Minecraft server hosting enables gamers to create customizable and stable multiplayer environments for Minecraft. Hostinger is our recommended best Minecraft server web host for both beginners and advanced server operators. Their affordable VPS (Virtual Private Server) based plans ensure excellent performance, 99.9% uptime, and full mod and plugin compatibility.
Minecraft server hosting is a game server hosting service optimized for the Microsoft-owned game Minecraft. There are 2 main types of Minecraft server hosting: Java and Bedrock. Java Minecraft hosting supports extensive customization and modding for Minecraft Java Edition (Windows, macOS, and Linux). Bedrock Minecraft hosting is designed for cross-platform play, supporting mobile devices, consoles, and Windows 10.
It’s important to distinguish between Minecraft server hosting (the focus of this article), and Mojang’s subscription-based service, Minecraft realms. Minecraft server hosting gives players full root access to customize gameplay and introduce new features, unlike the more limited Minecraft Realms service. Minecraft server hosting costs typically range from $2.50 – $9 per month for basic plans. Free options are available for casual gaming but paid plans are recommended for better uptime, speed, and mod and plugin support.
table of contents
Best Minecraft server hosting services
- Hostinger – Best for affordable Minecraft server hosting
- UltraServers – Best Minecraft hosting for complex servers
- ScalaHosting – Best for speedy Minecraft server hosting
- InMotion Hosting – Best Minecraft server hosting for unlimited mods
- Shockbyte – Best Minecraft server hosting for unlimited players
- BisectHosting – Best Minecraft server hosting for unlimited NVMe
- GGServers – Best Minecraft server hosting for small world
- Apex Hosting – Best Minecraft server hosting for unlimited SSD
- What is Minecraft server hosting?
- What are the different types of Minecraft server hosting?
- Does Minecraft server hosting support mods and plugins?
- What is the difference between Minecraft server hosting and Minecraft realms?
- How much should Minecraft server hosting cost?
- Which is the best Minecraft server hosting?
1. Hostinger
- User-friendly control panel
- Full FTP/file access
- Multiple plan tiers for scalability
- Higher renewal prices
Hostinger is our top pick as Minecraft hosting provider for a number of reasons. The first and foremost is that it is extremely rare to find a web host that offers plans specially built to cater for Minecraft server hosting.
Their Minecraft hosting plans are built on VPS servers, meaning you will get the dedicated resources needed to host Minecraft. Their plan structure is also built around the concept, offering a minimum of 2GB memory, near instant Minecraft server setup, and technical support that can help if you get stuck. Read our in-depth review on Hostinger to learn more.
2. UltraServers
- 24/7 servers with 99.9% uptime
- Full FTP/file access
- Multiple plan tiers for scalability
- NVMe storage
- No free dedicated IP
- Relatively limited data center coverage
UltraServers specialize in delivering high–performance Minecraft server hosting designed for players who want fast worlds, smooth gameplay, and full modding flexibility. Their server hardware configuration is one of the strongest in the lineup, running exclusively on AMD Ryzen 7950X3D and 9950X processors paired with DDR5 RAM and NVMe disk space. This ensures consistently low latency and stable tick rates even when running demanding modpacks.
UltraServers support all major Minecraft server types, including Paper, Forge, NeoForge, Bedrock, and cross-play options like Geyser. This makes them a solid fit for players who run complex builds, modded SMPs, or communities that want both Java and Bedrock players together on the same server.
They also offer global coverage with server locations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, allowing players to pick a region closest to their community.
3. ScalaHosting
- Large data center network
- Automatic World Repair included
- Unlimited player slots
- NVMe storage
- Expensive plan
ScalaHosting is setting a new standard in Minecraft server hosting with their premium Minecraft plans. They offer a managed hosting environment on a VPS, which ensures that your server files are always updated and your setup is hassle-free. They include advanced features like Automatic World Repair and a Local Server Builder. You also get dedicated system resources to guarantee a seamless and powerful gaming experience.
ScalaHosting provides a comprehensive solution that supports all mod packs and allows for low latency gaming across 13 locations worldwide. The promise of 99.9% uptime and on-demand scalability means you can adjust your resources as your community grows, without any interruption to gameplay. See our ScalaHosting review to learn more.
