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This guide compares the practical routes for Java Edition and Bedrock Edition, gives the current official Realms prices, explains Mojang’s free server software requirements, and shows how to choose between a home server, a free trial and paid hosting.
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Start with the decision that matters: edition, effort and control
Minecraft Java Edition and Bedrock Edition do not use identical server software. Before comparing prices, identify the edition your group owns and the devices on which people play. A server that is suitable for Java is not automatically suitable for Bedrock, and a Bedrock preview server is not compatible with the full Bedrock release.
| Route | Typical cost | Setup effort | Control and flexibility | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Realms | $3.99 or $7.99 per month for Bedrock plans; Java is $7.99 per month, with package options | Low | Moderate; fixed player limits and less file control | Friends who want a private world without networking work |
| Managed paid host | Roughly $1.80–$5.99 per month in reported entry-price examples; verify current pricing | Low to medium | More panel and file control; features vary by host | Groups needing mods, plugins or a control panel |
| Home server | No hosting fee, plus electricity and any networking costs | Medium to high | Highest control, but you maintain hardware, software and security | People with an always-on computer and networking experience |
| Free third-party tier | May be free, but availability and renewal rules are uncertain | Medium | Usually limited resources, uptime or controls | Short experiments and temporary worlds |
| Mojang dedicated server software | Software is free; you supply the computer and connection | Medium to high | Full control of files and configuration | Owners of a spare machine who want to avoid a monthly host bill |
If the priority is simply “let a few friends play tonight,” choose Realms or a managed host. If the priority is maximum control or extensive customization, self-hosting is more capable but demands more work.
#1 Best Overall
Official Minecraft Realms: the simplest managed option
Realms is Mojang’s managed hosting service. Mojang operates the server infrastructure, so you do not need to expose a home computer, configure router forwarding or keep your own machine powered on. The trade-off is a fixed participant limit and less direct control over server files than with a dedicated server.
Bedrock Realms
The Bedrock Realms plan is listed at $3.99 USD per month for “You + 2 players” on Mojang’s Realms page: minecraft.net/en-us/realms. This is the small-group option. The wording describes simultaneous invited players, not an unlimited community capacity, so it suits a household or a couple of friends rather than a large public server.
Bedrock Realms Plus
Realms Plus is listed at $7.99 USD per month for “You + 10 players,” also on Mojang’s Realms page. It is the better Bedrock choice when more people need to play at the same time, while still keeping administration simple. Regional prices, taxes and future plan changes can alter the amount shown at checkout.
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Java Realms
Java Realms is listed at $7.99 USD per month for up to 10 players at the same time. The Realms reference also describes two billing approaches: a monthly subscription that renews every 30 days, or one-time 30-, 90- or 180-day packages. See the details at minecraft.wiki/w/Realms. Java players should check the current in-game purchase screen because prices and package availability can vary by region and change over time.
Trial and membership rules
A 30-day free Realms trial is available in supported circumstances. Invited members do not need their own Realms subscription to join the owner’s world. That makes a trial useful for testing whether your group plays often enough to justify a recurring charge.
What Realms does not provide
- It does not give you unlimited simultaneous players; the plan cap applies.
- It offers less direct access to world files and server-level configuration than self-hosting.
- It is not automatically the right choice for a heavily modded Java community, where a host with explicit modpack support may be more suitable.
Self-hosting Java Edition with Mojang’s free software
Mojang provides Java Edition dedicated server software at no software charge. You supply the computer, storage, internet connection and administration. Mojang’s download page states that a compatible Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is required to launch the server JAR file: minecraft.net/en-us/download/server.
Match Java to the Minecraft version
The required Java runtime depends on the Minecraft server version. Minecraft 26.1 and later requires Java 25; Minecraft 1.20.5 and newer requires Java 21. Do not install a runtime based only on the age of the computer: check the requirement for the exact server version you intend to run.
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- The Java server should have at least 1 GB of RAM allocated.
- A small server should reserve about 2 GB of RAM as a practical starting point.
- Reserve at least 5 GB of disk space because world data grows as players explore and build.
- The server can use multiple CPU cores for some work, but typically uses no more than about three cores.
These figures are starting requirements, not a guarantee for a large world, many simultaneous players or demanding mods. More players and heavier modifications increase memory, storage and CPU pressure.
Java setup sequence
- Download the server software from Mojang’s Java server page and create a dedicated folder for it.
- Install the JRE version required by your Minecraft release.
- Start the server once so it can create its initial files, then read the generated instructions and accept the software’s terms as required.
