Choosing Minecraft server hosting
Minecraft is the easiest game on this site to host badly and the easiest to host well, because the right plan depends entirely on what kind of server you want to run. A small vanilla server for friends and a large modded or plugin-heavy community server have very different needs, so decide that first.
Server type decides the hardware
- Vanilla Java: the standard game. Small groups run comfortably on modest memory, and you can upgrade later.
- Plugin servers (Paper, Spigot, Purpur): run Bukkit-style plugins for permissions, economy, minigames and land protection. These are efficient and popular for public servers.
- Modded (Forge, NeoForge, Fabric): add gameplay mods or full modpacks. Memory needs are much higher, and a large modpack is a very different job from a vanilla world. Many hosts offer one-click modpack installs, which is worth having.
- Bedrock: the version for consoles, phones and Windows. If your players use a mix of editions, look for hosts that support Bedrock directly or help you set up cross-play.
What to compare
- RAM and CPU. Minecraft depends heavily on single-core speed, so a fast CPU helps more than a long list of cores. Memory needs grow with player count, view distance, plugins and mods.
- Java and version support. Newer Minecraft versions require newer Java versions, and a good host handles this for you and lets you choose the game version.
- Modpack and plugin installs. One-click installs for common modpacks save real time. For plugin servers, check you can upload your own plugins and edit configs.
- Control panel and file access. You should be able to restart, back up, restore and edit files without waiting on support.
- Backups. Griefing, corruption and bad plugin updates happen. Automatic backups you can restore yourself are worth the cost.
- Location and DDoS protection. Public servers are a common target, and latency shapes how the game feels.
- Room to grow. Choose a plan you can upgrade without rebuilding the server, since communities tend to grow.
See the current Minecraft hosting deals for offers from listed providers. If you need a whole machine, see dedicated servers.
Minecraft server hosting FAQ
How much RAM do I need for a Minecraft server?
For a small vanilla server for friends, a few gigabytes is often enough. Large modpacks and busy public servers need considerably more. Ask the provider what they recommend for your server type and player count.
Can I use mods and plugins?
Yes, on hosts that support them. Mods need a mod loader such as Forge, NeoForge or Fabric, and plugins need a server such as Paper or Spigot. They are different things, so choose the one that matches how you want to play.
Can Java and Bedrock players join the same server?
It is possible with the right setup, for example a Java server with a cross-play tool added. Check whether your host supports the setup you want.
Should I host it myself or rent a server?
Hosting on your own PC works for a short session but the world goes offline when you do. A hosted server is available around the clock, which suits a community with players in different time zones.
Is there free Minecraft server hosting?
None of the hosts we compare offer a free plan. Free Minecraft hosting services do exist, usually with limited RAM, queues or adverts, and they suit testing more than a community. The other free route is the official Java Edition server software, a free download from minecraft.net that you can run on your own PC.
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