Instalobby vs ScalaCube
On-demand game server hosting vs. traditional fixed monthly hosting. See which is right for you.
At a Glance
Quick comparison of the key differences between Instalobby and ScalaCube
Instalobby
ScalaCube
Pricing
See how costs compare based on playtime
Instalobby
Small VM (2 vCPU, 4GB RAM)
- Pay only while server is running
- Per-second billing precision
- No monthly minimum or commitment
ScalaCube
Valheim hosting
- Must pay even when not playing
- Fixed predictable cost
- 24/7 server availability
Cost Comparison Based on Playtime
| Monthly Playtime | Instalobby | ScalaCube | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hours | $0.05 | $11.20 | $11.15 (100%) |
| 5 hours | $0.25 | $11.20 | $10.95 (98%) |
| 10 hours | $0.50 | $11.20 | $10.70 (96%) |
| 20 hours | $1.00 | $11.20 | $10.20 (91%) |
| 40 hours | $2.00 | $11.20 | $9.20 (82%) |
| 80 hours | $4.00 | $11.20 | $7.20 (64%) |
Feature Comparison
Detailed comparison across all key features
Server Types & Sizes
Flexibility & Control
Global Coverage
Pricing & Value
What Each Excels At
Every service has its strengths
ILInstalobby
True Pay-as-you-Play
Only pay for the minutes your server is running. A 3-hour gaming session costs exactly 3 hours. No hidden fees, no monthly commitments.
Global Low-Latency Access
19 regions worldwide means you and your friends can always find a server close to home. 8 regions ScalaCube doesn't offer.
Right-Size Your Server
Choose from 3 different server sizes to match your group size and performance needs. Start small, scale up when you need more power.
Complete Flexibility
Change your server's region or size between gaming sessions. Try different configurations to find what works best for your crew.
SCScalaCube
Established Provider
ScalaCube has been in the game server hosting business for many years with a large customer base.
One-Click Mod Install
Easy mod installation through their control panel.
DDoS Protection
Includes protection against distributed denial of service attacks.
Who Is It For?
Different hosting solutions for different needs
Instalobby is ideal for
Casual Gamers
Play a few hours a week? Pay just for those hours instead of a full month.
Global Groups
Friends across different countries? Launch servers in the best region for everyone.
Budget-Conscious Players
Why pay for 24/7 hosting when you only play on weekends? Save up to 95%.
Experimenters
Try different server sizes and regions to find the perfect setup.
ScalaCube is ideal for
24/7 Server Hosts
If you need your server running constantly, fixed pricing can be predictable.
Modded Servers
Heavy mod users who need easy mod management through a control panel.
Large Communities
Big gaming communities that need consistent uptime and DDoS protection.
The Verdict
Choose Instalobby if...
- You want to pay only for actual playtime
- You play part-time (weekends, occasional sessions)
- You want to try different regions for the best ping
- You need flexibility to change server size or location
- You're budget-conscious and want to save money
Choose ScalaCube if...
- You need your server running 24/7
- You want one-click mod installation
- You need DDoS protection
- You have a large community needing constant uptime
- You prefer predictable monthly billing
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Instalobby's pay-as-you-play work?
Billing starts the moment your server comes online and stops when you shut it down. You're charged per-second for the exact time your server is running. No rounding up, no minimum charges.
Can I really save that much compared to ScalaCube?
Yes. If you play 10 hours in a month, Instalobby costs $0.50 vs ScalaCube's $11.20. Even at 40 hours, you're paying $2 vs $11.20. The savings add up quickly for part-time players.
What happens to my world when I shut down the server?
Your world is automatically saved to cloud storage. When you start your server again (even in a different region or size), your world is right where you left it.
How long does it take to start a server?
Typically under 5 minutes. We're continuously optimizing this, with most regions launching in 2-3 minutes.
Can I switch regions mid-game?
Region changes happen between server sessions. Shut down your server in one region, then start it in another. Your world data follows you.
Are there any limitations on server restarts?
No. Start, stop, restart as often as you like. You only pay for the time the server is actually running.
Does ScalaCube offer pay-as-you-play?
No. ScalaCube only offers fixed monthly subscriptions starting at $11.20/month for Valheim hosting.
What games does Instalobby support?
We currently support Valheim and Project Zomboid with more games coming soon. Check our roadmap for updates on supported games.
Ready to launch your server?
Start for free and get $1 in credits. No commitment, no hassle.