Where you host Odoo decides how much you can customise, who is responsible for backups and security, and how upgrades work. There are four common options.
Odoo Online (SaaS)
Odoo runs everything for you. It is the simplest option and upgrades are handled automatically, but custom Python modules cannot be installed, you are limited to standard apps and Studio.
Odoo.sh
Odoo’s own platform for Enterprise customers who need custom code. It works with Git: every branch can be a development, staging or production environment, with automatic backups and easy testing of upgrades.
- Custom modules allowed
- Staging branches with a copy of production data
- Less server work, but less low-level control
Your own cloud server (AWS, Azure, DigitalOcean…)
Full control of the server: run Community or Enterprise, use Docker, tune PostgreSQL and connect anything. In return, someone must handle updates, backups, monitoring, SSL and security.
On-premise
Odoo on your own hardware. Useful when data must stay in your building or country, but it needs the most internal IT effort.
Quick guide
- Standard apps, small team: Odoo Online
- Enterprise with custom modules: Odoo.sh
- Community, heavy integrations or special performance needs: AWS or another cloud
- Strict data-residency rules: on-premise or a local cloud
Compare hosting by operational responsibility
| Option | Custom Python modules | Server administration |
|---|---|---|
| Odoo Online | Not supported | Managed by Odoo |
| Odoo.sh | Supported | Mostly managed platform |
| AWS or other VPS | Supported | Your team or hosting partner |
| On-premise | Supported | Your IT team or partner |
Questions to ask before choosing
- Do you need custom modules, connectors or server-level integrations?
- Who will monitor backups, restores, updates and security?
- Do you require a dedicated staging environment?
- What recovery time is acceptable if the system becomes unavailable?
- Will you need multiple companies, high transaction volume or strict data-residency controls?
Frequently asked questions
Is AWS automatically faster than Odoo.sh?
No. Performance depends on sizing, database health, custom code and workload. Benchmark your own processes before moving.
Can I move from Odoo Online to custom hosting?
Migration may be possible, but database compatibility, subscription terms and custom-module requirements should be reviewed first. See our Odoo hosting consultation for a migration assessment.
We run Odoo on Odoo.sh, AWS, Docker and on-premise for our clients, including day-to-day server operations. Need help choosing or someone to run it? book a free 30-minute consultation.
ERP consultant.
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