Nginx Proxy Manager: The Easy Reverse Proxy Setup (2026)
A reverse proxy puts your self-hosted apps on real domains with real HTTPS. Nginx Proxy Manager does it from a web UI — setup, gotchas, and when Caddy wins.
Own your stack. Cancel your subscriptions.
Tested, honest guides to running your own servers — real costs, real trade-offs, and the mistakes worth avoiding. Written from actual hardware, not spec sheets.
fail2ban and the Server Hardening That Actually Matters
Server hardening for self-hosters: what actually attacks your box, how to set up fail2ban properly, and the Docker trap that makes your firewall a decoration.
How to Self-Host on a $5 VPS: A Step-by-Step 2026 Guide
Self-host on a $5 VPS from zero: pick a provider, lock the server down, install Docker, and get your first service online with HTTPS in about an hour.
CMR vs SMR: Which NAS Hard Drives Are Safe in 2026
CMR vs SMR in plain English: why SMR drives wreck RAID rebuilds, which WD Red models to avoid, and the NAS drives worth buying in 2026.
How to Connect a Domain to Your Self-Hosted Server (2026)
A domain name for self-hosting made simple: where to buy one cheap, how DNS records work, and how to point it at a VPS or a home server with dynamic DNS.
Self-Hosting Home Assistant: Local Smart Home Control in 2026
Self-host Home Assistant for a private, local smart home in 2026: which hardware to buy, HAOS vs Docker, Zigbee vs Matter, and the SD-card mistake to avoid.
Cloud Storage Cost: Is Self-Hosting Cheaper Than Google Drive or Dropbox?
Cloud storage cost adds up fast: Google One, iCloud, and Dropbox bill you forever. Does self-hosting actually save money? The honest 5-year math for 2026.
Best Home Server OS in 2026: Proxmox vs TrueNAS vs Unraid vs Plain Linux
The best home server OS in 2026 depends on your goal: Proxmox for VMs, TrueNAS for storage, Unraid for ease, plain Linux for control. Practical guide.
Self-Hosting Backup Strategy: The 3-2-1 Rule in Practice (2026)
Self-hosting backup made practical: the 3-2-1 rule, which tools to use (restic, Borg), cheap offsite storage, and why testing your restore matters most.
Pi-hole Setup: Block Ads on Every Device (2026)
Pi-hole setup in about 15 minutes: block ads and trackers for every device on your network at the DNS level, on Docker or a Raspberry Pi. Current v6 steps.
Home Server Power Consumption in 2026: What It Really Costs to Run 24/7
Home server power consumption explained for 2026: real watt and dollar numbers for a Pi, mini PC, and NAS — plus how to cut the cost of running one 24/7.
Nextcloud: Self-Host Your Own Google Drive (2026 Guide)
Nextcloud is a self-hosted Google Drive and Dropbox replacement: file sync, calendar, contacts, and browser-based office, all on your own server.
Raspberry Pi Self-Hosting in 2026: What You Can (and Can’t) Actually Run
Raspberry Pi self-hosting in 2026: what a Pi 5 can actually run, what it can't, real power and cost numbers, and when a mini PC is the smarter buy.
Immich: The Self-Hosted Google Photos Alternative (2026)
Immich is an open-source photo platform you host yourself: automatic phone backup, AI search, and face recognition, with nothing sent to Google.
Vaultwarden: Self-Host a Free Bitwarden Server (2026)
Vaultwarden is a lightweight, Bitwarden-compatible password server you run yourself. Free premium features, ~30 MB of RAM, and a 15-minute Docker setup.
How to Set Up Tailscale for Self-Hosting (Step-by-Step 2026 Guide)
Tailscale self-hosting made simple: a step-by-step 2026 guide to accessing your home server securely from anywhere — no open ports, no public IP, free.
Jellyfin vs Plex 2026: The Honest Comparison
Jellyfin vs Plex in 2026 — after Plex's price hikes and remote streaming paywall, which media server wins? An honest comparison for self-hosters.
Self-Hosting: What It Is and How to Start in 2026
Self-hosting explained in plain English: what it means to run your own apps, why people do it, what you can realistically host, and how to start with one.
Does Self-Hosting Actually Save Money? An Honest 2026 Cost Breakdown
does self-hosting save money in 2026? An honest cost breakdown including hardware, electricity, and time — plus when it is not worth it.
10 Self-Hosted Apps That Replace Expensive SaaS Subscriptions in 2026
10 self-hosted apps that replace expensive SaaS subscriptions in 2026 — Nextcloud, Immich, Vaultwarden and more. Cut your monthly bills and own your data.
Best NAS for Plex in 2026: Synology vs UGREEN — Honest Buyer’s Guide
Best NAS for Plex in 2026 — Synology DS224+ vs UGREEN DXP2800 head-to-head, plus budget and power-user picks. Includes hardware transcoding facts.
Cloudways Review 2026: I’ve Hosted My Blog Here for 6 Months — Honest Take
Honest Cloudways review based on 6 months of real use — pricing, performance, support, and whether managed hosting is worth $14/month.
Hetzner vs Contabo vs Vultr (2026): Which VPS Is Best for Self-Hosting?
Hetzner vs Contabo vs Vultr in 2026 — I compare pricing, performance, and reliability of the three best VPS providers for self-hosting.
Best Mini PC for Self-Hosting in 2026: 5 Tested Picks Under $500
The best mini PC for self hosting in 2026 — I tested 5 picks under $500 for Docker, Plex, and Proxmox. Honest specs and prices.