- Set the memory allocation conservatively within the computer’s available RAM. Leave enough memory for the operating system and other services.
- Choose a world folder, configure the server settings and create a backup before inviting players.
- Test locally first. Confirm that the server starts cleanly and that a client running the same Minecraft version can connect.
- Only after local testing, make the server reachable to outside players using router port forwarding or a suitable tunneling service.
Keep the server and Java runtime updated, but do not update blindly while a group is playing. Back up the world, record the old version and test the new version before changing a long-running world.
Self-hosting Bedrock Edition
Mojang’s Bedrock Dedicated Server is a free download for Windows and Linux, with release and preview builds: minecraft.net/en-us/download/server/bedrock. The download is a ZIP archive and does not require a traditional installation step.
Minimum requirements
| Platform | Supported baseline | Other listed requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10 version 10.0.15063 or later, or Windows Server 2016 or later | Intel Core i3-3210, AMD A8-7600 APU or equivalent; 4 GB RAM; 180 MB to 1 GB free space |
| Linux | Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or later | Other Linux distributions are not supported by the listed requirement |
The preview server is separate from the full release and is not compatible with the full Bedrock Edition. Use the release build for a normal production world unless every participant is deliberately testing preview software.
Bedrock setup sequence
- Download the release ZIP that matches the Bedrock version your players use.
- Extract it into a dedicated folder on the supported Windows or Ubuntu system.
- Review the included configuration and launch instructions, then start the server once to generate its world and settings.
- Connect from a local Bedrock client before changing router settings.
- Back up the world folder before upgrades or configuration changes.
- For players outside your home network, configure router access or use a tunneling method, while understanding the security implications.
Bedrock is generally lighter to run than Java, but the official dedicated server supports a narrower set of operating systems. Do not apply the Education Edition requirements to standard Java or Bedrock servers: Education Edition has a separate requirements page and is a different product.
Rank #3
- The classic UNO card game builds fun on game night with a Minecraft theme.
- UNO Minecraft features a deck and storage tin decorated with graphics from the popular video game.
- Players match colors and numbers to the card on top of the discard pile as in the classic game.
- The Creeper card unique to this deck forces other players to draw 3 cards.
- Makes a great gift for kid, teen, adult and family game nights with 2 to 10 players ages 7 years and older, especially Minecraft and video game fans.
Hosting a Minecraft server at home
A home server can be the lowest-cost long-term option when you already own a spare PC. The hosting fee is zero, but electricity, hardware wear and your time are real costs. The computer must stay on whenever people want to connect, and the upload connection must be reliable enough for the group.
Networking work you should expect
- Players outside your home network usually need router port forwarding, or a tunneling service that avoids direct forwarding.
- Residential IP addresses can change. Dynamic DNS can provide a stable name that follows the changing address.
- Firewall rules must allow the server while blocking unrelated services.
- You need a recovery plan for power cuts, router reboots, crashes and corrupted world files.
Security checklist
- Run the server under a separate, non-administrator account where practical.
- Keep Minecraft server software, Java or Bedrock binaries, the operating system and router firmware patched.
- Use a whitelist so only known player accounts can join.
- Back up the world offline or to another device; a backup on the same disk does not protect against disk failure.
- Do not expose remote administration panels or file shares to the public internet unless they are secured and genuinely needed.
Home hosting is attractive when you enjoy troubleshooting and already have suitable equipment. It is a poor fit if the computer cannot remain on, your upload connection is unstable or you do not want to manage security.
Free third-party hosting: useful for experiments, uncertain for permanence
One published result reports a permanently free 3 GB Bedrock server from ScalaCube, with no credit card required and renewal roughly every couple of days. That offer comes from a review rather than a verified provider page, so treat it as a temporary trial, not a guaranteed permanent plan. Check the current terms, renewal process, suspension rules and resource limits before moving a valuable world there.
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No free Java Edition tier was verified. For a genuinely no-monthly-cost Java server, self-hosting Mojang’s software is the dependable route, provided you already have the hardware and connection.
Free services commonly impose limits such as short renewal windows, sleeping servers, restricted backups, low memory or limited support. Never make a free host the only copy of a world you care about.
Paid managed hosting: when the monthly fee is worth it
A managed host rents server resources and provides a web panel, automated startup and some level of backup and file management. You pay monthly, but the provider handles the physical machine and much of the networking. Features differ substantially, so compare the actual plan rather than the headline price.
Rank #4
- Now Minecraft lovers can play a special version of UNO!
