How to Create a Server for Minecraft Multiplayer? 9 Best Minecraft Servers
Infrastructure
10.08.2021
12 min read
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What's the best way to set up a reliable Minecraft Multiplayer server? In this article we'll be sharing with you 9 of the very best servers for your Minecraft Multiplayer experience. You'll learn about how to set up and host your Minecraft Multiplayer server, together with price comparisons, the pros and cons of each service, and lots of other great advice to help you get started.
Minecraft has been around since 2021 and remains hugely popular due to its extremely entertaining and diverse gameplay. But the real fun starts when you create your own server to play with friends (and even make new ones).
If you're thinking of creating your own Minecraft world, keep reading to find out everything you need to know to do it the right way.
What is a Minecraft server?
A server is a combination of hardware and software platforms that allows developers and administrators to run their websites, complex applications, and virtual online worlds.
It's basically a powerful computer launched remotely on one of the hundreds of data centers around the globe. It is online 24/7, and runs a special software that makes it possible for multiple users to access the web services or gaming realms residing on its hard drive.
Minecraft servers are more targeted. At a technical level, they are not too different from any VDS or dedicated servers. The real difference is in the software that they run.
These specialised servers are made to create unique Minecraft worlds online, allowing people to play together, change the rules of the game and communicate with each other.
Why do you need your own Minecraft server?
When creating your own Minecraft world, it's natural to want your own set of rules. The best way to do this is to have Minecraft on your own personal Minecraft Multiplayer server. You can set it up exactly the way you want it, invite the players you want to play with, and change anything at any moment.
Having your personal Minecraft Multiplayer server gives you control over many elements of the game such as:
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Changing characteristics of the vanilla Minecraft world — the creatures inhabiting it, the materials it contains, etc.
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Providing individual collections of accessible materials that players can use for crafting.
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Choosing the most convenient way to create and maintain a virtual Minecraft realm as an administrator or game master.
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Having the opportunity to make money from your Minecraft server.
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Playing exclusively with your closest friends without being disturbed by strangers.
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Building your very own private and cozy Minecraft world.
If the above sounds like a lot of fun, then you definitely should consider creating your private server.
How to play Minecraft online
Minecraft is a great game to play alone, but the fun multiplies when you join someone or invite friends to play together. That’s why so many Minecraft fans are eager to find the best way to play the game online. And that’s why you need a server.
We will guide you through different ways to create Minecraft servers, showing you the best way to set up your own, explaining how to play with your friends for free and what great Minecraft servers (with engaging and entertaining mods) already exist.
How to make a server in Minecraft using Realms
The developers of Minecraft — Mojang in conjunction with Microsoft — created Project Realms. A Realm is an individual Minecraft server. It can be as unique or normal as you want it, and it’s a great way to play Minecraft officially.
All you have to do to get started, is to subscribe to Realms Plus. This is Microsoft’s service that allows you to create your personal realm on its servers, where you can play with up to ten friends.
The Realms service guarantees safe and reliable resources to play Minecraft online, without worrying about software settings, updating game clients, creating data backups, etc.
However, it comes with two major drawbacks:
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You have to use a licensed version of Minecraft and pay to play.
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You have to deal with Microsoft’s restrictions. No cheats, no mods, no custom rules or plugins.
If you really want to have your own unique experience, free from all restrictions, then Realms is not for you. But don’t worry. There are many other solutions for you to check out below.
How to create your own Minecraft server
The first thing you have to do is download the Minecraft server that suits your needs. There are two server types:
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Vanilla. That is the classic implementation of the Minecraft server as offered by the developers of the game. Just like Realms, it has restrictions on modes and plugins, but it still allows you to create a more personal and unique experience, and save all the data on your PC or dedicated server.
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Bukkit. This is a project created by enthusiasts who wanted to break free of Microsoft’s restrictions, and explore Minecraft’s unlimited possibilities with modifications created by third-party developers and fans of the game.
Both of these servers are available online and can be downloaded for free.
Vanilla is available on the official Minecraft website. To work with it, you must download Minecraft Server and launch it via the Java command-line interface.
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Download and install Java
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Open the command prompt of your operating system
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For Windows: select the Start button and type
cmd, you’ll see Command Prompt in the list -
For MacOS: press Command - spacebar to launch Spotlight and type Terminal, then double-click the search result
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Linux: press Ctrl+Alt+t keys at the same time
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java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraftserver.1.17.1.jar nogui
Your server is now up.
