While shared web hosting is great for simple websites and lightweight applications, a Virtual Private Server (VPS) opens the door to a whole new world of powerful open-source software. With full server control, root access, firewall rules, background services, and custom configurations, a VPS allows you to host applications that shared hosting simply can’t handle.

Whether you're a developer, a business owner, or a hobbyist who loves experimenting with technology, a VPS gives you the freedom to build almost anything.

In this blog, we look at fun, useful, and popular open-source projects you can host on a $5–$10 per month VPS.

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Why a VPS Unlocks So Many Possibilities

With a VPS, you get:

✔ Root access

Install anything you want.

✔ Custom software

Run languages, frameworks, and services unsupported by shared hosting.

✔ Background processes

Host jobs, daemons, schedulers, and services.

✔ Custom firewalls & networking

Run VPNs, proxies, reverse proxies, and complex setups.

✔ Full control

Perfect for learning DevOps, self-hosting, and automation.

This flexibility allows you to host dozens of powerful open-source projects that shared hosting could never support.

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1. Nextcloud — Your Personal Cloud Server

Nextcloud is the ultimate self-hosted alternative to Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, and Microsoft OneDrive.

⭐ Cool Features

• File sync across all your devices

• Shared folders and permissions

• Built-in video chat (Talk)

• Calendars, contacts, tasks

• Document collaboration

• End-to-end encryption

A VPS lets Nextcloud run fast, smoothly, and securely — something shared hosting can’t offer.

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2. MailCow — Your Own Email Server

MailCow bundles Postfix, Dovecot, Rspamd, SOGo, and more into a powerful Dockerized email suite.

⭐ Cool Features

• Full email server with spam filtering

• Manage mailboxes, domains, aliases

• SOGo webmail & calendar

• DKIM, SPF, DMARC support

• Modern UI and easy management

Running MailCow on a VPS gives you complete control over your email privacy and deliverability.

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3. Docker Containers & Docker Compose Projects

This alone is reason enough to upgrade to a VPS.

With Docker you can run:

• Web apps

• Databases

• API servers

• Monitoring tools

• Reverse proxies

• Development stacks

Shared hosting doesn’t support Docker — but a VPS lets you run unlimited containers.

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4. HomeLab / DevOps Tools (Zabbix, Nagios, Prometheus, Grafana)

These monitoring tools are essential for anyone managing servers or networks.

⭐ Cool Use Cases

• Monitor websites and servers

• Track network device performance

• Create dashboards and alerts

• Build capacity planning tools

Grafana dashboards alone are worth exploring!

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5. Pi-hole or AdGuard Home — Network-Wide Ad Blocking

Block ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level.

⭐ Benefits

• Speeds up browsing

• Protects device privacy

• Blocks ads for all connected devices

• Custom blocklists

These tools need ports and services not allowed on shared hosts — perfect for VPS.

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6. Jellyfin or Plex — Your Own Media Streaming Server

Stream your movies, TV shows, music, and photos anywhere in the world.

⭐ Features

• Transcoding

• Multiple users

• Remote streaming

• Metadata fetching

• Parental controls

A VPS can even become your personal Netflix.

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7. Gitea or GitLab — Self-Hosted Git Repositories

For developers, hosting your own Git server is incredibly empowering.

⭐ Features

• Git repos

• Issues & wiki

• Pull requests

• CI/CD pipelines (GitLab)

• User/team management

Shared hosting can’t run persistent background services — but a VPS handles them easily.

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8. Mastodon — Your Own Social Network

Mastodon is a decentralized, open-source alternative to Twitter.

⭐ Why It’s Cool

• Build your own community

• Federate with other servers

• Fully customizable

• Great for niche social networks

It’s resource-heavy — perfect for VPS or dedicated servers.

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9. OpenVPN or WireGuard — Your Own VPN Server

Privacy-conscious users love hosting their own VPN.

⭐ Benefits

• Secure browsing over public Wi-Fi

• Private remote access to home or office

• Avoid commercial VPN limits

• Maximum control over your data

A VPS is ideal for running lightweight, secure VPN servers.

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10. Ghost — A Modern Blogging Platform

Ghost is a sleek, fast, developer-friendly alternative to WordPress.

⭐ Features

• Beautiful themes

• SEO tools

• Membership & subscription options

• Lightning-fast performance

• Markdown-based writing

Ghost requires Node.js — unavailable on most shared hosting.

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11. Mealie — A Self-Hosted Recipe Manager

A fun project for home chefs!

⭐ Features

• Store recipes

• Create meal plans

• Track ingredients

• Share menus with family

It runs in Docker, making a VPS the perfect environment.

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12. Uptime Kuma — Monitor Your Websites & Services

A lightweight and visually appealing uptime monitor.

⭐ Features

• Track website uptime

• Receive alerts

• Beautiful status pages

• Multiple monitoring types

Great for developers, agencies, and businesses.

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13. Firefly III — Personal Finance Manager

A sleek alternative to Mint or YNAB.

⭐ Features

• Track expenses

• Manage budgets

• Import bank transactions

• Reports and charts

Perfect for privacy-focused budgeting.

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14. Forgejo, Kanboard, Wiki.js, Redmine & More

There are hundreds of awesome projects you can run on a VPS:

• Forgejo — a community-driven Git platform

• Kanboard — simple project management

• Wiki.js — a modern wiki

• Redmine — a full project management suite

• FreshRSS — self-hosted news reader

• Vaultwarden — self-hosted Bitwarden

A VPS is truly a sandbox for experimenting with open-source creativity.

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Final Thoughts: A VPS Opens the Door to Endless Open-Source Possibilities

With shared hosting, you’re limited to traditional PHP/MySQL apps. But with a VPS, you have the freedom to build:

• Your own cloud

• Your own email server

• Your own VPN

• Your own media streaming service

• Your own analytics system

• Your own social network

• Your own Git server

• Your own business tools

And the best part?
You can run many of these projects on a $5/month VPS.

If you love open-source, automation, privacy, self-hosting, or learning new tech, a VPS is one of the best investments you can make.