8 Best Ruby on Rails Hosting Providers

Ruby on Rails is a powerful and popular framework for building dynamic web applications, but to maximize its potential, choosing the best Ruby on Rails hosting provider is important. The best Ruby on Rails hosting services offer a blend of speed, reliability, scalability, and support tailored to Rails’ unique requirements.

By selecting the right hosting provider, developers can ensure smooth performance and quicker deployment of their applications. As the demand for high-performing web applications grows, investing in top-tier hosting solutions presents exciting opportunities for businesses to scale efficiently and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

In this article, we’ll cover the top 8 Ruby on Rails hosting providers and what makes each one stand out. This growing market presents exciting opportunities for developers and businesses alike, as the demand for robust and scalable web applications continues to rise.

FAQ

What is the best environment for Ruby on Rails?

The best environment for Ruby on Rails includes Ruby 3.x, Rails 7.x, and a UNIX-based operating system like macOS or Linux. For development, you should also use a PostgreSQL or MySQL database, a version control system like Git, and tools like RVM or rbenv for managing Ruby versions.

How to host a Ruby on Rails site?

To host a Ruby on Rails site, you need a server setup with Linux (Ubuntu is popular), Nginx or Apache as the web server, and Passenger or Puma as the application server. Use cloud services, like DigitalOcean, for easy deployment. Hosting involves configuring a database (PostgreSQL is common) and setting up Capistrano or Docker for deployment automation.

What server does Ruby on Rails use?

By default, Ruby on Rails uses the Puma web server in production environments, which is designed for concurrency and high performance. In development, Rails uses WEBrick or Puma depending on the setup.

Understanding Ruby on Rails

Ruby on Rails, often called Rails, is a popular web application framework. It is built using the Ruby programming language. This framework is used by developers to create websites and applications efficiently.

Ruby is a high-level language known for its simplicity and productivity. It’s an object-oriented language, which means it organizes code using objects. This makes your code more reusable and easier to manage.

Rails extends Ruby’s capabilities by adding a structured way to develop web applications. It follows the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern. This pattern separates the application into three main components:

  • Model: Manages data and business logic
  • View: Handles the display of data
  • Controller: Manages the flow between model and view

Rails emphasizes Convention over Configuration (CoC). This means you’ll spend less time configuring your application and more time building it.

Another important principle of Rails is the DRY (Don’t Repeat Yourself) philosophy. This encourages you to avoid duplicating code, which makes your application cleaner and less prone to bugs.

Rails comes with a wide variety of built-in features, like database integration, templates for building views, and tools to test your code. These features speed up the development process while maintaining high quality.

Using Rails, you can develop web applications more effectively, making it a favorite among many developers around the world. It combines the elegance of the Ruby programming language with the robustness of a comprehensive framework.

Key features of Ruby on Rails hosting

Ruby on Rails hosting is great for developers who need powerful tools and fast performance. With strong security measures, it guarantees the safety and reliability of your applications.

Performance and speed

Ruby on Rails hosting is designed to be fast and efficient. SSD storage helps data load quickly, guaranteeing smooth operation. Using optimized caching techniques also boosts performance.

Good hosting providers offer ample RAM and CPU resources, which are crucial for handling high traffic on your site. Scalability is also key. It lets you adjust resources as your needs grow. Look for hosts offering flexible server configurations to meet these demands seamlessly.

Security measures

Security is a top priority in Ruby on Rails hosting. Built-in measures protect data and maintain site integrity. SSL certificates encrypt sensitive information, keeping it safe. This is important if you handle user data or online transactions.

Hosts also provide regular backups. This means your data is retrievable in case of an issue. Firewall protection and monitoring tools can prevent unauthorized access. Servers come equipped with tools that guarantee a secure environment for your application to thrive.

Considerations for database management

When managing databases for a Ruby on Rails application, focus on compatibility with frameworks and hosting services. Considerations like performance, backups, and database selection are crucial for optimal operation.

Database support and compatibility

Choosing a compatible database is important for Ruby on Rails applications. Common options include MySQL and PostgreSQL. Both databases offer strong community support and are compatible with Rails.

You should guarantee your chosen database works seamlessly with the hosting provider’s environment. Some hosts offer integrated support for specific databases, which simplifies setup and maintenance. Check for features like Rails command-line tools for database management, as these can streamline your workflow.

