Self-hosting means: your own server, licence conditions, updates, backups and a target for DDoS attacks. Renting means: available immediately, prepaid, DDoS-protected, music bot bookable. Self-hosting is only worth it if a server is running anyway and you explicitly want the work.
What self-hosting really means
The TeamSpeak server software is installed quickly. The effort starts afterwards: you need a server that runs around the clock, have to open ports, comply with the TeamSpeak licence conditions, install updates and create backups. And with your server IP you are a target for anyone who wants to spoil an evening for the community.
If the voice server runs on the same system as the website or game server, an attack takes everything down at once. That is why even experienced admins often outsource the voice server.
What you get when renting
A rented TeamSpeak server at FameSystems is available immediately after receipt of payment. You choose the slots, manage the server via the web interface and pay prepaid without a contract. The server sits behind Arbor DDoS mitigation of up to 1 Tbit/s, is located in Frankfurt and runs on the infrastructure the root servers use as well.
Updates, licence and operation are FameSystems' business. You take care of channels, permissions and members.
Renting or self-hosting: the comparison
| Feature | Renting at FameSystems | Self-hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Immediately after payment | Server, installation, ports, licence |
| Ongoing work | Channels and permissions | Updates, backups, monitoring, licence |
| DDoS protection | Arbor, up to 1 Tbit/s, included | Depends on your own provider |
| Costs | Prepaid, by slots | Server costs plus time |
| Music bot | Bookable as a product | Install and run yourself |
| Outage | Ticket support around the clock | You yourself, whenever it happens |
Why DDoS protection is crucial for voice servers
Communities are the most frequent target of small DDoS attacks because an attack is immediately visible: the room is empty, everyone got kicked. Arbor mitigation detects attacks within one second and filters them out in less than 30 seconds without any action on your part. Exactly this defence is included in the price of a rented server.
Music bot on top, without a second server
When self-hosting, a music bot needs its own process, its own maintenance and, if in doubt, a second machine. At FameSystems you book the music bot as its own prepaid product and connect it to your server. Playlists, volume and permissions are managed in the web interface.
When self-hosting still makes sense
- You already run a root server or dedicated server with free resources and want everything on one machine.
- You need extensions or configurations that are only possible with direct access to the server software.
- Administration is a hobby for you, not an obstacle.
Our recommendation
For a community that simply wants a reliable voice server, renting is the better decision. The time you do not put into updates and attacks, you put into the community. Self-hosting is worth it if the server is running anyway and you explicitly want the control.
Rent a TeamSpeak server
Available immediately, prepaid, DDoS-protected and managed via the web interface. Slots freely selectable, music bot as an extension.