Run Docker containers on a VPS

A VPS gives a Docker Compose application a stable host with root access, a public IP address, and storage you control. It suits applications that already have a Dockerfile or Compose file and teams that want the same packaging in development and production.

When Docker fits

Docker is useful when an application has several services, needs repeatable dependencies, or should be updated by replacing images. A reverse proxy such as Traefik or NGINX can route several applications through the same ports and manage HTTPS.

For one small process, a normal systemd service may be simpler. A VPS is also not a managed container platform: it does not add automatic scheduling, failover, or cluster management.

Choosing a server size

Small can run a few lightweight containers. Choose Medium or Large when services run together, builds happen on the server, or databases and persistent volumes need more memory and storage. Leave room for image layers, logs, updates, and backups. Compare the VPS plans with the containers’ resource needs.

What you manage

You choose and review images, protect the Docker socket, control exposed ports, update the host, and back up persistent data. Recreating a container does not restore a deleted volume.

Follow the Docker Compose and Traefik guide for a complete Ubuntu 26.04 setup, including firewall considerations and an HTTPS test.