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What is Web Hosting → Node.js Hosting
Node.js hosting in 2025: what it is + best platforms
If you’ve built something great with Node.js, you’re probably starting to wonder where to host it. You want speed, uptime, and room to grow—but maybe you’re not quite sure what kind of server setup you need, or who’s best to trust with your deployment.
Let’s look at the best Node.js hosting platforms available in 2025, plus what you should know before choosing one.
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Best Node.js hosting providers (an overview)
Node.js apps need fast, flexible environments. Here’s a snapshot of five top hosts that support Node.js well in 2025:
| Feature / Provider | Liquid Web | A2 Hosting | Kamatera | Heroku | Render |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Node.js support | Full root access | Pre-installed | Custom setup | Buildpacks | Native runtime |
| Hosting type | VPS/Dedicated | Shared/VPS | Cloud VPS | PaaS | PaaS |
| Server access | Full SSH, root | SSH access | Full root | Limited CLI | Git-based |
| Pricing model | Fixed monthly | Monthly | Hourly/monthly | Freemium/tiered | Tiered/free tier |
| Scalability | Manual or managed | Limited | High | Built-in autoscale | Autoscale |
| Support level | Fully managed | Standard | Basic | Community/paid | Community/slack |
| Best for | Custom deployments | Budget devs | Power users | Fast prototyping | Indie devs/apps |
1. Liquid Web
Liquid Web gives developers a powerful foundation for deploying and scaling Node.js apps. You won’t find flashy Node-specific automation, but what you do get is full server control, premium infrastructure, and support that actually knows what a package.json is.
VPS and dedicated servers come with root access and support Node.js out of the box. You can deploy via CLI, manage multiple environments, and scale vertically or horizontally depending on your needs.
Strengths:
- Full root access for custom environments
- Fast VPS and dedicated hardware with SSDs
- High uptime SLA (99.99%)
- Expert-level support 24/7
- Cloud backups and DDoS protection
Challenges:
- No one-click Node.js installs
- Requires basic server knowledge (unless you opt for managed hosting)
Best for: Developers who want full control, scalability, and premium hardware without compromise.
2. A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting is a go-to for budget-conscious developers. It offers shared plans with Node.js pre-installed—rare among shared hosting providers. If you outgrow shared, you can move to their VPS plans.
Just note: On shared hosting, you won’t have full access to the server stack, and you’re limited
Strengths:
- Node.js pre-installed on shared and VPS plans
- SSH and Git access on most tiers
- Turbo Servers offer better speed and performance
- Low-cost entry point for new devs
Challenges:
- Shared plans limit server-level control
- Performance varies with shared server load
- Node.js versions may need manual updates
- Limited scalability without migrating plans
Best for: Beginners and hobbyists launching small Node.js apps or testing environments.
3. Kamatera
Kamatera is a flexible cloud provider that gives you root access, global data centers, and granular control over server specs. It’s good for devs who want to fine-tune their Node.js environments and scale globally.
You can deploy a new server in minutes and install Node.js manually or via a template. The hourly pricing model is also convenient for short-term deployments or auto-scaling.
Strengths:
- Fully customizable cloud servers with root access
- Global data centers for low-latency deployments
- Hourly or monthly billing flexibility
- Fast provisioning with prebuilt OS images
Challenges:
- Requires strong sysadmin skills
- No built-in Node.js deployment tools
- Managed support costs extra
- Sparse Node.js-specific resources
Best for: Power users and teams building highly customized Node.js environments.
4. Heroku
Heroku made its name by simplifying app deployment. It’s still a go-to for rapid Node.js development and staging environments, though not as popular for scaling into production due to higher long-term costs and limited flexibility.
You push your Node.js app via Git, and Heroku handles the rest. Its buildpack system auto-detects your stack and deploys it in minutes. Just don’t expect full control over your environment.
Strengths:
- Fast Git-based deployment with buildpacks
- Simple autoscaling, logging, and monitoring
- Large ecosystem of add-ons
- Free tier great for staging or prototypes
Challenges:
- No root or server-level access
- Gets expensive as apps scale
- Performance limits on free/low tiers
- Buildpacks can break with custom setups
Best for: MVPs, prototypes, and developers who want to skip server setup.
5. Render
Render blends the simplicity of Heroku with a more modern developer experience. It supports Node.js natively and uses Git-based deployments, with auto-deploy from GitHub or GitLab. You also get free SSL, automatic scaling, and global CDN.
It’s good for indie apps and startups who need infrastructure that grows with them, but still want a simplified, Heroku-like experience.
Strengths:
- Native Node.js support with Git-based deploys
- Free SSL, CDN, and autoscaling included
- Easy staging/preview environments
- Great free tier for small apps
Challenges:
- No server-level customization
- Support is mostly self-serve
- Performance may dip under load
- Smaller documentation base
Best for: Startups and solo devs building modern full-stack or JAMstack-style apps.
How to choose Node.js hosting
What makes a hosting platform right for your Node.js app? Start by matching features to your stage of development and comfort level with servers.
- Root or SSH access: Needed for custom environments and npm package control.
- Performance: SSDs, CPU cores, and RAM determine how fast your app runs under load.
- Scalability: Look for VPS or cloud environments that let you grow without re-deploying.
- Ease of deployment: Platforms like Heroku and Render offer automation if you don’t want to configure everything yourself.
- Support: Fully managed hosts help with updates, monitoring, and server-level troubleshooting—worth it if you’re new to sysadmin tasks.
- Pricing flexibility: Fixed monthly rates are predictable. Hourly or usage-based pricing can be better for short-term projects.
Types of Node.js hosting servers
Not all Node.js hosting servers are built the same. Here’s what to expect from each option:
- Shared hosting: Cheapest, but usually limited or incompatible with real-time Node.js apps. Only use this for lightweight projects or testing.
- VPS hosting: The sweet spot for most Node.js devs. Offers full root access, better performance, and room to scale without breaking the bank.
- Dedicated servers: Ideal for enterprise apps or high-traffic APIs. Maximum performance, full control, and no noisy neighbors.
- Cloud platforms (IaaS): Like AWS or Kamatera. Gives you virtualized hardware with flexible specs. Great for global apps and microservices.
- Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS): Like Heroku or Render. Simplifies deployment but takes control away from you. Best for fast launches and small teams.
Getting started with Node.js hosting
Finding the right Node.js hosting is about balancing control, performance, and ease of use. Whether you need raw power, convenience, or budget-friendly tools, there’s a solid platform waiting to host your next app.
When you’re ready to upgrade your Node.js hosting to a high-quality VPS or dedicated server, Liquid Web can help. We’ve been leading the industry for decades, because our servers are fast, scalable with one click, and unbeatably reliable. Choose your favorite OS and the management tier that works best for you.
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Additional resources
The beginner’s guide to VPS →
Everything you need to know about VPS hosting, how it compares, when to use it, and more
What is managed hosting? →
Benefits, tips, and when to choose managed hosting services
How to host your own website →
Five simple steps to taking control of your own server