Skiff 2
$ 7 /month
- vCPU
- 1 × shared
- RAM
- 2 GB
- Storage
- 40 GB NVMe SSD
- Transfer
- 3 TB
- IPv4 / IPv6
- 1 / /64 routed
Operating system
Run Ubuntu Server on a KVM VPS
24.04 LTS · 22.04 LTS · 25.10Min 512 MBRecommended 2 GBCanonical
Short answer
Ubuntu Server is the default choice for a VPS: the widest package selection, the most tutorials, and five years of security updates on an LTS release. 24.04 LTS ships kernel 6.8 with cgroups v2 and works with Docker, WireGuard and nftables out of the box. It needs 512 MB to boot and 2 GB to be pleasant.
Strengths
- Largest package ecosystem
- Five-year LTS support
- Best documentation coverage
- Snap and deb both available
Trade-offs
- Snap packages are contentious
- Heavier default install than Debian
Best suited to
General purposeDocker hostsWeb applicationsFirst Linux server
Ubuntu Server on a KVM virtual server
KVM virtualisation gives you a real kernel, not a shared one. That means you can load a custom kernel, boot a custom ISO, and run a non-Linux operating system if you ever need to. A container-based VPS shares the host kernel, so those options disappear. Before you choose Ubuntu Server on KVM, know that the isolation is genuine: your own /proc, your own namespace, no neighbours. You also get root access, raw sockets, and nested virtualisation. The trade-off is a slightly heavier footprint than a container, but you gain control.
Ubuntu Server is the default for general-purpose hosting. Its large package ecosystem and extensive documentation make it a strong fit for Docker hosts and web applications. The five-year LTS support suits long-lived servers. The caveat: snaps are contentious, and the default install is heavier than Debian, so count the cost if you are trying to squeeze every megabyte.
How much machine Ubuntu Server actually needs
Start with the floor: 512 MB boots Ubuntu Server, but that leaves little for your application. Plan for 2 GB to be comfortable. Before your app takes a byte, the operating system consumes memory and disk for its base services. Buy enough to run your workload plus headroom for the system itself.
Plans that suit Ubuntu Server
Skiff 4
$ 12 /month
- vCPU
- 2 × shared
- RAM
- 4 GB
- Storage
- 60 GB NVMe SSD
- Transfer
- 4 TB
- IPv4 / IPv6
- 1 / /64 routed
Cutter 4
$ 19 /month
- vCPU
- 2 × dedicated
- RAM
- 4 GB
- Storage
- 80 GB NVMe SSD
- Transfer
- 6 TB
- IPv4 / IPv6
- 1 / /64 routed
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM does Ubuntu Server need?
Ubuntu Server boots in 512 MB and is comfortable with 2 GB. Add whatever your application needs on top of that — the operating system baseline is a floor, not a budget.
Can I run Ubuntu Server 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 Ubuntu Server supported?
2029 (24.04 LTS standard support)
Can I run Docker on Ubuntu Server?
Yes. Ubuntu 24.04 LTS ships kernel 6.8 with cgroups v2, which Docker works with out of the box. The kernel supports overlay2 storage and iptables for networking. With root access and a real kernel, you can install Docker from the official repository or use snap. Expect a workable setup, though snap's confinement may add friction.
How do I access a VPS before SSH is configured?
Use the out-of-band VNC console from the panel. It gives you a terminal session to the machine even if the network is misconfigured. That lets you fix interfaces, reset passwords, or reinstall the OS without a ticket. Every OnionVPS plan includes it, so you never face a locked-out server.