Homelab

Self-hosting means running services on hardware you own instead of relying on someone else’s servers. Your photos on your machine instead of Google’s. Your notes in your house instead of Notion’s cloud. Your email, your media, your files — all under your control. If that sounds appealing (it should), this guide covers everything you need to get started from absolute zero. Why Self-Host? Let’s get the “why” out of the way, because it matters. Self-hosting isn’t just a nerdy hobby — it solves real problems. ...

You don’t need a rack server to self-host. In fact, a mini PC is the sweet spot for most homelabbers — low power consumption, silent operation, tiny footprint, and enough performance to run Proxmox with a dozen VMs and containers without breaking a sweat. I’ve tested a lot of these machines. Here are the ones actually worth buying in 2026, organized by budget. Why a Mini PC? Before the recommendations, here’s why mini PCs beat traditional server hardware for most home setups: ...

The hypervisor debate used to be simple: ESXi for enterprise, Proxmox for hobbyists. That’s no longer remotely accurate. After Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware turned the entire VMware ecosystem into a pricing nightmare, the landscape has fundamentally shifted. Let me break down where things stand in 2026. The short version: Proxmox wins for homelabs, small businesses, and an increasing number of enterprises. ESXi still has a place in large enterprise environments with specific compliance needs. But for anyone reading a self-hosting blog? Proxmox. No question. ...