Next, you’ll need to configure your server and find a way to connect to it. The method for doing this depends on what kind of hosting you’ve chosen.
To create a Bukkit server, you’ll need to download Forge and install it. Once it has downloaded, you’ll need to launch it and set up the parameters of the server.
Where to host your server
For your server to be accessible, it needs a place to live.
If you’ve downloaded a server and launched it on your computer, your server will only be online for as long as your computer is running it. Turn the computer off (or even close the command line while running Minecraft server), and bye-bye custom Minecraft world.
So you need a computer that will remain online and accessible for the players 24/7.
For this, you can use a generic hosting provider and rent a dedicated server to host your game world.
Once you have remote access to your rented server:
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Download your chosen Minecraft server onto it
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Start the server via the Java command
java -Xmx1024M -Xms1024M -jar minecraftserver.1.17.1.jar nogui -
Set up your connection parameters, find the IP address and ports to connect, etc.
While this is a very popular method for setting up your own Minecraft Multiplayer server, we agree that it involves a bit of work.
So let’s look at some other solutions.
How to host a Minecraft server for free
The process of creating and setting up a free Minecraft server is almost the same as for the paid version.
First, you have to find a free hosting provider that will allow you to host your data on its hardware. This isn’t exactly easy, as not many people like sharing their property with others for free.
Moreover, you’ll be forced to use a non-official Minecraft server application created by a third party. The same goes for the game client, since the original game isn’t free and there’s no way to override this.
If you’re ok with all of the above, you just need to download the Bukkit server and launch it via the Forge Minecraft server app on your free hosting. The method is identical to the one we explained above for the non-free options.
Why you shouldn't host your server for free
Yes, you can host your Minecraft server for free. But we would strongly advise against doing so.
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Free hosting providers are typically slow and unreliable. Don’t you want your virtual world to be alive and well at all times? Free hosting would definitely spoil the whole experience with its poor performance.
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If you’re not paying money, the provider has no obligation towards you. So, if at any point they decide to shut down your virtual world, they can do so without asking and there’s nothing you can do about it.
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Free hosting providers still need to pay the bills. This means they might display advertisements on your site or even in your gaming chat. This can be very annoying to say the least. And if you have minors playing on your server, some of the ads being displayed might not be appropriate for their age, which could get you in trouble.
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One other way that free hosting providers will make money is by selling your personal data. Not all of them do it, but do you really want to take that risk?
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The hardware restrictions of free hosting will limit you dramatically. You won’t be able to invite as many friends to play as you wish, and you’ll have severe limitations on how many materials, constructions, and NPCs you can add.
If you wanted to start your own Minecraft server to have unlimited creative freedom and a reliable platform, a free server will only lead to disappointment.
Luckily, there’s another option you can use.
The best way to host your Minecraft server
Instead of dealing with troublesome and confusing dedicated servers, you can use a hosting platform like Hostman.
Hostman features a marketplace with loads of software products that you can deploy with just one click. This includes Minecraft servers. With just a few clicks, you can create your very own private server, avoiding part of the limitations imposed by Microsoft.
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Visit the Hostman Marketplace
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Choose Minecraft server
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Click on the Deploy button
Done!
You’re now ready to enjoy your own unique instance of Minecraft virtual world, supported by a reliable and swift hardware platform.
If you’re looking for a high-performance Minecraft server installation that offers a certain degree of freedom and that won’t break the bank, you have it all here.
How to connect to your Minecraft server
Connection to your virtual Minecraft worlds is usually established via the game client:
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Open the game.
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Go to the Multiplayer menu.
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Choose the Direct Connect option.
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Type the IP address of the server.
Within a few seconds, you should be connected to the server hosted on the address you specified.
But what’s the Minecraft server’s address?
If the server is up and running on your local machine, then the IP address of the server is the same as the IP address of the PC itself. To discover your IP address, you can use a site like Speedtest. If you’re using remote hosting, you can find the IP address in the control panel of the service provider.
Popular ready-made Minecraft servers
Unfortunately, if you use a third-party client of the game, you won’t be able to see the server list in Minecraft. However you can find many ready-made maps and servers for Minecraft, each with their specific set of rules and unique gameplay features.
Here’s a list of some popular ready-made Minecraft servers for you to try out. We’ve added a little description for each one, but there’s a lot more information out there if you want to dig deeper.
