# How to host a Discord bot 24/7 for free

> Keep a Discord bot online all the time without a server, a VPS or a computer left on. Which bots can be hosted free, which need a connection that never drops, and what that costs.

Source: https://buildcord.dev/guides/host-discord-bot-free/
Updated: 2026-11-05
Publisher: Buildcord (https://buildcord.dev)

A Discord bot that answers slash commands, buttons, menus and forms can be hosted free and is always on: Discord sends each command to the bot when it's used, so nothing has to stay running. A bot that reacts to server events, runs on a schedule or joins voice has to stay connected to Discord, and that connection needs a machine. On Buildcord that is the Paid plan, $8 a month for two such bots.

## Steps

1. **Work out which kind of bot you have.** If everything it does starts from a slash command, a button, a select menu or a form, it is a commands-only bot. If it reacts to members joining, messages, reactions or voice, or acts on a schedule, it is a gateway bot.
2. **Build or import the bot.** Sign up for a free account, then draw the bot's flows or start from a template. Buildcord tells you whether a bot needs the gateway, and why.
3. **Connect your Discord token.** Create an application in the Discord Developer Portal, copy its bot token and paste it into the bot's settings. It's stored encrypted and never shown again.
4. **Deploy.** Press **Deploy**. A commands-only bot goes live on Buildcord's shared service at no cost. A gateway bot starts on a machine of its own in the region you pick: US East, US West, Europe or Asia.
5. **Check it's running.** Use a command in your server, then open the bot's logs. Every run is recorded with who set it off, each step and how long it took.

## Good to know

- The Free plan runs up to three commands-only bots, with embeds, buttons, menus, forms, variables and collections.
- The Paid plan is $8 a month and includes two gateway bots. More are $3 a month each.
- Deploying again doesn't disconnect the bot, and any earlier version can be restored.
- There is no computer, VPS or uptime monitor to look after: Buildcord runs the bot.

## Questions

### Can a free Discord bot really stay online 24/7?

Yes, if it only answers slash commands, buttons, menus and forms. Discord delivers those to the bot as they happen, so there is nothing to keep running and the bot answers at any hour.

### Why do event and schedule bots cost money to host?

To hear about members joining, new messages or reactions, or to act on a schedule, a bot has to hold a connection to Discord open all the time. On Buildcord each of those bots gets a machine of its own, which is what the Paid plan pays for.

### Do I need a VPS or my own computer?

No. Buildcord hosts and runs the bot after you deploy.

## Build it

Free for bots that answer slash commands. Host a bot free: https://app.buildcord.dev/sign-up