Database performance and backups

Performance is crucial for maintaining a smooth user experience. You should monitor query speeds and database load to guarantee efficient operation. Techniques such as indexing and query optimization can improve performance.

Regular backups are essential to safeguard data. Many hosting providers offer automated backup services, with options for daily or weekly backups. Guarantee that backup and restore procedures are straightforward to avoid data loss. Additionally, look for hosting services that offer easy integration with Rails to facilitate quick recovery in case of issues.

Accessibility and control

When choosing a Ruby on Rails hosting service, it’s important to focus on how easily you can access and manage your hosting environment. A good hosting provider will offer intuitive control panels and strong customer support to ensure a user-friendly experience.

Ease of access and control panels

Selecting a hosting service with a user-friendly control panel is essential for ease of access. You should look for services that offer control panels like cPanel or Plesk. These panels make it simpler to navigate your hosting settings, manage databases, set up email accounts, and monitor usage.

Good customer service can also enhance accessibility. A reliable host should offer 24/7 support through chat, phone, or ticket systems, allowing you to resolve issues quickly. Accessibility features should cater to all user levels, from beginners to advanced developers, ensuring you have full control over your environment.

Scaling and resource management

To choose a hosting provider for Ruby on Rails projects, it’s important to focus on scaling and resource management.

A scalable hosting service allows your application to grow smoothly. Some providers offer scalable cloud infrastructure that can adjust resources quickly. This flexibility ensures that your app performs well during traffic spikes.

Resource management is crucial for maintaining a fast and efficient application. Adequate RAM and CPU power are important. 10Web provides powerful cloud VPS with customizable resources, guaranteeing your Ruby on Rails app runs efficiently.

Scalable solutions can sometimes be more expensive than basic hosting. It’s important to balance cost and resources. Opt for a provider that offers scalability without breaking the bank. Services like Hostinger and InterServer offer budget-friendly VPS plans with room for growth.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Provider Features Cost-effectiveness
DigitalOcean Scalable infrastructure Moderate
AWS Enterprise-level flexibility Higher cost
Kamatera Customizable unmanaged VPS Reasonable
Hostinger Affordable VPS with good resources Budget-friendly
InterServer Reliable and budget-friendly solutions Cost-effective

Evaluate your application’s needs before selecting the provider. Ensure that the scalability options and resource management align with your project’s growth plan. This approach helps keep your Ruby on Rails app running smoothly and efficiently.

Reliability and uptime

Focusing on reliability and uptime is important when in the process of selecting a Ruby on Rails hosting provider. You want a hosting service that guarantees your website remains accessible and operational as much as possible.

Uptime guarantees and monitoring

A dependable hosting provider typically offers an uptime guarantee, often 99.9% or higher. This means your site should be accessible most of the time, minimizing downtime that could affect your visitors. It is important to check these guarantees in the host’s terms of service to ensure they meet your needs.

Monitoring is key to maintaining high uptime. Many hosts provide around-the-clock monitoring services. This helps detect issues quickly, so they can be resolved before causing significant disruptions. Consider a host with robust infrastructure and monitoring to maximize uptime for your projects.

8 best Ruby on Rails hosting

1. Bluehost

Key features
  • Ruby on Rails support across all hosting plans
  • Fully managed VPS with root access
  • Easy management through cPanel
Pros
  • checkAffordable pricing with long-term plans
  • checkExcellent 99.99% uptime
Cons
  • closeRuby on Rails version not clearly specified

Price: Starting from $1.99 per month

Bluehost is a hosting provider that offers Ruby on Rails support, even on its budget-friendly shared hosting plans. With competitive pricing and features like free SSL and SSD storage, it’s an excellent option for small RoR projects. For larger needs, managed VPS plans provide more power and flexibility, including root access and cPanel for easier management.

bluehost - best ruby on rails hosting

Features

  • Ruby on Rails support: Available across all plans, from shared to VPS, ensuring flexibility for developers.
  • cPanel integration: Provides ease of management with a user-friendly control panel.
  • VPS hosting: Fully managed options with root access for users who need more control and power.
  • Generous resources: Even the basic plan includes 50GB SSD storage, free SSL, and unmetered bandwidth, perfect for smaller projects.

Hosting types

  • Shared hosting
  • VPS hosting
  • Dedicated hosting
  • WordPress hosting

Customer support

Support is available 24/7 through phone, live chat, and email. Response times are generally reliable, though minor delays can occur during peak hours. In addition to direct support, there is a comprehensive knowledge base that users can access to solve common issues themselves.

