Best American Truck Simulator Server Hosting Providers

Best overall: G-Portal is a strong first choice for American Truck Simulator (ATS) multiplayer because it offers game-server hosting with a straightforward control panel and configurable server options. The right host still depends on where your drivers live, how many will join, and whether you want a managed service or the freedom to run a server yourself.

What to Look For

Confirm ATS support and the multiplayer mode. ATS’s official Convoy feature lets players host and join sessions through the game; it is not the same thing as renting a dedicated public server. Some third-party hosts advertise ATS servers or compatible game-server instances, but availability, features, and setup can change. Check that the provider explicitly supports the current ATS multiplayer option you plan to use before paying.

Choose a nearby location. Distance between the server and players affects latency. Pick a data-center region close to most of your group, then test connections if the host offers a trial or short billing period. A powerful server in a faraway region may feel worse than a modest one nearby.

Check player limits and resource allocation. Verify the number of simultaneous players supported, whether slots can be increased, and what CPU and memory resources are included. Do not rely on a generic “unlimited” claim: performance depends on the workload, mods, and other processes sharing the machine.

Look for usable controls and backups. A panel should make it clear how to start, stop, configure, and update the server. Scheduled backups, file access, restart controls, and a way to restore a previous setup can save time after an update or configuration mistake.

Understand mods, updates, and support. Ask how mods are installed and whether every player must use matching files. Check how the provider handles ATS updates, server versions, support hours, cancellations, and refunds. These details matter more than a small difference in advertised specifications.

G-Portal

Strengths: G-Portal is a practical first place to check for a managed ATS server. It has a game-hosting control panel and lets customers choose from available server locations and plans. A managed service is easier to operate than configuring a general-purpose virtual server from scratch.

Trade-offs: Confirm current ATS availability, exact multiplayer support, included slots, and region options on the order page; catalogs and plan details can change. A panel also means less operating-system control than a self-managed machine, and the monthly cost may not suit a small group that can use in-game Convoy hosting.

Best for: Groups that want a relatively simple hosted setup and value a provider-managed panel over extensive system administration.

Nitrado

Strengths: Nitrado is a well-known game-server rental provider with a web interface for managing supported games. It can be convenient for players who already use its services or want a single place to manage game-server settings.

Trade-offs: Do not assume ATS is available in every region or on every plan. Check the live game list, features, and player-slot choices before purchasing. As with other managed hosts, server control and file access may be limited compared with renting a general VPS.

Best for: Buyers who prefer a familiar managed-hosting workflow and find a suitable ATS plan and region in the current catalog.

GPORTAL and Nitrado alternatives: verify the live catalog

Game-hosting catalogs change, and not every company that rents servers supports ATS as a dedicated multiplayer product. Rather than treating an old recommendation list as proof, compare other established game hosts only after confirming ATS compatibility directly with the provider. Ask whether the product supports the game’s current multiplayer setup, what the server actually runs, and whether the advertised slots are simultaneous players.

Strengths: Checking multiple providers can uncover a better location, price, support arrangement, or control panel for your group.

Trade-offs: A provider may list ATS but offer a different product than you expect, or may have discontinued it. Get a clear answer about setup and cancellation terms before committing to a long plan.

Best for: Shoppers willing to compare current availability instead of choosing on brand recognition alone.

Self-Hosted Dedicated Server

Strengths: Running a server on a spare computer or rented virtual/private server can give an experienced administrator more control over the operating system, configuration, and maintenance schedule. It may make sense if you already have suitable hardware, technical skills, and a stable network or server rental.

Trade-offs: You take responsibility for setup, updates, firewall and network configuration, monitoring, backups, and troubleshooting. A home-hosted machine also depends on your internet connection and must remain available for players. A VPS is not automatically compatible or fast enough; check ATS requirements and multiplayer support rather than assuming any Linux or Windows instance will work.

Best for: Technically confident groups that want control and are comfortable maintaining the machine. It is usually not the easiest option for a casual group.

In-Game Convoy Hosting

Strengths: For a small group that plays together at set times, hosting a Convoy session from the game is the simplest option to try first. It avoids a separate hosting bill and does not require managing a rented server.

Trade-offs: The session depends on the host being online and may be less convenient for a community that expects a persistent, always-available world. The host’s connection and computer also affect the experience.

Best for: Friends who play occasionally and do not need a server to stay online when the session leader leaves.

How to Choose

Start with your play pattern. If you only meet for scheduled drives, try Convoy before renting anything. If players need to join at different times, compare managed hosting with a self-managed server. For a regular community, availability, backups, and dependable support are worth more than a headline price.

Set a budget based on total cost. Compare the billing period, renewal price, setup fees, included slots, and cancellation terms. Check whether backups, additional slots, or a preferred region cost extra. A low introductory price is not useful if the renewal is unaffordable or the server is in the wrong location.

Match the plan to the group. Choose enough player capacity for your normal peak, not just the average. If your group uses mods, verify installation and version-matching procedures first. Start with a short commitment where possible, test latency at the times you play, and upgrade only if you encounter a real capacity or performance problem.

Decide how much maintenance you want. Managed hosting costs money but typically reduces setup work. Self-hosting may offer more control, but it shifts updates, security, and troubleshooting to you. Neither choice guarantees smooth play: location, connection quality, configuration, and player count all matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does ATS have official dedicated servers?
ATS includes Convoy multiplayer, where a player hosts a session. A rented third-party server is a separate offering; confirm exactly what an advertised ATS product supports.

Can I host a Convoy session without paying?
You can host from the game without renting a separate server. The session relies on the host’s computer and connection, so it may not fit a group that needs always-on access.

How many slots should I rent?
Choose capacity for the largest number of people likely to join at once. Check the provider’s definition of a slot and whether you can change the limit later.

Will mods work on a hosted server?
That depends on the server product and its configuration. Confirm mod support with the host, and expect players to need compatible versions and matching required files.

What server location should I choose?
Pick the region geographically closest to most players. If your group is spread out, test a couple of likely regions and compare connection quality during your usual play hours.

Is a VPS automatically a good ATS server?
No. Check operating-system and multiplayer compatibility, CPU and memory resources, network location, and the amount of administration required before renting one.

Bottom Line

For a group seeking a managed rental, check G-Portal first, then compare its current ATS offering with Nitrado and any other provider that explicitly confirms compatible support. Choose based on region, player capacity, controls, and renewal terms—not name recognition alone. If you play only with friends at scheduled times, start with in-game Convoy hosting; if you need more control and can maintain a machine, consider self-hosting.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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