Choose Your Setup Path
Compare the three RunClaw setup paths before you start onboarding.
RunClaw supports three infrastructure paths. All three end in the same control plane, but they differ in who creates the server, what credentials you need, and how much infrastructure you already manage.
Path overview
Provision on Hetzner
The easiest cloud path. RunClaw creates a new VPS in your Hetzner account.
Provision on Vultr
The alternative cloud path. RunClaw creates a new VPS in your Vultr account.
Connect existing Ubuntu server over SSH
Use infrastructure you already run. Attach a server you manage instead of creating a new one.
Compare the paths
| Path | Best for | What you need | Infrastructure bill | Ownership model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provision on Hetzner | Fastest path to a fresh server | Hetzner Cloud account + API token | Paid directly to Hetzner | RunClaw creates the VPS in your Hetzner account |
| Provision on Vultr | Fresh server on Vultr regions and billing | Vultr account + API key | Paid directly to Vultr | RunClaw creates the VPS in your Vultr account |
| Connect existing Ubuntu server over SSH | Teams or builders who already run infrastructure | Ubuntu 22.04+ server with root or sudo access | Your existing infra cost | You keep using the server you already control |
Provision on Hetzner
- Recommended for: most first-time users
- Why pick it: simplest cloud path, strong default for the public beta
- What happens: RunClaw provisions a new VPS in your Hetzner account, then installs your agent and control-plane connection
Start here: Create a Hetzner account
Next step: Deploy an agent on Hetzner or Vultr
Provision on Vultr
- Recommended for: users who prefer Vultr regions, pricing, or account setup
- Why pick it: same cloud provisioning flow, different provider
- What happens: RunClaw provisions a new VPS in your Vultr account, then installs your agent and control-plane connection
Start here: Sign in to runclaw.run and choose Provision on Vultr in the setup wizard.
Next step: Deploy an agent on Hetzner or Vultr
Connect existing Ubuntu server over SSH
- Recommended for: users who already manage Ubuntu infrastructure
- Why pick it: no new cloud server to create, no new provider account required
- What happens: RunClaw generates a one-line setup command. You run it on your server, and that machine connects back to the RunClaw control plane
Start here: Connect an existing server
Same destination, different starting points
No matter which path you choose, RunClaw gives you the same core experience:
- A dashboard for monitoring and updates
- Agent deployment for OpenClaw, Agent Zero, or Goose
- SSH and direct server ownership
- A protected agent URL with the RunClaw access gate
Next: Deploy on Hetzner or Vultr | Connect an existing server