1. Summary
When choosing a cloud server, many people face a common question — how to buy it without losing money? I believe everyone has experienced situations like "buying too expensive," "buying the wrong one," "buying too much," or "buying too early." I too have made these mistakes and, after some trial and error, have accumulated a few insights. Today, I want to share the cloud server purchasing experience I’ve gathered, hoping to help you avoid pitfalls and save time and money.
Whether you're building a website, deploying a project, running services, setting up AI interfaces, or planning for long-term operations, the following four tips can save you a lot of money. Follow these, and you’ll avoid many detours when choosing a cloud server.
2. Don’t Go for Too-Cheap Configurations
I remember when I first got into cloud servers, I saw ads like “1 CPU core, 1GB RAM, 9.9 CNY/month” and thought, "Wow, this is so cheap, why not give it a try?" But when I bought it, I quickly realized the performance was terrible. Even running WordPress with a control panel was painfully slow, and forget about running Python scripts or deploying models — it was a total waste of time.
So, my advice is:
If you plan to deploy projects, start with at least 2 CPU cores and 2GB of RAM, with SSD storage and bandwidth no less than 2 Mbps.
If you only need it for testing purposes, 1GB configuration will suffice.
In short, cheap options are not always practical, especially with low-config servers. They can't handle heavy workloads, and in the end, you’ll just waste time and money. You might think cheap is good, but once you start using it, you'll find it can't meet your actual needs.
3. The Beginner’s Approach to Initial Trials
I’ve personally experienced this. In the beginning, I tried to save money by purchasing annual plans, but halfway through the year, my services were stopped, and I basically wasted that money. Many times, the project’s needs were unstable, and I wasn’t sure how long I would use the service, yet I’d already paid for several years upfront.
Later, I switched to platforms that allow for monthly payments, like VMRack and Vultr, which charge based on actual usage, offering flexible and cost-effective options. These monthly plans are ideal because you pay as you go, and when you don’t need the service, you don’t feel bad about leaving it unused. No waste at all.
Monthly plans are great for:
Deploying temporary test environments
Short-term scripts or tasks
Projects you’re unsure about for long-term use
Users who frequently switch operating systems or reinstall systems
4. Choose Asian Nodes
If your target audience is in China or if you need to access the server from mainland China, choosing the right node is extremely important. Many people instinctively lean towards European or American nodes, only to find themselves facing issues like SSH connection failures or slow website loading speeds. The problem usually lies in the network route, not the configuration.
So, I generally choose these regions: Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and South Korea. In particular, Singapore and Hong Kong have stable networks, and those with "CN2," "Back to China Optimized," or "Asian Accelerated" labels make a huge difference.
If you're a domestic user, I recommend these platforms:
LightNode: Many Asian nodes, low latency, and hourly billing, perfect for testing and low budgets.
VMRack: Ideal for Chinese users with high cost-performance, one-click SSL deployment, good IP quality, and stable networks.
Tip: Many people think overseas nodes are cheaper, but once you face long-term access, high latency and slow speeds will degrade the user experience. Choosing Asian nodes ensures stable networks and avoids unnecessary troubles.
5. Wait for Promotions and Use Referral Codes
When buying cloud servers, many people are too eager to place an order and often miss out on actual discounts. In fact, many cloud providers hold big promotions during certain holidays — Black Friday, Double 11, year-end sales — and some even offer vouchers or referral code cashback.
Personally, I actively search for referral codes from other users, which can save me a lot of money. For example, I often find deals on platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) or Zhihu, where referral codes are available that offer better prices than the official website. A simple search for referral codes can save you money that can be used for higher configurations, or even for additional services like snapshot backups or dedicated IPs.
How to save money?
Keep an eye on official promotions, especially during big sales periods.
Ask friends for referral codes, many platforms offer discounts through their invitation system.
Forums like HostLoc and LowEndBox often post limited-time discounts — keep an eye on these for unexpected savings.
6. How to Buy Cloud Servers in the Most Cost-Effective Way?
From my two years of experience, the most cost-effective “combination” for purchasing cloud servers is:
7. Conclusion
Purchasing cloud servers isn’t just about looking at the price. You need to consider:
What are you planning to do?
How long do you plan to use it?
Which platform offers flexible configurations?
Once you figure these out, selecting a cloud server will be a lot easier, and you’ll avoid making costly mistakes. I hope these tips can help you spend your money more wisely and avoid unnecessary detours. Don’t let “cheap” be the only factor in your decision-making process. The most cost-effective option is the one that best suits your needs!