud — Your Own Cloud Storage

Nextcloud replaces Google Drive and Dropbox. File sync, sharing, calendar, contacts, and more. The mobile and desktop apps work just like the commercial alternatives.

5. Gitea — Your Own Git Server

Unlimited private repositories, pull requests, issues, and CI/CD. Looks and works like GitHub. Runs on 256MB RAM.

6. Mattermost — Your Own Team Chat

Full Slack replacement. Unlimited message history, channels, integrations, and mobile apps. No per-seat fees.

7. Vaultwarden — Your Own Password Manager

Compatible with all Bitwarden apps. Your passwords stay on your server.

8. n8n — Your Own Automation Platform

Connect APIs, automate workflows, and build internal tools. No per-execution fees unlike Zapier.

9. Uptime Kuma — Your Own Monitoring

Monitor your websites, APIs, and services. Alerts via email, Slack, Discord, and more. Replaces $20 to $50 a month of paid monitoring tools.

10. Guacamole — Browser-Based Remote Desktop

Access any machine via SSH, RDP, or VNC from a browser tab. No client software needed.

Game Servers

11. Minecraft Server

A $10 VPS handles a small Minecraft server comfortably. Your world stays online 24/7 without keeping your PC on.

12. CS2 Dedicated Server

Custom maps, your rules, no community server queues. A $20 VPS handles 16 players.

13. Valheim Server

Keep your Viking world running even when you are not playing. Friends can log in whenever.

14. Terraria or Palworld Server

Same idea — persistent world, always online, no dependency on your home PC.

Networking and Privacy

15. WireGuard VPN

Run your own VPN server. Route your traffic through it when on public Wi-Fi, or use it to securely access your home network remotely.

16. Pi-hole Style Ad Blocking

Run a network-level ad blocker that your whole household or team routes through. Works on any device without installing anything.

Development and Tools

17. Development Environment

Run a development server in the cloud that you can access from any machine. Useful if you work from multiple computers or want to test things on a real Linux environment.

18. Discord Bot

A Discord bot needs to run 24/7. A $5 VPS is enough to keep multiple bots running indefinitely.

19. Pterodactyl Game Panel

If you want to manage multiple game servers with a web interface, Pterodactyl gives you a full control panel.

20. Plex or Jellyfin Media Server

Stream your media collection from anywhere. Plex and Jellyfin both run on Linux and let you watch your files on any device.

The Common Thread

All of these have one thing in common — they need a server that is always on and accessible from the internet. Your home PC does not cut it for that. A VPS does, and for most of these use cases a $5 or $10 plan is all you need to get started.