Performance

With an uptime of 99.99%, the hosting platform ensures dependable service, though there’s no official uptime guarantee. The average response time of 361ms further highlights its reliability. However, performance is optimized for US-based users, as all data centers are located in the US.

Why we chose it

The combination of affordability, full Ruby on Rails support, and solid performance metrics makes this provider an excellent option for small to medium-sized projects. Its ease of use and scalability are also attractive features for users starting with shared hosting and potentially upgrading to VPS.

Best for

This hosting solution is best suited for beginner developers and small Ruby on Rails projects. It’s also ideal for users who expect to scale over time, thanks to its seamless upgrade options to more powerful VPS plans.

2. DreamHost

Key features
  • Ruby on Rails support on all servers
  • Custom control panel for management
  • Fully managed VPS hosting available
Pros
  • checkFast response time
  • checkExcellent uptime (>99.99%)
  • checkRuby pre-installed on shared and VPS hosting
Cons
  • closeOlder Ruby versions on shared hosting
  • closeUS-only data centers

Price: Starting from $2.59 per month

DreamHost is a top choice for small Ruby on Rails projects, offering affordable plans with RoR support on both shared and VPS hosting. With unmetered bandwidth and SSD storage, DreamHost provides great value. While shared hosting offers older Ruby versions, VPS plans offer more resources and better performance. The custom control panel and fully managed VPS make management easy, allowing users to focus on development without worrying about maintenance.

Dreamhost - best ruby on rails hosting

Features

  • Ruby on Rails pre-installed: All servers come with Ruby, allowing you to easily deploy RoR applications.
  • Custom control panel: Manage your hosting environment using DreamHost’s intuitive control panel, tailored for ease of use.
  • Fully managed VPS: Take advantage of managed VPS hosting, where DreamHost handles server maintenance, security, and updates.
  • Generous resources: VPS plans offer 30 to 240 GB SSD storage, unmetered traffic, and up to 8 GB of RAM for resource-intensive projects.
  • Money-back guarantee: Enjoy a 97-day money-back guarantee, one of the longest in the industry.

Hosting types

  • Shared hosting
  • VPS hosting
  • Dedicated hosting
  • Cloud hosting

Customer support

Provides 24/7 support via live chat and email, with response times generally being prompt. Although phone support is limited, the company offers a comprehensive knowledge base, guides, and tutorials. The custom control panel is designed to make management easier, but some users may prefer a more familiar interface like cPanel.

Performance

DreamHost bests in performance, delivering an uptime of over 99.99% and an impressive average response time of 231ms, making it one of the faster shared hosting providers. However, its data centers are exclusively located in the US, meaning users outside the US may experience slightly slower performance.

Why we chose it

We chose DreamHost because it offers exceptional value for small-scale Ruby on Rails projects, with low prices and generous resources. Its fully managed VPS hosting, impressive uptime, and fast response times make it an excellent option for developers who need affordable hosting without sacrificing performance.

Best for

DreamHost is ideal for small Ruby on Rails projects or developers looking for an affordable, reliable host. It’s particularly suited for US-based users due to its data center locations, and those looking for managed VPS hosting without hidden renewal costs.

3. DigitalOcean

Key features
  • Pay-as-you-go VPS hosting
  • 99.99% uptime SLA
  • Multiple global data centers
Pros
  • checkAffordable pricing with pay-as-you-go model
  • checkSimple setup and user-friendly interface
  • checkExtensive API support for scaling
Cons
  • closeComplex billing system
  • closeNo Windows VPS support

Price: Starting from $5 per month.

DigitalOcean is an affordable, advanced VPS hosting provider well-suited for Ruby on Rails projects. With data centers across the globe and a 99.99% uptime SLA, it offers reliable performance for developers looking to deploy and scale their applications. DigitalOcean’s pay-as-you-go model and user-friendly control panel allow for flexible server management, making it a popular choice among startups and developers who need control over their hosting environment without high upfront costs.

Digitalocean - best ruby on rails hosting

Features

  • Solid-State Drives (SSD): Fast and reliable storage for optimal performance.
  • Global data centers: Choose from locations in the USA, Singapore, London, and Amsterdam for better site performance based on your audience’s location.
  • Pay-as-you-go pricing: Only pay for the resources you use, with flexible pricing plans to suit any project size.
  • API support: Developers can efficiently scale applications using DigitalOcean’s versatile API, allowing for easy integration and customization.
  • Simple control panel: Manage your server with ease through a user-friendly interface, even if you’re new to VPS hosting.

