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Ruby on Rails is one of the most trusted frameworks for building web applications. It helps developers create powerful, flexible apps and deploy and scale them quickly.
But you need the right hosting provider to get the most out of it.
The best Ruby on Rails hosting provider is supposed to offer excellent support and balance speed, reliability, security, and scalability. It should also keep your data safe and fit within your budget.
But why does hosting matter for Ruby on Rails?
Let’s keep this simple. Hosting is like the house where your web app “lives.” If you pick the wrong host, your app might slow down, crash under pressure, or face security risks.
Whether you need premium or the cheapest Ruby web hosting services, this guide covers key factors to consider when selecting Ruby on Rails cloud hosting services.
Key Takeaways
- A hosting provider must support the latest Rails versions for better features, stronger security, and faster performance.
- Consider your budget carefully. Start small if needed, but look for a provider that can grow with you.
- Selecting between VPS, PaaS, and IaaS depends on a project’s specific resource needs and growth plans.
- JetRuby’s CTO as a Service can help optimize hosting strategies, build skilled development teams, and support long-term project success
What to Look for in Ruby on Rails Hosting
When it comes to web hosting, Ruby on Rails practitioners always aim for optimal performance and rock-solid security.
To find the best Rails hosting solution, consider your specific needs and how the provider can meet them.
Here are the main points to remember when hosting Ruby on Rails applications.
Support for Advanced Versions
Your hosting provider must support the latest versions of Ruby on Rails. Using the latest version gives you access to new features, security updates, and performance boosts. This helps keep your application current and secure.
Regular Updates
A hosting provider that regularly updates its infrastructure and software helps reduce security risks and improve system stability in your Rails applications.
To reduce downtime or compatibility issues during upgrading, a hosting provider must leverage efficient Ruby on Rails deployment processes and precaution techniques:
- Continuous integration and deployment tools for quick and smooth updates.
- Rolling updates or blue-green deployments to keep services running during updates.
- Ruby on Rails versions and gem dependencies management to ensure compatibility and avoid disruptions.
- Automated tests to catch issues before deployment and reduce live problems.
- Regular backups and a rollback plan to quickly restore previous versions if needed.
- Performance post-update monitoring and issues alerts.
- Staging environments to test updates before going live, helping to spot problems early.
Read more about maintaining your Ruby on Rails application up-to-date!
Data Security
To protect application and user data, look for strong security features such as SSL certificates, firewalls, regular backups, and compliance with industry standards.
Strong data security becomes even more critical in industries like healthcare.
For example, JetRuby team built a healthcare platform on Ruby on Rails with secure chat, HIPAA-compliant data storage, and patient scheduling.
We integrated it seamlessly with Athena EMR to ensure compliance with industry standards.
Scalability
Imagine your app suddenly gets thousands of visitors. Without scalable hosting, your app could crash or slow to a crawl. Scalable hosting adjusts resources like memory and CPU power on demand. This ensures your app runs smoothly, even during traffic spikes.
Database Compatibility
Choose a Rails web hosting provider that supports your preferred databases, like PostgreSQL or MySQL.
Make sure they offer simple ways to set up, maintain, and improve them. Look for features like automated backups and performance monitoring to help keep your database running smoothly.
Customer Support: Your Safety Net
Choose a host that offers 24/7 technical assistance. Problems can happen anytime, and when you know help is always available, it gives you peace of mind. Look for providers that offer multiple ways to contact support, like live chat, phone, or email.
A detailed knowledge base with tutorials and FAQs can also help you fix minor issues on your own.
Smart Budgeting
Compare different pricing plans to find one that fits your budget while providing the necessary features and resources.
Some providers offer free Rails hosting options, ideal for startups or small projects with limited budgets.
When you create a Ruby on Rails application, consider the initial costs to build and launch it and the ongoing costs as it grows. These expenses include hosting the server, managing the database, integrating third-party services, and keeping the app updated.
This strategy will help you plan for the future and keep your app running smoothly as more users start using it.
Right Hosting Type: Shared or VPS
The selection of hosting type depends on your project’s requirements.
For example:
- Shared Hosting is affordable yet has limited resources. Best for small apps or startups.
- VPS (Virtual Private Server) provides dedicated resources for growing apps.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service) is Cloud-based and easy to scale. Good for businesses.
- IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)is highly customizable but requires more technical know-how.
Let’s now look at some top hosting providers for Ruby on Rails applications.
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Best Hosting for Ruby on Rails: Top Providers
With many options available, you need to find the one that meets your technical needs and helps your project grow easily.
Let’s look at the best Rails cloud hosting providers and highlight their key features, pros and cons, and best use cases to help you make a good choice.
Liquid Web
Liquid Web is a web hosting company with 18 data centers worldwide. It is well-known for its premium managed hosting services.
Liquid Web stands out in the web hosting market by providing a strong infrastructure, excellent customer support, solid security, and various specialized hosting options, including managed WordPress hosting, VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting, dedicated servers, and cloud hosting services.
High-Speed SSD Storage ensures rapid data access and application performance. Comprehensive server management includes updates, monitoring, and maintenance. Advanced Security Features include DDoS protection, firewalls, and automated backups. Automatic Scaling dynamically adjusts resources based on traffic demands. Customizable Server Configurations let you tailor server settings to meet specific application requirements. |
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Managed VPS Hosting Dedicated Servers Cloud Hosting |
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24/7/365 | |
Reliable Uptime consistently maintains high availability with minimal downtime. 24/7/365 expert assistance with rapid response times. Scalable Resources let you easily upgrade resources to accommodate growing application needs. Global Data Centers ensure low latency and high performance across different regions. |
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Premium services come at a higher cost than some competitors. May offer more features than necessary for smaller applications. |
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Starting Price: $5/month | |
You need reliable and dedicated hosting with top-tier support. |
Hostinger
Hostinger delivers affordable and efficient Ruby on Rails hosting solutions, making it an excellent choice for startups and small businesses seeking cost-effective yet reliable hosting.
Hostinger, with its user-friendly interface and robust performance, simplifies the deployment and management of Ruby on Rails applications without compromising essential features.
Competitive rates that cater to budget-conscious users. Intuitive interface for easy server and application management. Optimized servers ensure quick page loads and smooth user experiences. Simplifies the setup process for Ruby on Rails applications. Ensures your application remains accessible virtually all the time. |
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Shared Hosting VPS Hosting Cloud Hosting |
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24/7/365 | |
Ideal for projects with limited financial resources. Simplified setup and management processes. Reliable speed and uptime suitable for small to medium applications. Comprehensive guides and resources to assist users. |
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May lack some advanced configurations needed for complex applications. Shared hosting plans may have limitations as your application grows. |
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Starting Price: $2.95/month | |
You’re working on a startup or small project with a limited budget. |
Kamatera
Kamatera is a global cloud services platform provider with enterprise-grade cloud infrastructure products.
With a global data center network and thousands of servers deployed worldwide, Kamatera serves a diverse clientele, including startups, app developers, international enterprises, and SMBs.
Tailor CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth to your specific needs. Choose from multiple locations worldwide to optimize performance and reduce latency. Easily scale resources up or down based on application demand. Continuous oversight to ensure optimal performance and uptime. Automate and manage your infrastructure programmatically with API Access |
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Cloud VPS Dedicated Cloud Servers Managed Cloud Hosting |
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24/7/365 | |
Flexible Scaling for adjusting resources in real-time to match traffic and usage patterns. Global Reach helps to deploy applications closer to your user base for enhanced performance. High reliability and speed for demanding Ruby on Rails applications. Full administrative access and customization options. |
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Extensive customization options can be complex for beginners Costs can fluctuate based on resource usage |
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Starting Price: $4/month | |
You need customizable and scalable cloud solutions. |
Bluehost
Bluehost is a widely recognized web hosting provider known for its comprehensive services, including shared hosting, WordPress hosting, VPS (Virtual Private Server) hosting, and dedicated servers.
It is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced developers alike. It combines strong performance with user-friendly tools to help you easily deploy and manage Ruby on Rails applications.