Brawl
One of the best Minecraft servers. Great map for those of you who want to bring a bit of Call of Duty into the classic building and survival game. Brawl transforms Minecraft into a shooter with a variety of gameplay styles.
Minescape
This is a great setup for fans of classic online RPGs like Runescape. These kinds of servers imitate that game and do it quite well. Explore dungeons, kill monsters, find artifacts, etc.
Among US Performium
This map imitates the game called “Among Us”. Among Us Performium is pretty popular and allows players to experience the unique gameplay of Among Us in a new and interesting way.
Best Minecraft survival servers
At its core, Minecraft is a survival game. But if you’re a hardcore survivalist, you’ll love the added challenge and realism provided by these servers.
Grand Theft Minecart
An interesting alternative to classic GTA games. It won’t be as pretty as the original game, but the atmosphere and features are there. You can buy your own house, acquire weapons and get into firefights with the police. A true GTA experience.
Minewind
This one is perfect for people looking for an extra dose of adrenaline. Tons of griefers and different monsters on this map. Your only task is to survive as long as possible.
Best Minecraft parkour servers
With the rise in popularity of parkour, it’s only natural that this sport has found its way into Minecraft. Here, you’ll find a collection of challenging Minecraft worlds where you need to hop over cubes to get from point A to point B. These servers are called parkour servers and they are incredibly fun to play on.
ZERO.MINR
This is a Minecraft world based on the children’s game “the floor is lava”. Concrete platforms floating over a tremendous amount of lava. Your task is to get through this hell as fast as possible (without being burned up by a volcano of course).
MANACUBE
Great server and map with different modes. One of the best features of MANACUBE is SkyBlocks. An impressive amount of blocks hovers in midair, and you need to use them to get from point A to point B. If you’re wondering “What’s the best Minecraft server with skyblocks?” this is the one.
Best Minecraft prison servers
Jail in real life isn’t fun. But in Minecraft it can be a real blast! Here are some prison-themed servers to appease your inner escape artist.
The Archon
One of the most popular servers on the internet, and one of the largest offering prison mode. It is set in the past, with a bit of a pirate theme. So, get ready to board your enemy’s ship and plunder to your pirate heart’s content.
Purple Prison
One of the oldest prison servers. This one is all about life in prison. You’ll need to learn all of the little details about surviving in a prison, participating in massive gang fights, etc.
Summary
Minecraft servers are very popular gaming platforms, bringing together thousands of players for a ton of fun. You can create a private server to play exclusively with your friends, or create a public one to invite players from around the world and make money offering unique features not available anywhere else.
Whatever your path, the best way to host your server is at Hostman.
Just click on the Deploy button and you’re almost set up and ready to go. You can try out Hostman for free for the first 7 days. And if you like it (we hope you will), it only costs 19 dollars a month.
Shared between friends, $19/month is a small price to pay for complete freedom and unlimited fun :-)
Set up your Minecraft server with Hostman today.
Infrastructure
10.08.2021
12 min read
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Infrastructure
How to Host an ARK Server: Detailed Guide
Have you ever wondered why ARK: Survival Evolved is so popular among the masses? The question is simple - the world is massive, the challenges are tough, and teaming up with friends brings it all to life. But what if you're tired of lag, trolls, or losing progress on shared public servers? This is why you need to host your own ARK dedicated server.
In this tutorial, you'll learn how to host an ARK server on your own machine or through a cloud provider like Hostman. We'll walk through everything you need—from setup to launch.
Ark: Survival Evolved servers list
Key Takeaways
A dedicated ARK server gives you full control over settings, players, mods, and performance.
You can host your own ARK server on Windows or Linux using SteamCMD.
ARK servers require solid hardware—at least 16 GB RAM and a fast CPU are recommended.
Hosting through cloud providers like Hostman can simplify setup and improve uptime.
With the right configuration, your ARK server can run smoothly, even with custom maps and mods.
What Is an ARK Dedicated Server?
An ARK dedicated server is a private environment where your game world runs independently of the default multiplayer options. Instead of relying on Studio Wildcard’s shared servers, you run your own—from your PC or a remote cloud instance. That means you can control the experience all by yourself, only limited by your own morals.
You can host PvE or PvP sessions, manage mods, control who joins, and set your own rules. For groups that want a consistent, customizable experience, it’s the best way to play.