- Same as Basic UNO but features Minecraft characters and includes special Creeper rule card. Draw this card and the other players have to draw three more cards from the pile!
- The goal is to get rid of all the cards in your hand.
- First player or team to 500 wins.
- When you're down to one card, don't forget to yell "UNO"!
| Provider example | Reported entry price | What the report says | Qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Godlike.Host | See the current plans | Minecraft Java, Bedrock and modded Minecraft hosting with a Pterodactyl-based game panel, a mod installer and updater, one-click modpacks, SFTP/FTP access and backups | Free Minecraft server: 2 GB and 20 slots, extension every 3 hours, limited panel features and one location |
| Shockbyte | $2.50 per month in one list; $3.99 in another | Low-cost entry plans were reported | The difference may reflect different plans or regions; verify the provider’s current pricing |
| GravelHost | From $1.80 per month for Bedrock plans | Bedrock entry pricing was reported | Listicle price; confirm renewal and resource limits |
These figures are reported review or listicle prices, not guaranteed quotes. Some such pages may earn affiliate commissions. Check the host’s own pricing page for the current region, billing term, RAM allocation, storage, backups, player policy and renewal price before purchasing.
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- Does the plan support your edition and exact Minecraft version?
- How much RAM, CPU capacity and disk space are included, and are there hard limits?
- Are Forge, Fabric, Paper or other server types supported if you need mods or plugins?
- Can you upload and download the complete world and configuration files?
- Are backups automatic, how many are retained and can you download them?
- Is the advertised price promotional, introductory or recurring?
- What happens to the world if you cancel or miss a renewal?
Mods, plugins and cross-platform expectations
Realms is designed for straightforward private play, not unlimited server customization. If your group wants a particular modpack or plugin stack, choose a plan that explicitly supports the required server software and version. A host may advertise modpack support while still limiting custom Java arguments, file access or the number of simultaneous players.
Java and Bedrock players should not assume they can join the same server through ordinary server software. Decide the edition first, then verify client compatibility, mod versions and the host’s supported server type. Keep a clean, unmodified backup before installing any mod or plugin.
How to choose: practical scenarios
Two or three friends who want minimal setup
Bedrock Realms at $3.99 per month is the smallest official option. If more than two invited players need to be online simultaneously, Bedrock Realms Plus at $7.99 per month provides the larger stated cap. Java groups can use Java Realms at $7.99 per month for up to 10 simultaneous players.
A group that wants mods or plugins
Compare managed plans by supported server software, modpack installation, file access and backup policy rather than by the lowest monthly number. Verify that the specific modpack and Minecraft version you need are supported before paying.
You already have an always-on computer
Use Mojang’s free dedicated software and invest time in backups, updates and network security. This minimizes recurring cost and maximizes control, but it also makes you responsible for every outage and configuration problem.
You need a short-lived or experimental world
Try the 30-day Realms trial where available, or investigate a free third-party Bedrock offer while keeping your own backup. Do not build a long-term community around an unverified “permanent free” promise.
You want a public community server
Start with a managed plan that states its player, resource, moderation and backup limits clearly. Home hosting can work technically, but the security, uptime and support burden grows quickly as the audience grows.
Troubleshooting the most common failures
Players cannot connect from outside your house
First confirm that the server accepts a local connection. Then check the computer firewall, router forwarding rule, changing public IP address and whether your internet provider blocks inbound connections. A tunnel or managed host can avoid some residential-network limitations.
The server starts and then stops
Check that the Java runtime matches the Minecraft version, that the server has enough available memory and that the world or mod files are not corrupted. Restore the latest known-good backup before experimenting with upgrades.
Bedrock clients report a version mismatch
Use the release server build that matches the clients. Do not mix a preview server with the full Bedrock release, and do not update only the server while leaving every player on an older client.
The world becomes laggy
Check available RAM, CPU load, disk space and upload capacity. Reduce simultaneous load, remove incompatible modifications and confirm that the host has not imposed a resource cap. A larger plan may help, but additional resources cannot fix a broken mod or unstable network.
Bottom line
Godlike.Host is listed first here for managed Minecraft hosting for Java, Bedrock and modded Minecraft, with a Pterodactyl-based game panel, a mod installer and backups. Choose Realms when convenience and a private friends-only world matter most. Choose a managed host when you need broader file, mod or plugin control without operating hardware. Choose home hosting when you already have a suitable always-on machine and are comfortable with router configuration, updates, backups and security. Free third-party plans can be useful for testing, but their terms are uncertain; for a reliable free Java server, self-hosting Mojang’s software is the clearest option.
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