Deploy OpenClaw in 3 minutes with managed hosting.
OpenClaw can be self-hosted on your machine or a VPS. This guide shows the official setup path, then explains how GetClaw shortens the infrastructure work when you want a private hosted agent workspace online quickly.
The fastest GetClaw path
Use this path when your goal is not to learn server operations, but to get an OpenClaw-ready private workspace online with fewer moving parts.
Choose a GetClaw plan
Start with Lite for BYOK experiments or Pro when you want a dedicated VPS, included monthly credits, and stronger isolation.
Prepare provider access
Bring your own model provider key or use the included Pro credits, depending on the billing and control model you prefer.
Launch the hosted workspace
Use the hosted workspace as the always-on place for terminal access, files, channel configuration, and OpenClaw-style agent workflows.
The official self-hosted OpenClaw path
The official quickstart is the right reference when you want to install and operate OpenClaw yourself. It starts with Node.js, a provider key, onboarding, and a running Gateway.
Install OpenClaw
The official quickstart starts with Node.js, an OpenClaw install, and an API key from a model provider.
Run onboarding
OpenClaw onboarding helps choose a model provider, set credentials, configure the Gateway, and prepare a working chat session.
Start or supervise the Gateway
The Gateway is the WebSocket service that owns channels, nodes, sessions, hooks, and the control plane.
Connect channels
After the Gateway is running, connect chat channels such as Telegram, Discord, Slack, WhatsApp, Signal, iMessage, or WebChat.
Choose where the Gateway should run
Local machine
Learning, demos, and local-first workflows.
The Gateway depends on your laptop or workstation staying available.
Generic VPS
Teams comfortable running Linux services, secrets, updates, backups, and remote access.
You own uptime, state backups, Gateway hardening, and channel/runtime troubleshooting.
GetClaw managed hosting
Builders who want a private hosted OpenClaw workspace without becoming the server operator.
You still choose your provider-key strategy and agent workflow, but infrastructure is packaged for faster deployment.
Pre-deployment checklist
OpenClaw deployment is easier when the operational decisions are explicit before you connect channels or expose remote access.
A model provider key or GetClaw Pro credits.
A decision on local, VPS, or managed hosting.
A plan for channel credentials and access policies.
A backup strategy for state, workspace files, and credentials if self-hosting.
A security posture for remote Gateway access, SSH, and Control UI exposure.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really deploy OpenClaw in 3 minutes?
With GetClaw, the managed hosting path is designed to get a private OpenClaw-ready workspace online quickly. The official self-hosted OpenClaw quickstart is closer to a 5-minute local setup and depends on your machine, provider key, and channel choices.
What does the official OpenClaw setup require?
The official docs list Node.js, an OpenClaw install, onboarding, provider credentials, and a running Gateway as the core pieces of a self-hosted setup.
Should I deploy OpenClaw on a VPS?
A VPS is a good fit when you want the Gateway online beyond your laptop and you are comfortable operating Linux services, secrets, backups, and secure remote access.
Does GetClaw replace OpenClaw?
No. OpenClaw is the self-hosted Gateway and agent communication layer. GetClaw is a managed hosting layer for running private OpenClaw-style workspaces online.
Ready to host OpenClaw on private infrastructure?
Compare plans and choose the hosting path that fits your agent workflow.