Benefits of Playing ARK: Survival Evolved Online
While ARK is a good game for solo leveling experience, the game truly shines in multiplayer. Building a base, taming dinosaurs, and exploring tropical maps becomes even more rewarding with others. Here’s why:
Shared workload: More fun when you play with your friends.
Faster progression: Gather resources, craft tools, and level up faster in cooperation with friends.
Social connection: It's more fun to build, battle, and explore.
PvP opportunities: Challenge others in combat or form alliances.
Knowledge sharing: Let the new players learn quickly from experienced survivors.
Multiplayer isn't just about more people—it's about better gameplay, deeper strategy, and shared stories that keep you coming back.
Why Do You Need an ARK Dedicated Server?
It’s not always useful to rely on public servers since they can lead to a traumatizing experience in ARK: Survival Evolved. A lot of external factors can ruin your game session, among them—lags, cheaters, trolls, server wipes. If you choose to run your own ARK server you become more worry-free of these problems if you have a desire to play peacefully.
You can set your own rules, choose who gets access, and configure performance settings based on your needs. Want to tame dinos faster? Adjust the multipliers. Prefer PvE over PvP? You decide. Plus, your game world will stay active even when you’re not logged in.
Hosting your own server (especially with Hostman’s VPS Server) helps you to stop relying on your own (or someone elses) hardware, which is often the case in peer-hosted multiplayer games. It can be frustrating when the host logs out or their machine crashes, meaning that session ends for everyone. A dedicated setup avoids this entirely.
An example of how to setup your own rule on Ark dedicated server
How To Setup an ARK Game Server: Detailed Guide
Setting up an ARK dedicated server is pretty simple. Let’s show you some useful steps.
Step 1: Prepare Your Server
Before anything else, make sure your system meets the recommended ark server requirements:
CPU: Quad-core, 3.5 GHz or higher
RAM: At least 16 GB (more if using mods)
Storage: 50 GB SSD minimum
Upload Bandwidth: 20 Mbps+
You can use Windows or Linux, but many prefer Linux for its stability and lower resource consumption. Make sure your OS is 64-bit and kept up to date.
Step 2: Install SteamCMD
SteamCMD is the command-line tool used to install game server files.
To install SteamCMD on Linux:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install steamcmd
On Windows:
Download SteamCMD from the official site.
Extract it to C:\steamcmd.
Run steamcmd.exe.
Step 3: Install ARK Server Files
Create a folder for the ARK server installation:
mkdir ark-server && cd ark-server
Launch SteamCMD and download the ARK server using the anonymous login:
steamcmd +login anonymous +force_install_dir ./ark-server +app_update 376030 validate +quit
Use 2430930 if you want to install ARK: Survival Ascended instead of the classic version.
Step 4: Configure the Server
Once installed, navigate to:
cd ark-server/ShooterGame/Saved/Config/LinuxServer/
Or on Windows:
C:\ark-server\ShooterGame\Saved\Config\WindowsServer\
Create and edit these two files:
GameUserSettings.ini
Game.ini
Basic settings to add:
[ServerSettings]
ServerAdminPassword=YourAdminPass
ServerPassword=OptionalPlayerPass
SessionName=HostmanARKServer
Add any gameplay tweaks here as needed (e.g., dino taming speed, resource multipliers).
Step 5: Open Required Ports
Make sure your firewall and hosting provider allow traffic through these ports:
UDP 7777 – Game port
UDP 27015 – Query port
UDP 27020 – RCON port (optional)
On Linux:
sudo ufw allow 7777/udp
sudo ufw allow 27015/udp
sudo ufw allow 27020/udp
Step 6: Start the ARK Server
You can launch the server using a startup script.
For Linux:
./ShooterGame/Binaries/Linux/ShooterGameServer TheIsland?SessionName=HostmanARKServer?ServerPassword=MyPass?ServerAdminPassword=MyAdminPass?listen -server -log
For Windows, create a batch file like this:
start ShooterGameServer.exe TheIsland?SessionName=HostmanARKServer?ServerPassword=MyPass?ServerAdminPassword=MyAdminPass?QueryPort=27015?Port=7777?listen
Double-click the .bat file to start your server.
Step 7: Join Your ARK Server
To connect:
Launch ARK: Survival Evolved
Click Join ARK
Set filter to Unofficial
Search your server name or IP address
If your server doesn’t appear, go to Steam → View → Servers → Favorites and manually add:
your.server.ip:27015
Now you’re ready to enter your world!