Simplified setup process for Ruby on Rails environments. Built-in SSL certificates and Content Delivery Networks. Access to a wide range of support resources and expert assistance. One-Click Deployment helps launch Ruby on Rails applications quickly with minimal configuration. Regular backups to protect your data and applications. |
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Shared Hosting VPS Hosting Dedicated Servers Managed WordPress Hosting |
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24/7/365 | |
User-friendly, intuitive interfaces, and tools simplify hosting management. Consistently high availability ensures your application remains accessible. Knowledgeable strong support team available around the clock. Access to various development and deployment tools to streamline workflows. |
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Limited Advanced Features on Lower Plans Shared hosting environments can experience performance fluctuations during peak times. |
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Starting Price: $2.49/month | |
You want a balanced mix of performance and ease of use. |
DreamHost
DreamHost provides reliable Ruby on Rails applications hosting, focusing on performance, security, and customer support.
Their services ensure your applications run quickly and smoothly, even during peak times.
Unlimited Bandwidth helps to handle high traffic volumes without additional costs. Includes a free domain name and SSL certificate to enhance security. Advanced protection against malware, DDoS attacks, and other threats. User-friendly interface for managing your hosting environment. Regular backups to safeguard your data and applications. |
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Shared Hosting VPS Hosting Dedicated Servers Cloud Hosting |
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24/7/365 | |
Unlimited Resources ensures no caps on bandwidth or storage, allowing for flexible scaling. Comprehensive security features to protect your Ruby on Rails application. 24/7/365 customer service with knowledgeable representatives. Commitment to Privacy adheres to strict privacy policies and data protection standards. |
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Initial pricing may be attractive, but renewal rates can be significantly higher. Limited data center locations compared to some competitors may affect latency. |
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Starting Price: $2,95/month | |
Your project requires unlimited resources and strong security. |
HostGator
HostGator provides flexible hosting for Ruby on Rails applications, focusing on performance and growth. Its strong infrastructure and support make it suitable for projects of different sizes.
HostGator’s plans easily adapt as your application develops. An important benefit is its fully managed VPS hosting, which handles server setup, monitoring, and maintenance.
Upgrade resources help effortlessly to accommodate increasing traffic and data. Access to 24/7/365 support through multiple channels, including live chat, phone, and email. High Uptime Guarantees ensure maximum availability and minimal downtime for your application. User-friendly control panel for managing your hosting environment. One-Click Installers simplify the deployment of Ruby on Rails and other applications. |
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Shared Hosting VPS Hosting Dedicated Servers Cloud Hosting |
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24/7/365 | |
Easy hosting plan adjustments to meet the growing demands of your application. Reliable Uptime consistently maintains high availability, ensuring your application remains accessible. Multiple support channels provide comprehensive assistance whenever needed. Wide range of hosting options to suit different project requirements and budgets. |
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Advanced hosting plans with more resources come at a higher cost. Shared hosting may restrict resource usage, affecting performance during high-traffic periods. |
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Starting Price: $2.75/month | |
You need hosting that scales quickly and efficiently. |
A2 Hosting
A2 Hosting is renowned for its high-speed Ruby on Rails hosting. It prioritizes performance optimization and user-friendly features tailored for developers.
With its Turbo Servers, A2 Hosting guarantees incredibly fast load times and exceptional reliability.
The platform is crafted with developers in mind, offering advanced tools and configurations that make it easy to build, deploy, and manage Ruby on Rails applications.
Up to 20x faster page loads compared to standard hosting thanks to Turbo Servers Support for multiple programming languages, Git integration, and SSH access. Hassle-free migration services to transfer your existing applications. Advanced caching mechanisms and performance tuning for Ruby on Rails. Expert assistance available around the clock to resolve any issues. |
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Shared Hosting VPS Hosting Dedicated Servers Managed WordPress Hosting |
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24/7/365 | |
Turbo Servers provide exceptional speed and responsiveness. A comprehensive suite of tools that facilitate efficient development and deployment. Free Migrations help you easily transfer your existing Ruby on Rails applications without downtime. Ability to configure server settings to match specific development needs. |
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Limited Data Center Locations may result in higher latency for some users, affecting your Ruby on Rails app performance. Turbo Server plans are more expensive than standard hosting options. |
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Starting Price: $2,99/month | |
You are a developer seeking high-speed hosting with advanced tools. |
InterServer
InterServer offers cost-effective and dependable hosting services for Ruby on Rails, suitable for projects of all scales.
With a focus on reliable performance and highly competitive pricing options, InterServer guarantees that your Ruby on Rails applications operate seamlessly without straining your budget.
Their price-lock guarantee provides stability, simplifying the planning and management of hosting expenses over time.
