If you’re a game server administrator, studio tech lead, or gaming community manager, chances are you’re looking for a server hosting solution that’s affordable without compromising performance. With ARK: Survival Evolved’s demanding server needs and dynamic player interactions, performance, mod support, and ease of management are paramount.
Whether you’re managing a small tribe of 10 or building a high-performance PvP cluster, the right hosting partner will reduce setup time, streamline mod installation, and improve player retention. This guide ranks the top 12 cheap ARK server hosting providers for 2025, focusing on what B2B buyers need to know: uptime reliability, global latency, management tools, and pricing transparency.
What is ARK?
ARK: Survival Evolved, commonly referred to as ARK or ARKSE, is an action-adventure-based survival game. It was launched on the 2nd of June 2015. This game was developed by Studio Wildcard, Instinct Games, Efecto Studios, Virtual Basement, etc.
The game offers both single-player and multiplayer options, with first-person and third-person POV (Point Of View). The objective is simple, survive on an island filled with dinosaurs, prehistoric creatures, and natural calamities, and top it off, against hostile co-players. Okay, maybe it is not as simple as it sounds. But, the game is undeniably fun. That is why it has been booming across all major PC, mobile, and gaming consoles.
Key Points to Consider Before Purchasing ARK Server Hosting
- ⚡Latency & Locations: Choose providers with data centers near your player base.
- ⚡Support for Mods & Maps: Look for one-click installation and FTP access.
- ⚡DDoS Protection: Essential for public servers to avoid downtime.
- ⚡Backup & Restore: Ensure support for full backups in case of data loss.
- ⚡Ease of Use: A clean, accessible control panel saves time for teams.
- ⚡Transparent Pricing: Look for upfront pricing without hidden fees.
Quick Comparison: Best Cheap ARK Hosting (2025)
| Rank | Provider | Starting Price | Trustpilot Rating | Average Latency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gravel Host | $16.00/month | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) | 35ms |
| 2 | G-Portal | £11.67/month | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.4/5) | 37ms |
| 3 | DatHost | $13.54/month | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) | 38ms |
| 4 | Shockbyte | $14.99/month | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5) | 30ms |
| 5 | Zap Hosting | $8.29/month | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5) | 42ms |
| 6 | ScalaCube | $15.96/month | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5) | 35ms |
| 7 | Nitrous Networks | $18.97/month | ⭐⭐⭐ (3.9/5) | 37ms |
| 8 | HostHavoc | $15.00/month | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5) | 28ms |
| 9 | LOW.MS | $12.52/month | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) | 32ms |
| 10 | Citadel Servers | $34.98/month | ⭐⭐⭐ (3.9/5) | 40ms |
Also Read
How to Play ARK Survival Evolved with Friends
Top 5 Budget-Friendly ARK Hosting Providers in 2026
Now that we are familiar with the game let us dive into the free and cheapest ARK server hosting providers that are upvoted and recommended by Reddit users.
1. Gravel Host (Editor’s Choice)
Best for: SMBs and gaming communities prioritizing uptime and easy server configuration.
Pricing: Starts at $16.00/month, includes unlimited player slots.
Gravel Host provides a powerful ARK: Survival Evolved Server hosting with a 72-hours money-back guarantee. It offers a user-friendly web interface that helps beginner users to set up the server quickly without any prior knowledge. Gravel Host is known for its great support and unmatched performance backed by top-end CPUs, SSDs, and RAMs. Additionally, they provide an easy-to-use settings manager that helps you tweak more than 200 aspects of your ARK server with a single click.
Key Features
- ⚡DDoS Protection
- ⚡Unlimited Slots & Usage
- ⚡3 Years of Backups
- ⚡One-Click Mod Installer
- ⚡Built-in Firewall Manager
- ⚡Auto-Updates & Backups
Unique Buying Proposition
Gravel Host’s all-in-one control panel and generous backup policy make it stand out for long-term project hosting. It’s especially valuable for teams managing persistent game worlds or community-run PvE servers.
Feature-in-Focus
Easy Settings Manager Over 200 configuration options are exposed via a user-friendly UI, eliminating the need for manual config edits. Ideal for admins with limited Linux/server experience.