Hosting types

  • VPS (Droplets)
  • Kubernetes
  • Managed databases
  • Block and object storage

Customer support

Offers 24/7 support via a ticketing system, and its vast community resources provide helpful guides and tutorials for troubleshooting common issues. However, live chat and phone support are not available, which may limit direct assistance during urgent situations.

Performance

With a 99.99% uptime SLA and global data centers, DigitalOcean provides excellent performance, ensuring high availability for Ruby on Rails applications. The use of SSD storage and Tier-1 bandwidth enhances speed and reliability, while provisioning times of just 55 seconds ensure quick setup.

Why we chose it

DigitalOcean’s flexible pricing and powerful VPS hosting, along with its developer-friendly API and global data centers, make it an ideal choice for Ruby on Rails projects. The ability to scale easily and manage resources through a simple control panel adds significant value for developers looking for an affordable and scalable solution.

Best for

DigitalOcean is best suited for developers and startups looking for flexible, scalable Ruby on Rails hosting with pay-as-you-go pricing. Its simple setup and API integration make it an excellent choice for those seeking control and customization at an affordable cost.

4. Liquid Web

Key features
  • Fully managed VPS hosting
  • Advanced security features
  • InterWorx, Plesk, or cPanel options
Pros
  • check100% uptime guarantee
  • checkRoot-level access for complete control
  • checkStrong security features with DDoS protection
Cons
  • closePremium pricing
  • closeBest suited for advanced users

Price: Starting from $16 per month

Liquid Web is a premium hosting provider that focuses on fully managed VPS hosting, making it ideal for Ruby on Rails projects requiring powerful, secure, and reliable hosting. With 100% uptime guaranteed and root access, developers can manage their environments effectively while relying on Liquid Web’s security features, including DDoS protection and firewalls. The host also supports Ruby Version Manager (RVM), allowing you to choose the Ruby version you prefer for your projects.

Liquidweb - best ruby on rails hosting

Features

  • Fully managed VPS: Expert management of your VPS, including maintenance and security, allowing you to focus on development.
  • Advanced security: Includes features like DDoS protection, integrated firewalls, and Server Secure Advanced Security.
  • Ruby Version Manager (RVM): Easily install and manage different Ruby versions for your projects.
  • Custom control panel options: Choose from InterWorx, Plesk, or cPanel to manage your hosting environment, depending on your preference.
  • Multiple server locations: Host your site closer to your audience with data centers on the US West and East Coast, and in Europe.

Hosting types

  • VPS hosting
  • Dedicated hosting
  • Cloud hosting

Customer support

The platform offers 24/7 customer support via phone, live chat, and email. Their support is known for being highly responsive and knowledgeable, particularly when dealing with technical challenges on VPS hosting. In addition to hands-on assistance, Liquid Web provides a wealth of resources, including tutorials and a knowledge base, to help users manage their hosting environment effectively.

Performance

Liquid Web stands out for its 100% uptime guarantee, supported by impressive performance with a 521ms average response time. The platform’s high reliability ensures your Ruby on Rails applications stay online and load quickly. You can also choose from multiple server locations, ensuring low latency for your target audience.

Why we chose it

Liquid Web was chosen for its unmatched combination of power, reliability, and security. Its fully managed VPS hosting ensures that developers get the best resources and support without having to worry about maintenance. The 100% uptime guarantee, advanced security features, and root-level access make it perfect for demanding Ruby on Rails projects.

Best for

This hosting is ideal for businesses and developers running high-performance Ruby on Rails applications. It’s best suited for users who need powerful hosting, advanced security, and full control over their server environments, making it an excellent option for mission-critical projects or websites with high traffic.

5. HostGator

Key features
  • Ruby on Rails supported on all hosting plans
  • cPanel for all hosting types
  • Full root access on VPS
Pros
  • checkRuby on Rails on all hosting types
  • checkAffordable pricing
  • check99.99% uptime
Cons
  • closeSome essential features missing
  • closeOlder Ruby and Rails versions

Price: Starting from $2.75 per month

HostGator is a flexible hosting provider that supports Ruby on Rails on all of its hosting plans, including shared, VPS, and dedicated servers. Its plans come with unmetered bandwidth, making it a solid choice for small to medium-sized RoR projects. The inclusion of cPanel on shared hosting and root access on VPS ensures easy management, while VPS users can opt for fully managed or unmanaged services. However, while the pricing is affordable, key features like automatic backups and malware scanning require additional purchases.