4. InMotion Hosting
- Powerful admin panel
- Unlimited player slots
- NVMe storage
- 24/7 support
- Only US data centers
- 7-day money-back guarantee
InMotion Hosting offers a range of Minecraft server hosting plans to cater to various gaming needs. We recommend their Gold Plan to enthusiast gamers who require support for all plugins and some more demanding modpacks. This plan allows for up to 20 players simultaneously, which is ideal for medium-sized gatherings in the Minecraft world.
InMotion’s setup process is quick and easy, which enables you to launch your Minecraft server in less than 5 minutes. InMotion’s powerful game panel also allows you to choose your preferred Minecraft version and server types, manage plugins, and more.
The company is backed by high customer satisfaction ratings and extensive expertise in server management. Their Minecraft servers are powered by cloud VPS and located at key internet exchange points to ensure excellent performance and reliability. Check our InMotion Hosting review for more information.
5. Shockbyte
- Affordable entry-level pricing
- 100% uptime guarantee backed by their SLA
- Full support for mods and plugins
- Limited RAM on entry-level plans
Shockbyte is an Australian-registered company that specializes in renting out game servers. Their key focus areas are Minecraft, ARK: Survival Evolved, and Rust – with plans to support more titles.
Their plans are very focused and you can choose one that is very directly suited for your needs. Their experience with Minecraft allows them to offer some good suggestions, and this is a good place to go for specialized Minecraft hosting.
6. BisectHosting
- Full mod support with file access
- Global data center locations for low latency
- 1.3Tb/s DDoS protection
- Some advanced customization options are less intuitive for beginners
- Higher-tier plans tend to be expensive for larger Minecraft servers
BisectHosting is another popular name in Minecraft hosting although it does offer almost all other web-related services. Due to the scope of their hosting plans, Bisect is more streamlined when it comes to Minecraft, supporting either the Java version or Bedrock.
A strong distinguishing feature is that all of Bisect’s Minecraft hosting plans have unlimited SSD storage, even on their cheapest plan. This is of course subject to their fair usage policy, meaning you can use it, but not abuse it.
7. GGServers
- Unmetered SSD storage
- Global data center locations for low latency
- Limited server locations available in standard plans
GGServers offers VPS hosting plans with flexible options for over 50 popular games, including Minecraft, ARK: Survival Evolved, and Rust. They serve over 500,000 clients globally and deployed more than 25,000 servers across 11 data center locations.
GGServers offers comprehensive Minecraft hosting plans with both standard and premium options. Their standard budget servers feature 3.2-4 GHz CPUs, DDR4 RAM, and unmetered SSD storage. Their cheapest plan, STONE, starts at $3.00 per month. It includes 1 GB of RAM and 12 player slots. They also offer scalable plans such as the DIAMOND plan which provides 8 GB of RAM and 96 player slots for $24.00 per month, and even higher configurations up to 32 GB RAM with unlimited player slots.
GGServers’ Minecraft hosting also supports modpacks and offers instant server setup. Other benefits include free DDoS protection, a free subdomain, and an easy-to-use Multicraft control panel.
8. Apex Hosting
- Instant server deployment
- Unlimited player slots
- Full DDoS protection
- Free server transfers and subdomains
- Price increase after the first month
- Limited customization options compared to more advanced hosting services
Apex Hosting is only focused on Minecraft and they offer 15 locations for servers worldwide with more coming. Their plans start small with a basic 1GB of RAM, but all plans come with a custom subdomain.
Their claim to fame lies in extensive support for Minecraft, featuring an easy to use control panel, video tutorials and the ability to get Minecraft servers up and running in a mere five minutes. Help is also available via live chat and a ticketing system.
What is Minecraft server hosting?
Minecraft server hosting is a game server hosting service that provides dedicated server space for players to run their own Minecraft game instance. This type of hosting ensures a stable and scalable environment for multiplayer gameplay in contrast to needing to rely on peer-to-peer connections which can be unstable or limited in capacity. With Minecraft Server Hosting, players customize game settings, mods, and plugins. They also control who joins and enjoy a more consistent and lag-free gaming experience.
What are the different types of Minecraft server hosting?