2. G-Portal (Best for Global Reach & Instant Setup)
Best for: Studios and global communities needing low latency across continents.
Pricing: Starts at £11.67/month for 10 player slots.
G-Portal is a well-established hosting provider known for its robust infrastructure and global server locations. They offer a user-friendly experience with quick setup times, making it ideal for both newcomers and seasoned players.
Key Features
- ⚡Global Server Locations: Servers available in multiple regions, including Central Europe, USA, Australia, Japan, Brazil, and India, ensuring low latency worldwide.
- ⚡Instant Setup: Servers are ready to use within minutes of purchase.
- ⚡DDoS Protection: Advanced protection using Bulwark™ and Corero systems for uninterrupted gameplay.
- ⚡Mod Support: Integrated Steam Workshop for easy mod installation and management.
- ⚡Cross-Travel Enabled: Allows players to travel between multiple servers seamlessly.
- ⚡Official Studio Wildcard Partner: Ensures compatibility and support for all ARK content.
Unique Buying Proposition
G-Portal’s official partnership with Studio Wildcard ensures first-day support for game patches and DLCs—key for staying competitive during content updates.
Feature-in-Focus
Global Node Infrastructure By distributing servers close to player bases, G-Portal offers ultra-low latency for international player tribes—ideal for PvP.
3. DatHost (Best for Reliability)
Best for: Admins needing consistent uptime and responsive support for medium-sized servers.
Pricing: Starts at €12.90/month with a 7-day money-back guarantee.
DatHost provides a powerful ARK: Survival Evolved Server hosting with a 7-Days money-back guarantee. It offers a user-friendly web interface that helps beginner users to set up the server quickly without any prior knowledge. DatHost is known for its great support and unmatched performance backed by top-end CPUs, SSDs, and RAMs. Additionally, they provide an easy-to-use settings manager that helps you to tweak more than 200 different aspects of your ARK server with a single click.
Key Features
- ⚡DDoS Protection
- ⚡User Friendly Control Panel
- ⚡7-Day Money Back Guarantee
- ⚡One-Click Mod Installer
- ⚡Full Backups
Unique Buying Proposition
DatHost’s backup reliability and smooth panel experience are top-tier, especially for users with no prior hosting experience.
Feature-in-Focus
Advanced Mod Manager Supports a wide range of mod integrations and automatic syncing with Steam Workshop, reducing admin time spent on maintenance.
4. Shockbyte (Best for Global Hosting )
Best for: Players with international communities or PvP clusters.
Pricing: Starts at $14.99/month, 72-hour free trial available.
Shockbyte is a game server provider launched in March of 2013 and has shown exponential growth ever since. It provides servers with the best, updated hardware and 24 hours of support and management. It also provides a free subdomain with DDoS protection. The servers (or data hubs) are located in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, giving the lowest ping possible.
Key Features
- ⚡100% Uptime and Gaming Experience
- ⚡Automatic Updates, Modding, and Backups
- ⚡Full FTP Access
- ⚡Custom Maps
- ⚡Instant Setup
- ⚡Server Console for Total Control
- ⚡24/7 Expert and Experienced Support
- ⚡Low Latency
Key Specifications
- ⚡Free Trial – 72 Hours
- ⚡Slots – 30-125
- ⚡Pricing – $14.99/Month
- ⚡Control Panel – Multicraft
- ⚡Support – Discord and Chat
Unique Buying Proposition
Shockbyte’s wide geographic footprint ensures minimal latency for multi-continent tribes and tournament hosts.
Feature-in-Focus
Uptime Guarantee Guaranteed 100% uptime SLA backed by failover systems and a robust infrastructure that includes fast auto-restarts.
5. Zap Hosting (Best Budget Option)
Best for: Small groups and solo server owners looking for the lowest monthly cost.
Pricing: Starts at €7.90/month (~$8.29), includes 10 slots.
Zap Hosting is a cheap and powerful ARK game server hosting company. It has provided a server hosting platform to over 100,000 satisfied customers. Furthermore, it is one of the best hostings voted by Reddit users. It also offers PixARK server hosting if you want to play sandbox games.