Conclusion
Running your own ark dedicated server gives you full control over your ARK: Survival Evolved experience. This is way better if you want to dedicate your precious time to your beloved game, where you want to build a small and warm community of players.
If you're just getting started, consider launching your ARK server on a reliable cloud provider. A VPS from Hostman, for example, allows you to scale resources as your community grows, while enjoying a simplified deployment process and responsive support.
FAQ
What are the minimum ARK server requirements?
For smooth gameplay, your server should have at least a quad-core CPU (3.5 GHz or higher), 16 GB of RAM, and an SSD with 50 GB or more of free space. A stable internet connection with at least 20 Mbps upload speed is also essential.
Can I host an ARK server on my own PC?
Yes, you can self-host an ARK server from your own machine, but this works best for small groups and limited sessions.
How many players can join my ARK dedicated server?
The player limit depends on your hardware and internet bandwidth. With proper specs (16 GB RAM and above), you can comfortably support 10–30 players.
Is hosting an ARK server free?
You can host it for free on your own hardware, but you’ll cover electricity, bandwidth, and maintenance costs.
31 July 2025 · 6 min to read
Infrastructure
What is GitOps and How to Use it?
GitOps is a new way of managing cloud infrastructure and deploying applications. Built on some familiar and recognizable developer workflows, GitOps helps you automate infrastructure changes, improve system reliability, and simplify continuous delivery.
In this tutorial, you’ll learn what GitOps is, how it works, the tools behind it, and how to implement a GitOps pipeline using Kubernetes and Hostman-compatible workflows.
GitOps working scheme
Key Takeaways
GitOps uses Git as the single source of truth for infrastructure and deployment.
It relies on declarative configurations and automatic reconciliation.
GitOps enables auditability, rollback, and faster deployments.
It works particularly well with Kubernetes and cloud-native environments.
Tools like Argo CD, Flux, and Helm are commonly used in GitOps pipelines.
What Is GitOps?
GitOps is a set of practices that uses Git repositories to manage both application code and infrastructure configurations. With its help, developers can get rid of using traditional manual revisions or ad hoc scripts, GitOps relies on Git as the authoritative source for your system’s desired state. This means your cluster configuration, deployment manifests, Helm charts, and more are stored and managed within a single Git repo.
So, when you need to update infrastructure or release a new application version, you simply commit a change to Git. GitOps controllers then detect the change and automatically update the live environment to match. This shift brings the principles of software development—such as version control, collaboration, and CI/CD—to operations teams.
GitOps is especially valuable in cloud-native environments, where teams work with Kubernetes or similar orchestration tools.
GitOps Definition
GitOps is a kind of workflow where infrastructure is treated as code (not as a full app or environment), stored in Git. It also reconciles with the actual running environment. This ensures consistency, traceability, and security throughout the deployment lifecycle.
How Does GitOps Work?
GitOps was created as the main tool to control your apps and infrastructure like the unified entity, which you control from a single Git repository. But how does it work? It’s simple - continuous reconciliation. A GitOps controller constantly checks for differences between the actual state of your infrastructure and the desired state stored in Git.
If the live state drifts (due to unnecessary or planned changes) the controller detects the inconsistency and automatically reverts the environment back to the last known perfect state as defined in Git. This is something that makes GitOps a very useful tool.
What Are the Main GitOps Tools?
GitOps relies on several open-source tools that integrate with your existing CI/CD stack. Here's a quick overview of the most popular options:
Argo CD
Argo CD is a declarative continuous delivery tool built for Kubernetes. It syncs your manifests from Git to your clusters and helps you visualize deployment status.
Flux
Flux automates Kubernetes deployments using Git as the source of truth. It's lightweight and integrates well with Helm charts.
Helm
Helm is a Kubernetes package manager. It makes application definitions simpler and is often used in GitOps to manage complex deployments.
Terraform
Let’s not forget that Terraform is not GitOps-native, It’s mainly used in GitOps pipelines for managing infrastructure outside Kubernetes, for example DNS.
Quick Overview of the GitOps Workflow
A typical GitOps workflow involves several tightly integrated steps that form a reliable deployment pipeline. Let’s walk through the process from code commit to live deployment.
A developer writes code and pushes it to a Git repository.
A CI pipeline builds the code, creates a container image, and pushes it to a container registry.
A change is made to a Kubernetes manifest or Helm chart in the Git repository.
