What is Java hosting?
Java hosting is any hosting service that can run Java applications. PHP hosting executes scripts on each request. A Java application is different: it is a long-running process on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) that keeps your code, caches and database connections in memory. That is why Java hosting is mostly about memory, and why a plain PHP hosting account cannot run it.
A Java host provides a JDK, something to run your code (a servlet container, an application server or just the JVM), a way to start the application on boot and a public web address with HTTPS.
What kind of Java application are you running?
| Your application | Runs on | Page |
|---|---|---|
| WAR file, JSP, servlets, Spring MVC | Apache Tomcat | Tomcat hosting |
| Spring Boot executable JAR | The JVM, as a service | Spring Boot hosting |
| Quarkus or Micronaut service | The JVM, or a native binary | Quarkus, Micronaut |
| EJB, JMS, CDI, Jakarta EE (EAR or WAR) | WildFly or Payara | WildFly, Payara |
| Anything in a container | Docker | Docker Java hosting |
Shared, VPS or dedicated?
Shared Java hosting
Many customers share one machine or even one JVM. It is cheap, but you cannot choose the Java version, memory limits are tight and one noisy neighbour affects everyone. It suits small test sites.
Java VPS hosting
A virtual private server gives your application guaranteed memory and CPU, root access and the freedom to configure everything. This is what most production Java applications need. Read more on Java VPS hosting.
Dedicated server
A whole physical machine. Worth it for very large heaps or heavy databases. Most applications never need it, and a large VPS covers the gap.
The detailed comparison is in shared Java hosting vs Java VPS.
How much does Java hosting cost?
Cost follows memory. A small servlet or API runs on 2 GB, a production application with its database wants 8 GB, and a busy multi-application server needs 16 GB or more. Our plans start at €15.30 a month for 1 vCPU, 2 GB RAM, 20 GB NVMe, and go up to 64 GB of RAM. Managed plans start at €30.30. See the prices.
What to check before you choose a host
- Dedicated memory. Is the RAM yours, or shared and overcommitted?
- Java version. Can you run the exact version your application needs, including Java 21?
- Root access or a managed option. You want a choice between running it yourself and having someone run it.
- HTTPS and a proxy. Automatic certificates, with the application server hidden behind Nginx.
- Database. MySQL, MariaDB or PostgreSQL next to the application.
- Backups. Where are they stored, and how many copies are kept?
- Exit. Monthly billing without a contract, so you can leave.
Java versions
Long-term support releases are Java 8, 11, 17, 21 and 25. New projects should use 21 or newer. Old code can stay on 8 or 11 until you migrate. We explain the differences in Java LTS versions.
Questions about java hosting
Can I run Java on cPanel hosting?
Some cPanel hosts offer a Tomcat add-on, but memory limits make it unsuitable for most real applications. A VPS is the usual next step. See moving a Java app from cPanel to a VPS.
Is Java hosting more expensive than PHP hosting?
Yes, because a JVM needs its own memory all the time. In exchange you get a different kind of application and more control.
Which is better for Java: shared hosting or a VPS?
A VPS, for anything beyond a test site. You get guaranteed memory and full control of the JVM.