Key Features
- ⚡Located in All Major Hubs and Cities
- ⚡Quick Installation and Setup
- ⚡24×7 Online for an Uninterrupted Gaming Experience
- ⚡Custom Control Gives You Total Control of Your Server
- ⚡Low Ping and Pricing
- ⚡DDoS Protection
Key Specifications
- ⚡Free Trial – 7-Day
- ⚡Slots – 10
- ⚡Pricing – €7.90/Month
- ⚡Control Panel – Yes
- ⚡Support – Ticketing and Chat
Unique Buying Proposition
Zap Hosting’s value-for-money proposition makes it perfect for temporary or test servers without compromising stability.
Feature-in-Focus
Preconfigured Templates Launch ARK servers with predefined settings—no manual tuning required, great for non-technical users.
6. ScalaCube (Best for Modding & Customization)
ScalaCube, or Scalable Hosting Solutions, is an ARK server hosting service provider that commenced its operations recently. It soon became a popular choice among game enthusiasts mainly concerned with hosting game servers. Thanks to its experienced staff, it is capable of providing support around the globe.
Key Features
- ⚡Free Unlimited Traffic
- ⚡SSD-Based Storage
- ⚡24×7 Customer Support
- ⚡Steam Workshop Mods
- ⚡Modifiable Server Settings
- ⚡Instant Server Setup
- ⚡Full FTP Access
- ⚡Free Domain
- ⚡ARK Official Mods
Key Specifications
- ⚡Free Trial – No
- ⚡Slots – 20-120
- ⚡Pricing – $19/Month
- ⚡Control Panel – Custom
- ⚡Support – Ticketing
7. Nitrous Networks
Launched in July of 2010 by Jordan Bryant, Nitrous Networks has been growing strong as a host and server provider. The main motto of this company is to provide a reliable and feature-rich gaming experience. Working on that, the company has gone through various changes. However, with the leaders’ vision backed by the latest hardware, the company is now among the best ARK server hosting platforms. And the impressive ever-growing numbers of over 2,800 active servers, 206,200 deployed servers, and 137,000 satisfied customers speak for themselves.
Key Features
- ⚡Protected from Various DDoS Attacks
- ⚡SSD-Based Storage
- ⚡Easy Setup Within Minutes
- ⚡Quality Network Speed
- ⚡Latest Hardware
- ⚡T1 Connectivity for the Lowest Possible Ping
8. HostHavoc (Best for Performance )
HostHavoc is another ARK server hosting service provider majorly concerned with game servers, was founded in July 2013. It was launched to provide a cost-friendly solution with exceptional gaming performance. It has a team of experienced professionals to provide support across the globe. From the payment time until your server goes live, these professionals assist you in every step of the setup. And continue assisting you even when your server is up and running. The servers are located across the globe with 11 major gaming hubs.
Key Features
- ⚡99.9% Uptime
- ⚡24x7x365 Support with a Response Time of Under 10 Minutes
- ⚡Easy and Instant Setup of New and Even Faster NVMe SSD-Based Storage
- ⚡High-Grade Processors
- ⚡Free Protection Against DDoS Attacks
9. Low.MS
Low.MS is a game server hosting service provider that started its operations in 2015 under Swiftping Limited’s name. It is among the pioneers of gaming server hosts. It has servers in several locations in Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. They aim to expand their services further into Italy, Russia, and several South America and South Africa locations. Thus further boosting its growth and popularity.
Key Features
- ⚡SSD Powered Storage
- ⚡Guaranteed Setup Within a Minute
- ⚡Full FTP Access
- ⚡Full Customization and Control of the Server
- ⚡10 Gbps DDoS Protection
- ⚡Fast Pings
- ⚡Powerful Industrial-Level Hardware
10. Citadel Server (Best for Large Tribes )
Citadel Server is a game server hosting provider launched in 2013. It offers various hosting solutions with the latest technology and equipment. Its round-clock professional support has eased the server’s setup and running process or any other service it provides. Furthermore, their policies, pricing, and pings have made them among the top hosting providers. They are going strong in various locations such as Canada, the United States of America (USA), France, and many more.