Hostgator - best ruby on rails hosting

Features

  • Ruby on Rails support: Available across all hosting types, making HostGator suitable for both small and large RoR projects.
  • cPanel and VPS management: cPanel is included with shared hosting, while VPS offers both managed and unmanaged options with full root access.
  • Unmetered bandwidth: All shared plans offer unmetered bandwidth, along with SSD storage, to handle growing site traffic efficiently.

Hosting types

  • Shared hosting
  • VPS hosting
  • Cloud hosting
  • Dedicated hosting

Customer support

Provides 24/7 customer support through live chat, phone, and email. While generally responsive, some users may find that more complex issues, like installing newer Ruby or Rails versions, require assistance from advanced support or may incur additional costs.

Performance

HostGator’s performance is reliable, with an uptime of over 99.99% and an average response time of 525ms. While the response time could be faster, the inclusion of free Cloudflare CDN helps deliver content quickly to global audiences. The US-based data centers ensure optimal performance for North American users.

Why we chose it

HostGator’s combination of affordability, Ruby on Rails support, and performance makes it ideal for smaller projects. Its flexibility with hosting types and the option to upgrade to VPS as a project grows adds to its appeal, especially for developers starting small.

Best for

Best suited for small to medium-sized Ruby on Rails projects that require budget-friendly, performance-oriented hosting. Developers needing flexible upgrade options and full control over their VPS setup will find HostGator’s offerings appealing.

6. Hostinger

Key features
  • Semi-managed VPS hosting
  • Full root access for complete control
  • VPS control panel with auto-installer
Pros
  • checkVery affordable VPS hosting
  • check100% uptime in testing
  • checkFull root access for server customization
Cons
  • closeRuby on Rails not available on shared hosting
  • closeRequires some technical expertise for management

Price: Starting from $2.99 per month

Hostinger offers budget-friendly VPS hosting with powerful features for Ruby on Rails projects. While it doesn’t support RoR on shared plans, its semi-managed VPS hosting provides plenty of control and flexibility for developers who need affordable yet robust hosting solutions. With data centers worldwide and strong performance metrics, Hostinger is a great choice for those with the technical skills to manage their own VPS environment.

hostinger - best ruby on rails hosting

Features

  • Semi-managed VPS hosting: You handle software installations, while Hostinger manages hardware and server security, giving you more control.
  • Root-level access: Full root access allows you to customize and control your VPS server entirely, providing flexibility for complex RoR projects.
  • VPS control panel: Includes web script and OS installers for easier management, even though it requires some expertise to configure properly.
  • Global server locations: Host your application in one of eight data centers located around the world for better latency and performance.

Hosting types

  • VPS hosting
  • Cloud hosting
  • Shared hosting (not for RoR)
  • WordPress hosting

Customer support

Hostinger offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. While their support is responsive, semi-managed VPS requires a higher level of technical knowledge, meaning users might need to resolve some issues on their own. Hostinger also provides a helpful knowledge base with tutorials for self-service.

Performance

This hosting provider bests in performance, with a 100% uptime during testing and an average response time of 540ms. The official uptime guarantee is 99.9%, but actual performance has proven better. With server locations in eight countries, including the US, UK, and Singapore, Hostinger ensures fast and reliable service for global audiences.

Why we chose it

We chose Hostinger for its unbeatable pricing on VPS hosting and excellent performance, particularly for developers who need affordable yet powerful hosting for Ruby on Rails. The combination of root access, multiple server locations, and strong uptime makes it an attractive option for experienced users.

Best for

Hostinger is best for developers and businesses with technical knowledge who need budget-friendly, high-performance VPS hosting for Ruby on Rails applications. It’s ideal for those willing to manage their own server while taking advantage of low-cost, powerful VPS solutions.

7. A2 Hosting

Key features
  • Full root access with unmanaged VPS
  • Managed and unmanaged VPS options
  • Ruby on Rails support on shared hosting
Pros
  • checkAffordable unmanaged VPS plans
  • checkExcellent speed and uptime performance
  • checkRoR support on shared hosting
Cons
  • closeTurbo shared hosting plans are more expensive
  • closeUnmanaged VPS requires technical expertise

Price: Starting from $2.99 per month

A2 Hosting provides both unmanaged and managed VPS hosting, making it a flexible solution for Ruby on Rails developers. Its unmanaged VPS plans are affordable and come with full root access, offering developers control over their server configurations. Ruby on Rails support is available on shared hosting, but the unmanaged VPS plans provide more power and flexibility. With excellent performance metrics and multiple global data centers, A2 Hosting is a great choice for experienced developers.

