Skiff 4
$ 12 /month
- vCPU
- 2 × shared
- RAM
- 4 GB
- Storage
- 60 GB NVMe SSD
- Transfer
- 4 TB
- IPv4 / IPv6
- 1 / /64 routed
Operating system
Reproducible NixOS VPS hosting on true KVM
25.11 · 25.05Min 1024 MBRecommended 4 GBNixOS Foundation
Short answer
NixOS describes the entire machine — packages, services, users, firewall — in one declarative file, and can roll back to any previous configuration from the bootloader. If you want a server that is reproducible from a text file rather than from memory, this is the only mainstream option that genuinely delivers it.
Strengths
- Fully declarative configuration
- Atomic upgrades and rollbacks
- Reproducible rebuilds
- No configuration drift
Trade-offs
- Steep learning curve
- The Nix language is unlike anything else
Best suited to
Reproducible infrastructureImmutable serversTeams tired of configuration drift
NixOS on a KVM virtual server
Choosing between NixOS on KVM and a container-based VPS is choosing between full control and convenience. With KVM, you get your own kernel, your own /proc, and the freedom to boot a custom ISO or a non-Linux OS. Containers share the host kernel, so you are limited to what the host supports. Before you commit, know that NixOS's declarative model means you manage the entire machine from one config file—powerful, but it expects you to understand the Nix language.
People run NixOS here for reproducible infrastructure—servers that must be rebuildable from a text file. Its atomic upgrades and rollbacks make it a strong fit for immutable servers and teams tired of configuration drift. The steep learning curve and unusual language mean you should not choose it for a quick single service unless you are already fluent.
How much machine NixOS actually needs
Start at the 1024 MB minimum to boot, but remember the operating system itself consumes memory before your application runs. For a comfortable experience, budget at least 4 GB. Disk: NixOS stores generations and packages in the Nix store, so buy extra NVMe if you plan to keep many configurations. 20 GB is a reasonable floor; more if you run large toolchains.
Plans that suit NixOS
Cutter 4
$ 19 /month
- vCPU
- 2 × dedicated
- RAM
- 4 GB
- Storage
- 80 GB NVMe SSD
- Transfer
- 6 TB
- IPv4 / IPv6
- 1 / /64 routed
Cutter 8
$ 34 /month
- vCPU
- 4 × dedicated
- RAM
- 8 GB
- Storage
- 160 GB NVMe SSD
- Transfer
- 10 TB
- IPv4 / IPv6
- 1 / /64 routed
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM does NixOS need?
NixOS boots in 1024 MB and is comfortable with 4 GB. Add whatever your application needs on top of that — the operating system baseline is a floor, not a budget.
Can I run NixOS on a VPS?
Yes, on true KVM virtualisation, which is what every OnionVPS instance runs. It is available as a ready template and can also be installed from your own ISO.
How long is NixOS supported?
~7 months per release, rolling channel available
How do I roll back a broken upgrade?
NixOS keeps older generations in the bootloader. Reboot, select the previous generation, and the system returns to that exact state. Because upgrades are atomic, a failed rebuild never leaves a partially updated system—you simply choose the last known-good configuration.
Can I use my own kernel with the custom ISO upload?
Yes. Since every OnionVPS instance is true KVM virtualisation, you have full root and can boot a custom ISO or hand-rolled image. NixOS's kernel is configured declaratively, and you can replace it with any kernel you build or obtain, as long as it boots on KVM.