A GitOps controller (e.g., Argo CD or Flux) detects the change and applies it to the cluster.
The cluster state is now aligned with the desired state declared in Git.
The separation between CI and CD in this model ensures that your team remains focused on writing and testing code, while deployment and environment reconciliation are fully automated. This reduces risk, accelerates delivery, and improves infrastructure transparency.
Benefits of GitOps
GitOps offers several advantages for modern DevOps teams:
Developer productivity: If you are already familiar with Git, you can easily apply your knowledge.
Auditability: You can track and backup every change that was made during the development.
Rollback support: You can easily revert changes at any moment if you need to..
Security: You can control access of your repositories all by yourself, without someone crushing into your code.
Faster recovery: Everything is "on the air live”, so if you need to backup your file faster.
How to Set Up a GitOps Pipeline
Here’s a basic example of setting up a GitOps pipeline using Argo CD on a Kubernetes cluster. For Hostman, you can adapt these steps using custom infrastructure.
Step 1: Install Argo CD
Create a namespace for Argo CD:
kubectl create namespace argocd
Install Argo CD:
kubectl apply -n argocd -f https://raw.githubusercontent.com/argoproj/argo-cd/stable/manifests/install.yaml
Step 2: Access the Argo CD UI
Forward the Argo CD API server port:
kubectl port-forward svc/argocd-server -n argocd 8080:443
Visit https://localhost:8080 in your browser. Login with the default admin user and password (retrieved from the secret).
How to Use GitOps with Kubernetes
Now let’s connect your Git repository to Argo CD to start syncing Kubernetes manifests.
Step 1: Define Your App Configuration
In your Git repo, create a Kubernetes manifest, for example deployment.yaml:
apiVersion: apps/v1
kind: Deployment
metadata:
name: hostman-web
spec:
replicas: 2
selector:
matchLabels:
app: hostman-web
template:
metadata:
labels:
app: hostman-web
spec:
containers:
- name: web
image: hostman/web-app:latest
Commit and push the file to Git.
Step 2: Create the Argo CD Application
Use the Argo CD CLI or web UI to create a new application:
argocd app create hostman-web \
--repo https://github.com/your-user/your-repo.git \
--path ./k8s \
--dest-server https://kubernetes.default.svc \
--dest-namespace default
Synchronize the app:
argocd app sync hostman-web
Argo CD will now monitor your repo and update the deployment automatically.
Are There Disadvantages of GitOps?
While GitOps offers many benefits, there are some challenges to consider:
Git conflicts: When multiple teams edit code it can lead to some troubleshooting.
Secret management: Git is a more “social” tool, when it comes to storing your secrets, so it’s better to use something else.
Complexity at scale: Managing many environments and repositories sometimes becomes chaotic without proper management.
Planning ahead and using a modular approach (e.g., mono or multi-repo strategies) can help mitigate these issues.
Summary
GitOps the bringer of power of Git to your infrastructures. GitOps is seeing your infrastructure as code and automates reconciliation, also let’s not forget that this instrument can enhance visibility, consistency, and deployment speed of your state of art work.
FAQ
What exactly is GitOps?
GitOps is a tool to manage infrastructure and deployments using Git as the single source of truth.
Is GitOps only for Kubernetes?
While GitOps is a perfect fit for Kubernetes (because of its declarative nature), it’s not limited to it. You can apply GitOps principles to other infrastructure types too.
What tools do I need to start with GitOps?
Popular GitOps tools include Argo CD, Flux, and Jenkins X. If you're using Hostman, you can easily integrate Git-based workflows with Kubernetes and start automating deployments right away.
Do I need to change how I write code?
Not really. GitOps works with the Git workflows you're already using — like branches, pull requests, and commits. What changes is how those commits impact your infrastructure: once merged, your environment syncs with your repo automatically.
30 July 2025 · 7 min to read
Infrastructure
Top 5 No-Code Chatbot Builders for Small Businesses
The AI revolution in recent years has really given a dramatic rise to chatbots. Chatbots have now become an essential tool for companies of all sizes. It helps to streamline customer service, boost engagement, and drive sales—all while freeing up your valuable time.
In today's business environment, customers expect instant, personalised communication with brands. For this reason, more and more organizations are looking to AI chatbot builders to improve customer experience and enhance operational efficiency.