A2 hosting - best ruby on rails hosting

Features

  • Full root access: A2 Hosting offers full control over your VPS environment, allowing you to install and configure Ruby on Rails as needed, making it perfect for advanced users.
  • Managed and unmanaged VPS: The provider caters to both types of users. You can opt for unmanaged VPS for more control at a lower price, or go with managed VPS for a hands-off approach where A2 handles the server management.
  • Ruby Selector tool: On shared hosting and managed VPS, users can switch between different Ruby versions using A2 Hosting’s Ruby Selector tool.
  • Turbo servers: For even better performance, A2 offers Turbo plans that provide faster speeds and better response times.
  • Global data centers: Choose from four data centers located in the US, Europe, and Asia to reduce latency and improve performance for your audience.

Hosting types

  • Shared hosting
  • VPS hosting (managed and unmanaged)
  • Cloud hosting
  • Dedicated hosting

Customer support

A2 Hosting offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, phone, and email. Their support is generally fast and helpful, especially for managed plans. However, users of unmanaged VPS may need to rely more on their own technical expertise or A2’s knowledge base for certain configurations.

Performance

A2 Hosting delivers impressive performance with a 99.98% uptime guarantee and an average response time of 253ms. Their Turbo servers further boost performance, making them a great option for resource-heavy applications. Multiple global data centers ensure low latency and excellent speeds across different regions.

Why we chose it

This provider stands out for its combination of affordable unmanaged VPS plans and excellent performance. The flexibility between unmanaged and managed options, combined with RoR support and high uptime, makes it ideal for developers who need control without sacrificing speed or reliability.

Best for

Best for experienced Ruby on Rails developers who need affordable, high-performance VPS hosting. It’s also a good fit for businesses requiring flexibility between shared hosting for smaller projects and VPS hosting for more demanding applications.

8. InterServer

Key features
  • Ruby on Rails support on all servers
  • cPanel for shared hosting, managed VPS
  • Monthly billing for VPS hosting
Pros
  • checkResource-rich shared hosting plans
  • checkEasy one-click Ruby installation
  • checkScalable VPS with flexible billing
Cons
  • closeOutdated user interface
  • closeUnclear limits on shared hosting

Price: Starting from $2.50 per month

InterServer provides affordable Ruby on Rails hosting across both shared and VPS plans. The hosting includes unlimited storage, bandwidth, and email, along with a free SSL certificate. For small to medium-sized projects, shared hosting with cPanel and one-click Ruby installation is a great option. For more resource-intensive projects, InterServer offers 16 customizable VPS plans, all with monthly billing and flexible scaling, making it perfect for developers who want budget-friendly, scalable options.

Interserver - best ruby on rails hosting

Features

  • One-click Ruby installation: Easily install Ruby on Rails on shared hosting with a simple setup process.
  • Scalable VPS options: InterServer provides 16 VPS plans, ranging from 1 to 16 cores, allowing you to scale up or down as needed.
  • Unlimited resources on shared hosting: All shared hosting plans come with unlimited storage, bandwidth, emails, and a free SSL certificate, making it ideal for smaller RoR projects.
  • Flexible billing: Unlike many providers, InterServer offers month-to-month billing on its VPS plans, giving users flexibility without long-term commitments.
  • Custom control panel options: Choose between Direct Admin, cPanel, or Plesk to manage your VPS, depending on your preference.

Hosting types

  • Shared hosting
  • VPS hosting
  • Cloud hosting
  • Dedicated hosting

Customer support

InterServer offers 24/7 customer support through live chat, phone, and email. While their support is responsive, the platform’s outdated interface and lack of clear documentation on Ruby versions can sometimes make finding solutions more difficult for users. However, the support team is generally helpful with setup and configuration issues.

Performance

InterServer delivers a solid 99.99% uptime, exceeding its 99.9% guarantee. However, its response time of 662ms is slightly above the market average of 600ms, which may be a drawback for speed-focused users. The US-based servers perform best for North American audiences, but international users may see slightly slower speeds.