Price-Lock Guarantee ensures long-term affordability. Generous bandwidth, storage, and processing power allocations to support your applications. Optimized servers and infrastructure ensure reliable and fast application performance. User-friendly interface for managing your hosting environment and applications. Free SSD Storage provides enhanced speed and reliability with solid-state drives. |
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Shared Hosting VPS Hosting Dedicated Servers Reseller Hosting |
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24/7/365 | |
Competitive pricing plans that provide excellent value for money. No restrictions on bandwidth and storage, allowing for flexible growth. Consistent server performance ensures your Ruby on Rails application remains responsive. Price-lock guarantee protects against future price hikes, offering peace of mind. |
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Basic interface may lack some advanced features found in other hosting platforms. May not offer as many specialized tools or integrations as some competitors. |
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Starting Price: $2.50/month | |
You need affordable hosting with unlimited resources. |
Free Rails on Rails Hosting Options
For developers and startups operating on a tight budget, free Ruby hosting can be an excellent way to get started without significant financial investment.
While free hosting plans often have limitations such as restricted resources, limited support, and fewer customization options, they can be ideal for testing, learning, or small-scale projects.
Here are some providers that offer free Rails hosting:
- Heroku Free Tier offers a simple way to deploy Rails applications with limited dyno hours.
- Render Free Plan provides free web services suitable for small Rails apps.
- The GitHub Pages option was not initially designed for Rails but can host static parts of your application.
You might want to know more about hosting servers and technologies!
Need Help Choosing the Right Hosting?
Free Rails hosting is a good option for developers and startups with limited budgets, but it often has limits.
As your project grows, you’ll need better performance, security, and team management. Free solutions may not be enough in these areas.
We help businesses like yours choose the right hosting provider and set up systems that keep your Ruby on Rails development team working smoothly.
Instead of worrying about servers, workflows, and processes, you can focus on what matters most — growing your business. We handle the technical side of things and give you the support you need to move forward confidently.
When you work with JetRuby, you get much more than just advice on hosting. You gain a reliable partner ready to help your business succeed at every stage.
Here’s what we offer:
- A Skilled Ruby on Rails Team: You get access to experienced developers who know how to build quality software that meets your goals.
- Clear, Organized Workflows: We create straightforward processes that improve productivity and make teamwork easier.
- Technical Talent Development: We guide your IT team, helping them learn, adapt, and grow as they work with new technologies.
- Reliable Project Delivery: Our structured approach ensures projects finish on time and meet high-quality standards.
- Effective Management of Changes: If something needs adjusting, we handle it quickly and efficiently to meet your business needs.
- Custom IT Support: We tailor our approach to your business goals, ensuring our technical expertise perfectly matches your needs.
With these benefits, you can build a stable, efficient development team that works without unnecessary delays or confusion.
If you are a startup and thinking about how to ensure delivery processes, we have valuable insights for you!
How We Work
Our approach is designed to improve your team’s performance. We follow a clear process to ensure every part of your workflow is as efficient and productive as possible.
Here are the main steps in our work:
- In-Depth Interviews: We talk to your team to understand their roles and challenges.
- Process Audit: We analyze workflows, find bottlenecks, and create a two-week improvement plan.
- Implementation: We put changes into action and monitor performance.
- Managed Delivery Transition: We ensure a seamless switch to development, improving team stability and productivity.
Growing a business comes with a lot of challenges. You need the right tools, the right people, and the right processes to move forward. But figuring out all of this on your own can feel overwhelming.
With JetRuby’s CTO as a Service, you don’t have to do it alone.
We step in to help you improve workflows, optimize hosting, and build a team that delivers results. Whether you’re just starting out or already scaling up, we give you the support you need to focus on your vision and build something amazing.
Once we’ve established everything, you can keep working with us or switch to our other services. These include:
- Project Development: Building software solutions tailored to your business.
- Post-Launch Support: Making sure your product runs smoothly after launch.
- Optimization: Improving performance and efficiency to help your project succeed even further.
If you want to improve your Ruby on Rails projects, build a strong development team, or simply stop worrying about hosting decisions, JetRuby’s CTO as a Service is here to help.
We’re ready to give you the tools, expertise, and support you need to reach your goals. Contact us today to learn more about how we can work together.
Let’s build something great one step at a time.