Akash providers earn revenue by offering compute resources to the decentralized cloud marketplace. But is it right for you?
This guide helps you evaluate if running a provider makes sense for your situation.
What is an Akash Provider?
Akash Network is a decentralized cloud marketplace where users can lease compute resources in a permissionless and open environment. As an Akash provider, you contribute your compute resources to the network and earn revenue by hosting workloads for tenants.
Providers can offer:
- CPU/Memory/Storage - Standard compute resources
- GPUs - High-demand resources for AI/ML and rendering
- Persistent Storage - Data that survives restarts
- Static IPs - Dedicated IP addressing
Benefits of Running a Provider
Revenue Opportunities
- Earn AKT or USDC tokens for hosting workloads
- Set your own pricing
- Higher demand for GPU resources
- Persistent storage premium pricing
- 24/7 passive income potential
Support Decentralization
- Help build the decentralized cloud
- Reduce dependence on centralized providers
- Support censorship-resistant infrastructure
- Join a global network of providers
Flexible Scaling
- Start small, scale as you grow
- Add resources incrementally
- Control what workloads you accept
- Adjust pricing based on demand
Requirements & Considerations
**You’re a Good Fit If You Have:
Technical Skills:
- Linux system administration experience
- Kubernetes knowledge (or willingness to learn)
- Basic networking understanding
- Command-line comfort
Resources:
- Spare compute capacity (physical or cloud)
- Static IP address or dynamic DNS
- Reliable internet connection (100+ Mbps)
- Time for initial setup (15 minutes to 2 hours, method dependent)
- Time for maintenance (2-4 hours/week)
Financial:
- Minimum 0.5 AKT per lease for escrow deposits (5 AKT recommended for initial operations)
- ~0.005 AKT bid fee per bid submission
- Ability to cover electricity/hosting costs
- Capital for hardware (if needed)
**You Might Want to Reconsider If:
- No Kubernetes experience and not interested in learning
- Unreliable internet connection
- Can’t commit time for maintenance
- Hardware doesn’t meet minimum requirements
- Expecting immediate profit (ROI takes time)
Setup Options
There are three ways to set up an Akash provider:
1. Provider Playbook (Recommended for Most)
Best for: Those who want automated setup
- Uses Ansible playbooks for automation
- Standardized, repeatable process
- Handles Kubernetes + Provider setup
- Less room for error
- Time: ~1 hour
2. Kubespray Setup
Best for: Advanced users who want full control
- Complete control over configuration
- Good for custom setups
- Requires more Kubernetes knowledge
- More flexibility
- Time: 1-2 hours
3. Provider Console
Best for: Users with no Kubernetes experience
- Web-based interface
- No K8s knowledge required
- Easiest to get started
- Managed Kubernetes setup
- Time: 15-30 minutes
Cost Considerations
Initial Costs
- Hardware: \(500-\)5,000+ (or existing hardware)
- AKT Tokens: 0.5 AKT per lease for escrow deposits (5 AKT recommended for initial operations)
- Bid Fees: ~0.005 AKT per bid submission
- Setup Time: Your time investment
Ongoing Costs
- Electricity: $20-200+/month (depending on hardware)
- Internet: $50-100/month (business connection recommended)
- Maintenance: 2-4 hours/week of your time
Revenue Potential
- CPU/Memory: $10-100+/month (highly variable)
- GPUs: $100-1,000+/month (high demand)
- Persistent Storage: $10-50+/month
- Note: Revenue depends on capacity, uptime, pricing, and market demand
Time Investment
Initial Setup
- Provider Playbook: ~1 hour
- Kubespray Setup: 1-2 hours
- Provider Console: 15-30 minutes
Ongoing Maintenance
- Monitoring: 30 min/day
- Updates: 1-2 hours/month
- Troubleshooting: Variable (2-4 hours/week average)
Next Steps
Ready to Proceed?
- Hardware Requirements → - Review detailed hardware specs
- Provider Earn Calculator → - Calculate your potential earnings
- Setup & Installation → - Choose your setup method
Still Deciding?
- Ask in Discord: discord.akash.network - #providers channel
- Browse Active Providers: Provider Explorer - See active providers, their resources, and lease counts
- Check Pricing: Provider Earn Calculator - Estimate your earnings
Questions? Join the provider community on Discord and ask in #providers!