Why we chose it

This provider was selected for its flexibility and affordability. The availability of month-to-month billing for VPS hosting and the inclusion of RoR on all shared plans make it a strong contender for developers who need budget-friendly, scalable hosting with no long-term commitment.

Best for

InterServer is best for developers and businesses that need affordable, flexible Ruby on Rails hosting. Its shared hosting is perfect for smaller projects, while its scalable VPS plans cater to growing needs without the pressure of long-term contracts.

Support and customer service

Customer service is key when deciding on which Ruby on Rails hosting provider to select. Having access to knowledgeable support can save you time and headaches. Look for services that offer 24/7 assistance with multiple ways to reach support, like chat, email, or phone.

It’s important to check if the hosting provider has a helpful knowledge base or a FAQ section. These resources let you find answers and solve problems on your own. Easy access to these materials can make a big difference in your experience.

Getting feedback from other users is another great way to measure the quality of support. Customer reviews often provide insights into how quick and effective the support team is. Pay attention to what people say about response times and issue resolution.

Providers like DigitalOcean and Hostinger are known for offering strong support services. Options for both managed and unmanaged hosting are available, catering to your specific assistance needs. Managed hosting usually includes more personalized support, which can be beneficial.

Developer tools and resources

Choosing the right hosting for your Ruby on Rails projects can depend heavily on the available developer tools and resources. You’ll want integrations that improve your workflow and support systems that guarantee smooth testing and deployment.

Integrations with dev tools

When working with Ruby on Rails, having seamless integration with various development tools is important. Many hosting providers give you the ability to handle these dependencies effortlessly.

You’ll also find integrations for job scheduling and task management, which can help automate repetitive tasks and improve efficiency. Look for hosting services that support essential Ruby gems, making it easier to customize and extend your application with the necessary libraries.

Support for testing and deployment

Testing and deployment are vital stages in developing a Ruby on Rails application. Many hosting providers offer built-in tools or integrations for testing, allowing you to quickly identify and fix bugs. This can include compatibility with popular testing frameworks like RSpec or Cucumber.

For deployment, a hosting service that allows for continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) is ideal. Tools that automate the release process can save time and reduce human error. Look for features that support easy deployment of updates and rolling back to previous versions if necessary.

Backing up your Ruby on Rails applications

Keeping your Ruby on Rails applications safe involves regular backups. Backups protect your data from unexpected issues like server failures or data loss.

Frequency: It’s wise to perform daily or weekly backups. This frequency guarantees that you have up-to-date data to restore if needed.

Methods: You have a few options for backing up:

  • Manual backups: Manually exporting data can be effective but requires consistency and regular checks.
  • Automated backups: Many hosting providers offer solutions that automatically backup your data. Look for this feature when selecting a host.

Tools: Several tools can help you with this task:

  • Rails-backup gem: A user-friendly option that allows you to automate backups within your application.
  • Cloud storage solutions: Services like AWS S3 or Google Cloud Storage let you store backups securely in the cloud.

Storage locations: Always keep more than one copy of your backups in different locations. This approach minimizes the risk of losing all your data in a single incident.

Testing: Regularly test your backup restoration process. This step ensures that backups are not only available but also functional and reliable when needed.

Optimizing performance and SEO for Ruby on Rails

For any Ruby on Rails application, optimizing both performance and SEO is important to improving user experience and search engine rankings.

Boosting speed and performance

  • Speed is key: Optimize database queries and implement caching to reduce load times.
  • Efficient routing: Minimize the number of routes to help servers process requests faster.
  • Mobile optimization: Ensure your app is responsive and performs well on all screen sizes, as mobile users demand speed.

Improving SEO

  • Mobile-first design: Search engines prioritize mobile-friendly websites, so ensure your views adapt seamlessly to various devices.
  • Reduce page load times: Compress images and minimize JavaScript and CSS files to keep pages fast.
  • SEO best practices: Use descriptive URLs, meta tags, and headers to improve search visibility.

Conclusion

Choosing the best Ruby on Rails hosting provider for your application can make a significant difference in performance, scalability, and overall user experience. Each of the 8 providers we’ve covered offers unique strengths, whether you prioritize speed, security, or support. By carefully considering your specific needs and goals, you can select the best platform to help your application thrive. As the demand for dynamic and scalable web apps continues to grow, investing in a reliable rails hosting service opens up exciting opportunities for long-term success.

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