Gone are the days of hiring expensive developers or spending weeks learning complex programming languages. Whether it's for marketing, customer service, or e-commerce, you can achieve seamless chatbot integration quickly and effortlessly with no-code solutions.
Top 5 Chatbot builders
These are leading AI chatbot online platforms. These messaging bots can answer customer queries 24/7, ensuring seamless support with no human intervention.
1. Chatbase
Chabase is truly a special chatbot builder solution. It has a clean, minimal user interface. You can get a feel of using this messaging bot directly from its website even without setting up an account.
Chatbase supports working with different AI models like gpt-4-turbo, command-r, gemini-1.5-pro, gpt-4, and others. Here are the official details on what models to use based on your use cases and scenarios.
Pricing: With the free plan, Chatbase offers 100 message credits/month. Its other pricing tier includes Hobby ($40/mo), Standard ($150/mo), and Pro ($500/mo). Unlike other similar providers, Chatbase provides API access even with its Hobby plans.
2. Botsonic
Known for its AI and NLP (Natural Language Processing), Botsonic enables human-like, context-aware conversations. It offers multi-channel support as well.
Pricing: If you’re a small business owner looking for a reliable chatbot solution, Botsonic will fit your bill. Its pricing tier starts at $19/mo. Unlike others, Botsonic even provides access to its API with its Advanced plan ($299/mo). Botsonic offers a free trial period that allows businesses to experience its features before deciding to purchase.
3. WotNot
WotNot provides an intuitive user interface. The platform provides a wealth of templates to help enterprises quickly build a messaging bot based on different business requirements.
WotNot supports everything from simple FAQ autoresponders to complex conversation flow management. By setting up rules, WotNot can automate a range of tasks, reducing the need for human intervention and thus increasing efficiency.
Pricing: WotNot comes with a free plan. With its free plan, 100 chats and 500 credits are included. The Starter plan is priced at $99/month, Premium ($299/month) and Ultimate ($899/month)
4. Landbot
Landbot is a powerful no-code chatbot builder. Whether you require simple question-and-answer conversations or more advanced conditional logic, Landbot can make it happen. It offers integration for Zapier, Shopify, Wordpress, Webflow, Slack, Calendly, Mailchimp, and others. Here’s the comprehensive list of all supported integrations by Landbot.
Pricing: Their free plan allows users to experience the basic features of the platform, such as creating a chatbot, embedding a bot on a website via a web plugin, and supporting basic conversation flow design. However, there are some limitations to the free package, such as the number of conversations per month (100 per month).
The AI chat feature isn’t available in its free plan. Its other pricing tier includes Startup (40 euros/month), WhatsApp Pro (200 euros/month), and Business (400 euros/month).
5. Tidio
Tidio is an all-in-one solution that integrates both live chat and automated messaging. The multilingual feature makes it an ideal fit for businesses with an international audience. It provides real-time visitor monitoring.
Pricing: With the free plan, Tidio offers 50 handled conversations. Their pricing plan is unique in regards, they only bill for Handled Conversations. Handled Conversations means conversations that involve a human agent. You’ll be billed only for relevant interactions. That's great news, isn’t it?
Here are the pricing tiers for Tidio: Starter ($24.17/mo, 150 Handled Conversations), Growth ($49.17/mo, 250 Handled Conversations). Their Premium plan ($2999/mo) offers unlimited handled conversations.
Criteria for Choosing the Best No-Code Chatbot Builder
When searching for a no-code chatbot builder, it's crucial to look at many factors to ensure it will effectively meet your needs.
Ease of Use
One of the core features of chatbots should be ease of use. This means that even users with no programming experience can easily create and manage chatbots. A no-code platform should be straightforward and accessible for everyone, even if you're not technically skilled.
The platform should offer a variety of ready-to-use templates for typical tasks. It should also have easy options for setting up how the bot responds and what triggers its actions.
Customization
Customization is a key factor in ensuring that your chatbot matches your brand image and business needs. The ideal no-code platform should allow you to customize in a number of ways: templates and preset functionality. Many platforms offer preset templates for common business needs, such as customer support, lead generation, etc. You can choose the right template and modify it to suit your business needs for a quick start.
The no-code chatbot should allow you to customize the appearance design of the chat window, including colors, layout, fonts, button styles, etc., to be consistent with the brand image. In addition to appearance, you can customize the chatbot's conversation flow to ensure that it interacts with users in a personalized and natural way.