Key Features
- ⚡Single-Click Installations
- ⚡Instant Setup
- ⚡SSD-Based Storage
- ⚡DLC Supported
- ⚡Supports and Links Multiple Servers
- ⚡Full ARK API Support
- ⚡Automatic Updates and Backups
- ⚡Full ARK Graphic Configuration
11. Black Box
Black Box Hosting was founded in 2008. Satisfying their gaming experience is their highest priority. Working along those lines, they significantly improved their policies, hardware, and services, landing a spot among top server hosting providers. Since its dawn, it has had over 152,700 deployed game servers. It has data hubs in the USA, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom (UK), France, and every major populated location.
Key Features
- ⚡Ease in the Configuration of the Server
- ⚡SSD-Based Storage
- ⚡10-Minute Setup, from Payment to Going Live
- ⚡24×7 Expert Support
- ⚡Updated Top-Notch Hardware
- ⚡Hosting Control Panel for the Server
12. Sparked Host
When it comes to hosting options for Ark: Survival Evolved, Spark Host provides a wide range of excellent offers. They ensure your community’s or friends’ satisfaction by guaranteeing an uptime of 99.9%. Moreover, they offer competitive pricing, top-notch features, and mod support for your server.
In terms of cost, Sparked Host offers the most affordable deals. Starting at $8.00 a month, their Ark budget plan is a great value. You can also opt for the recommended enterprise option starting at $18.00 a month. This includes a Ryzen 7600 or equivalent, DDR5 RAM, and a RAID 1 NVMe SSD to provide the smoothest server experience.
Key Features
Sparked Host offers you many excellent features. These features vary from DDoS protection to simple old SFTP access to get your server management needs done. Below is a great full list of features:
Many games, including Ark, have an extensive expansion of mods to bring out an entirely different gaming experience. Sparked Host understands this well, supporting your favorite mods for almost any game. They know that you and your friends need that enlightening experience, so they take the time to make tutorials that are easy and understandable. This is so your server can maintain a high level of fun on any given day with any modifications you want!
In conclusion, if you are looking for an excellent Ark server hosting experience with great deals, top-notch features, and mod support. Then don’t look past Sparked Host. They provide all of these needs and more!
Our Methodology for Choosing ARK Server Hosting Providers
We evaluated over 20 server hosting providers using a standardized review process:
- Performance Benchmarks: Latency, hardware specs, uptime guarantees
- Ease of Use: Control panel design, setup wizard, mod manager
- Support Infrastructure: Availability, channels (chat, email, Discord), SupportScore
- Value for Price: Features included at base tier, renewal pricing
- Reputation: Reddit mentions, Trustpilot ratings, community sentiment
We combine hands-on testing with community feedback and vendor documentation.
Why Trust Us
Linuxbuz’s reviews are crafted by a team of IT professionals, Game developer, and hosting analysts. We’ve spent years evaluating server infrastructure and software tools for both SMBs and enterprise use. Our methodology emphasizes transparency, performance testing, and customer support, ensuring you make confident, risk-aware decisions.
Final Verdict: Which ARK Server Hosting Is Best for You?
If you’re looking for cheap ARK server hosting, make sure to prioritize performance over price. Look for low-latency servers, strong DDoS protection, and good customer support.
For fast performance & reliability, GravelHost, Shockbyte and HostHavoc are great choices. For budget-friendly hosting, Zap Hosting and Sparked Host offer affordable plans.
Want me to add more insights or benchmark data? 🚀 Let me know!
FAQs: Cheap ARK Server Hosting Services
1. What is the best and cheapest PS4 ARK server?
GravelHost, Zap-Hosting, Shockbyte and Apex Hosting
2. What is a dedicated server ARK PS4?
An ARK dedicated server is hosted by a company or individual user on high-performance hardware. It allows you to rent an ARK server PS4 to any user and make money easily.
3. What is the best ARK Xbox server hosting?
Nitrado is one of the best hosting companies that supports ARK servers on Xbox One and PS4. You can purchase it directly from the Nitrado official website.
4. What is an ARK non-dedicated server?
On the dedicated ARK server, you have full control of the server. On the other hand, a non-dedicated server allows you to play games with others, unlike a single-player server. It is hosted on shared hardware so you have limited storage space, bandwidth, and CPU power.
5. What is the Best Free ARK Server Hosting?
Scalacube offers the Best Free ARK: Survival Evolved Server Hosting with full functionality. Includes DDoS protection, 24/7 uptime, server monitoring & SSD.
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