Overview

LibertyBans is a free Minecraft server plugin for managing player discipline, from a single server to a multi-instance network. It is best suited to administrators who need configurable staff controls and broad server compatibility; its Java and platform-specific requirements make it less appealing when a lightweight setup is the priority.

It combines routine moderation commands with tools for handling suspected alternate accounts and synchronizing punishments across servers. That range is useful for teams with defined policies, but owners must configure those policies and meet the deployment requirements.

Key features

Moderators can issue bans, mutes, warnings, kicks and temporary punishments, and remove punishments against players or IP addresses. Templates can set the punishment type, reason and duration, while exemptions can limit who may punish whom—for example, preventing trainees from banning administrators. These controls help keep enforcement consistent across a staff team, though they require administrators to establish and maintain their own rules.

LibertyBans can identify suspected alternate accounts, automatically apply IP bans to them, show suspected alts by command and notify staff when those accounts join. This gives moderators ways to respond to related accounts, but automatic IP enforcement is a consequential choice for server policy.

For network use, it supports multiple proxies and server instances, with synchronization configured through a proxy installation or across backend servers. Storage can be local HyperSQL or remote MariaDB, MySQL or PostgreSQL, giving administrators a choice between a local database and remote database options for network setups. A developer API also lets other plugins work with LibertyBans.

The project says dependencies use secure SHA-512 hashes and builds are reproducible, so checksums can be verified. Those are useful supply-chain safeguards, but do not remove the need to manage runtime and platform dependencies.

Pricing

LibertyBans is free software. Its Free plan costs 0.00 USD per free and includes supported Minecraft server platforms; there is no paid tier or plan-based feature tradeoff described. Its value is strongest for administrators who can meet the technical requirements, rather than buyers seeking a hosted service.

Platforms

LibertyBans supports Bukkit, Spigot, Paper, Purpur, Folia, BungeeCord, Waterfall, Fabric, Sponge and Velocity. It is available for self-hosted use and through an API. Java 17 is required. Fabric installations also require adventure-platform-mod, while mutes on a Velocity proxy require SignedVelocity on both the proxy and backend servers. These dependencies matter most to operators adding LibertyBans to an existing stack.

Most of the project is licensed under GNU AGPL version 3 or later, with some components under GNU LGPL version 3 or later. Bug reports go through GitHub issues; the project also points users to its wiki and Discord support.

Who it's for

LibertyBans fits server owners who want a free, self-hosted moderation system with adjustable staff permissions, multiple punishment types and support for a range of Minecraft platforms. Its multi-instance support is particularly relevant to network administrators. A single-server operator can also use it, but may find its configuration and runtime requirements more than a minimal moderation setup calls for.

Pros and cons

Pro: Multiple punishment types, templates and exemptions let teams align enforcement with their rules and staff hierarchy.
Pro: Proxy and multi-instance support, with several local and remote database choices, suits networks as well as individual servers.
Pro: Suspected-alt alerts and enforcement add moderation options for related accounts.
Con: Java 17 is mandatory, and Fabric and Velocity mutes bring additional dependencies.
Con: Its configuration flexibility is most useful to administrators prepared to set up and maintain policy and synchronization.

Alternatives

For other Minecraft Moderation Plugins, compare LibertyBans with these options:

ModGUI is a free, self-hosted alternative for Paper 1.21.11 or newer, with an MIT license.
Nimbus AntiCheat is a free, self-hosted option with 43 checks, per-check punishments, player reports, staff inspection tools and Discord webhook notifications; its listed support includes Paper 1.21.8.
Staff+ is a free, self-hosted alternative for Paper, Purpur and Folia 1.20–1.21+, as well as Velocity 3.3.0+, under an MIT license.
BanManager is another free option; its maker describes it as open source and welcomes contributions.
PunishBAN is a free, self-hosted alternative.
AdvancedSensitiveWords is a free, self-hosted alternative.
ChatSentinel is a free, self-hosted alternative.
ReducedX-Anti Cheat is a free, self-hosted alternative.

Verdict

Choose LibertyBans if you need a free punishment system that can handle staff permissions and grow from one server to a network. Its broad platform support and configurable enforcement are the main reasons to choose it; look elsewhere if Java 17 or the extra Fabric and Velocity requirements make deployment too demanding.

	LibertyBans	Staff Utils
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	api, self-hosted	—
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Proxy support	Yes	—
Report workflow	—	Yes
Chat filters	—	Yes
Staff notes	—	Yes
Audit logs	—	Yes

LibertyBans vs Staff Utils

LibertyBans

Staff Utils