- Minecraft hosts in one table
- Nine rented hosts and the official option
- The official subscription or a rented server
- Java or Bedrock: settle this first
- What separates one Minecraft host from another
- Questions to ask before you rent a Minecraft server
- My plain advice on choosing a Minecraft host
- Frequently asked questions
Minecraft server hosting comes in two kinds: the official subscription sold by the game's makers, with set player slots and almost no setup, and rented servers where you choose the edition, modpacks and plugins. Which suits you depends on whether your group wants simplicity or control. Ten options follow, in no particular order.
Most groups start on a single-player world, then someone asks if they can join while you're offline. That's the moment you need a server, and the choice is wider than it looks.
The ten options below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order. Every description comes from each provider's own website, read as of Oct 2026. Minecraft is Mojang's game, and only one option here is the official product; the rest are independent hosts. Running a server without paying is a separate question with its own options, so free hosts aren't part of this ten.
Minecraft hosts in one table
| Tool | Type | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Apex Hosting | Minecraft host | Vanilla worlds and most modpacks |
| BisectHosting | Minecraft and game host | Automated modpack installs on any version |
| GGServers | Minecraft host | Java and Bedrock with one-click modpacks |
| HostHorde | Minecraft-only host | DDoS protection, FTP and MySQL on every plan |
| Minecraft Realms | Official subscription | Friends playing together with little setup |
| PebbleHost | Minecraft, game and dedicated host | Vanilla through FTB and Technic modpacks |
| ScalaCube | Virtual and dedicated game host | Bedrock and Pocket Edition servers |
| Server.pro | Minecraft and game host | Trying a hosted server before committing |
| Shockbyte | Minecraft and multi-game host | Minecraft plus other games from one panel |
| Sparked Host | Minecraft and game host | Java, Bedrock and modded hosting |
Nine rented hosts and the official option
Apex Hosting
Best for: Groups that want one-click mod and plugin installs, with plans built for vanilla play and most modpacks.
BisectHosting
Best for: Modded players who want automated modpack installation and support for all Minecraft versions.
GGServers
Best for: Players switching between Java and Bedrock who want 1-click modpacks, plugin installs and 24/7 live chat support.
HostHorde
Best for: Server owners who want DDoS protection on every plan plus FTP and MySQL access, from a host running Minecraft servers since 2012.
Minecraft Realms
Best for: Families who want a personal server for friends straight from the game's official site, with no hosting panel to learn.
PebbleHost
Best for: Builders running anything from vanilla to FTB, Technic and custom modpacks, with game and dedicated servers from the same host.
ScalaCube
Best for: Bedrock and Pocket Edition players who want unlimited slots plus modpack and plugin support on the same server.
Server.pro
Best for: Newcomers who want to try a server first, since it shows a free trial with no credit card required and supports any Minecraft version.
Shockbyte
Best for: Communities that run Minecraft alongside other games and want everything in one newly launched control panel.
Sparked Host
Best for: Anyone choosing between Java, Bedrock and modded Minecraft hosting, from a host covering 30+ games with 24/7 support.
The official subscription or a rented server
This is the split most players don't see coming. Minecraft Realms is the official option, and its page offers Realms Plus, a subscription with a set number of player slots. Rented hosts sell control instead. Apex Hosting's plan card reads 'Vanilla + most modpacks', GGServers says 'Support for Java and Bedrock Edition' and '1-Click Modpacks & Plugin Installs', and HostHorde says 'All of our plans include DDoS protection'.
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ScalaCube lists 'Minecraft Bedrock (Pocket Edition)', PebbleHost calls itself 'Minecraft, Game and Dedicated Server Hosting', Shockbyte is 'Minecraft Server Hosting & More', and Server.pro shows 'Free Trial Available'. Put simply, the official subscription keeps things easy, while a rented host lets you pick the edition, the modpack and every plugin.
Java or Bedrock: settle this first
Java Edition runs on computers and is where most modpacks and plugins live. Bedrock Edition runs on consoles, phones and Windows, and the two editions don't connect to each other by default. Before you rent anything, check which edition your group plays. Several hosts support both, and some sell Bedrock servers on their own.
If someone in your group doesn't have the game yet, my guide on downloading Minecraft for PC covers what works, and my armor stand recipe guide is a handy first build once the server is up.
What separates one Minecraft host from another
- Modpack installs. One-click installers for packs like FTB and Technic save you uploading files by hand.
- Plugin support. Plugins add permissions, minigames and more to a Java server. Check the host supports the server type you want.
- Player slots and memory. Some hosts list unlimited slots, but memory still limits how many people can play smoothly, especially on modded worlds.
- DDoS protection. Essential if you'll list a public server, and less important for a private world with friends.
- File access. FTP and database access matter once you start running bigger plugins or backing up worlds yourself.
- Support hours. Look for live chat or 24/7 support if your players are spread across time zones.
Questions to ask before you rent a Minecraft server
- Does it support my edition: Java, Bedrock or both?
- Can I install my modpack in one click, or do I upload it myself?
- Can I switch versions or modpacks later without losing my world?
- Are backups automatic, and can I download my world?
- Where are the servers, and is one close to my players?
Do you make a Minecraft server hosting service? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on choosing a Minecraft host
If you're a family or a handful of friends playing vanilla, the official subscription is the least work, and nobody has to learn a hosting panel. If you want modpacks, plugins, a public server or a mix of Java and Bedrock players, a rented host gives you the control. Check the edition first, then the modpack you want, then the location. And whichever you pick, make sure you can download a backup of your world, because that's the one thing you can't rebuild.
Want your tool on this list? Featured spots and reviews here are paid partnerships. Here's how to partner with me.
Frequently asked questions
What is the official way to host a Minecraft server?
The official option is the Realms subscription, sold on minecraft.net. Every other host on this list is an independent company, not a Mojang product.
Do I need a different server for Java and Bedrock?
Usually, yes, because the two editions don't connect by default. Some hosts support both editions, so check each host's page before you order.
Can I run modpacks on a rented Minecraft server?
Yes, on most rented hosts. Several offer one-click installs for packs such as FTB and Technic, which is the main reason people rent rather than subscribe.
How much memory does a Minecraft server need?
It depends on the player count and mods. Modded worlds need more memory than vanilla, so start with what the host suggests for your modpack and upgrade if it lags.
Can I move my world to a new host?
Usually, yes. Download your world folder from the old host and upload it to the new one, ideally on the same Minecraft version, and check the new host's guide first.
What does DDoS protection do for a Minecraft server?
It filters floods of fake traffic that can knock a server offline. It matters most for public servers that anyone can find and join.