Integrations
A no-code chatbot should support multiple platforms, including websites and social media, e.g., Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat, etc. This allows you to interact with users on a variety of channels and increase touchpoints.
AI Capabilities
If your needs include in-depth conversations with your customers, it's critical to choose a platform with robust NLP technology. It can help the chatbot understand and respond to your users' natural language, making conversations smoother and smarter.
Pricing
Some platforms like Landbot offer free trials (in some cases, even without a credit card). Free trials allow you to test things quickly. Whereas some platforms charge based on usage, number of users, or advanced features.
One should opt for platforms with transparent pricing tiers and features.
Support
Even though no-code chatbot builders are designed to be user-friendly, you’ll likely need assistance from time to time. Excellent customer support and available resources (documentation, tutorials, and community forums) can make your experience much smoother.
Chatbots Comparison
Here’s a comparison table highlighting key differences:
Feature
Chatbase
Botsonic
WotNot
Landbot
Tidio
AI Model
GPT-4
Claude 3
Gemini 1.5
GPT-3.5
GPT-4
Claude 3
GPT-3.5
GPT-4
Claude 3
Gemini 1.5
GPT-3.5
GPT-4 (includes custom support for DeepSeek, Gemini)
Lyro (based on Claude LLM)
Customization
High (branding, behavior)
Moderate (visual customization)
High
Medium (visual, behavior)
Low
Multi-Channel Support
Website, WhatsApp, FB Messenger, Instagram, Slack, Shopify, Zapier, Wordpress
Website, Whatsapp, Messenger, Calendly, Telegram, Salesforce, Freshdesk, Zendesk
Website, WhatsApp, SMS, Email, ZOHO, Calendly, Hubspot, Salesforce, Instagram
Website, WhatsApp, Zapier, Webflow, Slack, Calendly, Hubspot, Airtable
Website, Wordpress, BigCommerce, Prestashop, Messenger, Whatsapp, Instagram
Analytics
Advanced (topic analysis, sentiment tracking)
Basic (performance tracking)
Offers a separate addon for Advanced Analytics
Basic
Basic (performance metrics)
Basic (performance metrics)
Pricing
Free plan
Paid plans from $40/month
Free trial
Paid plans from $19/month
Free plan
Paid plans from $99/month
Free plan
Paid plans from $39/month
Free plan
Paid plans from $24/month
API Access
Yes
Limited
(Only for Advanced and Enterprise Plans)
Yes
Yes
Limited
(Only for Plus and Premium Plans)
Unique Features
AI Playground for testing models
Uses GPTRouter to generate best responses
Intuitive Interface
Lots of pre-made templates
Imitate human-like conversations
Which No-Code Chatbot Builder Is Right for You?
Choosing the right no-code chatbot building platform for you involves making an informed decision based on factors such as your specific needs, business goals, budget, and technical capabilities. It’s important to consider not your current needs but also how it will scale when your business grows.
If you're looking for a simple, affordable, easy-to-use platform that doesn’t require much technical knowledge, Chatbase and Botsonic are great options. It offers a straightforward setup process.
If you want the capability of a live chat software together with a chatbot solution, choose Tidio.
FAQs
Are there free chatbot builders available for businesses?
Yes, platforms like Chatbase, Landbot, Wotnot offer a free plan to test things quickly.
Do I need a developer to integrate the chatbot with my website?
No. One benefit of no-code chatbot builders is that they often provide simple integration options, such as embedding code snippets or using plug-ins, that don’t require a developer.
How can I use Chatbot for my Shopify store?
Tidio comes with a dedicated Shopify plugin for this purpose. With other providers, you need to copy and paste the documented widget HTML code manually.
What if my messaging bot is not aware of what to reply when asked a question?
These no-code chatbot builders let you specify default responses or pass on the conversation to a human agent if the bot cannot respond to a question.
Can I monitor the performance of my chatbot?
Yes, providers like Chatbase or Botsonic will provide you with advanced analytics, including users' geographical locations, popular topics, and unanswered queries.
Conclusion
As artificial intelligence and automation technologies continue to advance, using chatbots is not only a means to improve operational efficiency but also a necessary tool to build brand competitiveness. If you're still on the fence, now is the perfect time to get started.
Whether you're a small startup or an established enterprise, these no-code chatbot platforms like Tidio, Chatbase, Botsonic enable you to build intelligent bots that will meet your business needs.
29 July 2025 · 9 min to read
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