There are two types of Minecraft Server Hosting and these are:
- Java Minecraft server hosting Java server hosting is a service that caters to the original version of Minecraft (Minecraft Java Edition). It operates on Java and supports cross-platform play among Windows, macOS, and Linux. Use this if you prefer a more classic experience and want more freedom to customize and modify gameplay. Players who regularly engage in large-scale modding projects or those who run Minecraft communities centered around unique game modifications find Java Minecraft server hosting particularly beneficial.
- Bedrock Minecraft server hosting Bedrock server hosting is a service that supports Minecraft Bedrock Edition which was designed for mobile devices, consoles, and Windows 10. It has a more limited modding scope compared to the Java Edition, but it offers cross-play between different devices. This makes it easier for friends on various platforms to play together. Use Bedrock Minecraft Server Hosting if you’re a gamer who prioritizes cross-platform interactions, especially those involving consoles and mobile devices.
Does Minecraft server hosting support mods and plugins?
Yes, Minecraft server hosting does support mods and plugins because it gives users root access to their server. Root access gives players the necessary permissions to install, update, and manage a wide variety of mods and plugins. This capability ensures that server owners can tailor gameplay, enhance in-game features, and introduce new mechanics for their player base.
What is the difference between Minecraft server hosting and Minecraft realms?
Minecraft Server Hosting is a hosting service that offers dedicated servers for players to run Minecraft game instances. These servers are customizable with mods, plugins, and settings to create unique gameplay experiences.
Minecraft Realms is a subscription-based service provided by Mojang that allows players to create and manage their own private Minecraft servers. With Realms, players invite friends and play in a safe, private environment without the need for technical setup or expertise. It offers a straightforward way for casual players to engage in multiplayer gameplay with a select group.
The key difference between Minecraft server hosting and Minecraft Realms lies in the level of customization and control. Minecraft server hosting gives players extensive flexibility. It allows users to modify the game with mods and plugins and adjust intricate server settings. This provides a deeper and more tailored gameplay experience. In short, you can do a lot more with Minecraft Server Hosting than with Minecraft Realms.
How much should Minecraft server hosting cost?
Minecraft server hosting costs $2.50-9/month for basic plans. There are also free plans available with limited features. Keep in mind that the cost can increase significantly based on factors such as the number of players accessing the server, the total number of servers you’re operating, and the volume of mods and plugins installed. Plans are often differentiated by RAM and CPU allocations. The more players, servers, mods, and plugins you have, the more RAM and CPU you’ll need to guarantee a seamless gameplay experience.
Should I use free Minecraft server hosting?
Yes, you should use free Minecraft server hosting if you’re looking to host a small Minecraft server for casual gaming purposes. It’s ideal for fewer than 10 players and for a limited amount of mods and plugins. However, the most significant drawback of free hosting is that the server might not be online 24/7. This can disrupt the gaming experience. Players seeking continuous uptime should explore paid alternatives.
Which is the best Minecraft server hosting?
The best Minecraft server hosting offers strong uptime, large player capacity, easy mod and plugin use, good server locations, quick customer help, and fair pricing.
Let’s have a look at our top brands that meet this criteria.
| Features | Hostinger | UltraServers | ScalaHosting | InMotion Hosting | Shockbyte | BisectHosting | GGServers | APEX Hosting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan | Alex | 4GB Ram | Zombie | Gold | Iron | Budget 4GB | Gold | 4GB RAM |
| RAM | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| No. of players | 70 | 48 | Unlimited | 20 | Unlimited | 48 | 48 | Unlimited |
| Storage | 40 GB NVMe SSD | 60 GB NVMe SSD | 80 GB NVMe SSD | 100 GB NVMe SSD | Unlimited NVMe SSD | Unlimited NVMe SSD | Unmetered SSD | Unlimited SSD |
| DDoS protection | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price/mo | $6.99 | $3.95 | $61.95 | $24.00 | $10.00 | $11.96 | 12.00 | $14.99 |
| See all features |
Our #1 recommendation is Hostinger due to its reliable performance, robust support, and competitive pricing. It’s crucial to assess your unique requirements, such as the size of your player base, geographical location, and technical know-how when selecting the best Minecraft host for your needs.