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Best Minecraft Server Software in 2026

Minecraft server software lets you host and manage Minecraft worlds. This list includes tools for self-hosted servers and software that runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, APIs, or Android.

  1. 1

    SpigotMC Resources

    Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3
    8.6 Free plan Visit site
  2. 2

    Allay

    Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedWindows
    7.6 Free plan Visit site
  3. 3

    Cuberite

    Free plan AndroidAPILinux+3
    7.6 Free plan Visit site
  4. 4

    Endstone

    Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
    7.6 Free plan Visit site
  5. 5

    Fabric

    Free plan APILinuxMac+2

    Fabric pairs a basic Minecraft mod loader with developer tooling, documentation, and multiple installation routes. Players should check whether their chosen mods also need Fabric API.

    7.5 Free plan Visit site
  6. 6

    Gale

    Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
    7.5 Open source Visit site
  7. 7

    Dragonfly

    Free plan APISelf-hosted
    7.3 Free plan Visit site
  8. 8

    Arclight

    Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedWindows
    7.2 Free plan Visit site
  9. 9

    Minecraft Forge

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows

    Pick Minecraft Forge if you want a free, open-source modding API for Minecraft Java Edition or need its mod development resources.

    7.2 Free plan Visit site
  10. 10

    Glowstone

    Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
    7.1 Open source Visit site
  11. 11

    Leaf

    Free plan APILinuxMac+2
    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  12. 12

    Mohist

    Free plan LinuxSelf-hostedWindows
    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  13. 13

    PocketMine-MP

    Free plan APILinuxMac+2
    7.1 Free plan Visit site
  14. 14

    Leaves

    Free plan APISelf-hosted
    7.0 Free plan Visit site
  15. 15

    NeoForge

    Free plan APILinuxMac+2

    NeoForge provides a free Java modding stack with generators, templates, documentation, and server support. Check Minecraft version guidance and Java requirements before installing.

    6.9 Free plan Visit site
  16. 16

    Pumpkin

    Free plan AndroidLinuxMac+2
    6.7 Free plan Visit site
  17. 17

    Purpur

    Free plan APISelf-hosted
    6.7 Open source Visit site
  18. 18

    Minestom

    Free plan APISelf-hosted
    6.6 Free plan Visit site
  19. 19

    Pufferfish

    Free plan Self-hosted
    6.6 Free plan Visit site
  20. 20

    Sponge

    Free plan APILinuxMac+2
    6.6 Open source Visit site
  21. 21

    SteelMC

    Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
    6.6 Free plan Visit site
  22. 22

    Minecraft: Java Edition Server

    Free plan LinuxMacWindows
    6.0 Free plan Visit site
  23. 23

    Folia

    Free plan
    5.8 Free plan Visit site
  24. 24

    Paper

    Free plan LinuxWindows
    5.7 Free plan Visit site
  25. 25

    Ketting

    Paid Self-hosted
    5.1 Open source Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare free plans, paid starting prices, edition support, and server platforms. If you need to read or change code, check the open-source licence. Check Java–Bedrock cross-play, mod loader support, plugin APIs, and RCON support before choosing.

Questions

Do these Minecraft server tools have free plans?

A free plan is offered by tools in this list. Check the pricing note for the software you want.

Can I read or change the source code?

Open-source code is offered by tools on this list. Check the licence for the software you plan to use.

Which platforms can these servers run on?

Platforms represented include self-hosted servers, Linux, Windows, macOS, APIs, and Android. Check the platform field for a specific tool.

Can Java and Bedrock players play together?

Java–Bedrock cross-play is a comparison field. Check the tool's entry to see whether it supports the combination you need.

What should I check for mods and plugins?

Review mod loader support, the plugin API, and the extension model before selecting a server software.

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