Best Minecraft Server Hosting Services In 2026
Minecraft has grown beyond just a game; it's now a huge, ever-changing digital world with countless multiplayer servers and a thriving community of over 200 million gamers. Many of these players regularly gather and play together on these online servers. While some servers are run on a player's personal computer, many depend on strong third-party hosts. So, if you're thinking about creating a private world for you and your buddies or a modded server, picking the correct Minecraft server host is super important. The good news is that you have choices, from top-tier options to the lowest cost alternatives, and even a few free ones.
Let's jump in and explore the best hosting providers for creating and running your Minecraft server. We'll also look at the good and bad of each service to help you pick the one that fits your gaming needs.
1. Hostinger
Given its popularity, you've probably already heard of Hostinger. Of all the big Minecraft server hosts, it's the only one that has special servers just for Minecraft. The servers here mainly run on virtual private servers (VPNs), with resources set aside and at least 2 GB of RAM. This deal gets better with great tech support and really quick setup for Minecraft.
Hostinger has a bunch of different options. The most affordable one starts at $5.49 a month, but it can get as high as $21.99 a month. While the user interface looks smooth, it can seem like a lot at first. The good news is that it's pretty easy to understand once you get going. Plus, because Hostinger already hosts websites all over the world, paying is easy no matter which country you're in.
Pros:
- You get your money back if you're not happy within 30 days.
- You can switch your plan fast.
- You can pick where your server is hosted.
- Servers are up 99.99% of the time, and backups happen without you even thinking about it.
- It works with VOIP voice chat.
- Pricing changes a bit depending on where you live, and payments are easy from anywhere.
Cons:
- Some other hosts have cheaper basic plans.
- Fewer mods and add-ons ready to install.
- No free domain names.
- Only five places to host your server.
Price: Starts at $5.49 a month.
2. Apex Hosting
Another choice when it comes to reasonably priced Minecraft server hosts that many players and streamers use to get their custom Minecraft server up and running is Apex Hosting. Besides the usual servers, they also have a bunch of add-ons. Apex simplifies getting your server up and running with automated backups, one-click modpacks, and fast setup. Their control panel is easy to use, has how-to videos, and helpful support is available.
They also have options to hook up multiple servers if you want to. They also work with other well-known multiplayer games like Rust and Valheim. There can be a lot of choices on the control panel, which might be confusing compared to other Minecraft server hosts. However, they have a great support system and videos to help players get the most out of it.
Pros:
- Free subdomains.
- Premade Minigames.
- More than 200 mods you can install right away.
- Guides on the site to fix the common errors.
- Ready-made seeds to get a specific world just how you like it.
- Servers stay up 99.9% of the time, and backups happen automatically.
- Test servers available for free.
Cons:
- Only accepts five different currencies.
- The larger plans are a bit more expensive than similar deals.
- Only a 7-day money-back guarantee.
- Moving your server can be a little complex.
Price: Starts at $1.49 for the first month.
3. Shockbyte
If you don't want to spend a lot but still want quality, Shockbyte is a solid pick. They deliver good service without bumping up the cost, as plans start at $3.99 each month. Shockbyte states that their Minecraft server options can't be matched by other companies. They have a 100% uptime claim, free subdomains, cross-platform play, and other features in their bundles.
Even the most basic plan comes with 1 GB of RAM, which is plenty for a small group of friends. Besides the available packages, you can also custom-make your own package to fit your server's needs. Many users speak of financial problems. The site has fewer currency choices, a smaller window for refunds and some users mentioning extra fees and pricing issues in support forums.
Pros:
- Cheaper prices for all packages.
- Free subdomain and protection from DDOS attacks.
- Claims to have 100% uptime and automated backups.
- Free trials of Buycraft and Enjin.
- Payment options include every three months and twice a year.
- Cross-compatible servers.
Cons:
- Doesn't support many currencies.
- Only a 72-hour refund policy.
- Many users say there are extra fees and pricing issues.
Price: Starts at $3.99 a month.
4. Bisect Hosting
Bisect is another choice that centers around giving players choices and flexibility. Bisect has a ton of options for Minecraft players online, starting at $3.00 each month and having a bunch more plans to choose from. You can type in what you need into Bisect's system, and its AI tech will figure out which plan works best for you.
Bisect stands out because of how far the plans can go. While most other companies stop at 16 GB of RAM, Bisect also lets you have up to 48 GB of RAM if your server needs it! Because they host 11 other games, including Counter-Strike and Team Fortress 2, you can count on great support and speed.
Pros:
- A huge amount of package options to choose from.
- High-end packages available.
- Free subdomain and MySQL database.
- Multicraft control panel included.
Cons:
- Lack of regular backups for the cheaper options.
- Server locations limited to premium users.
- Charges extra to install modpacks on cheaper plans.
Price: Starts at $3.00 a month.
5. Scalacube
Scalacube is one of the affordable options. It is the only free Minecraft server hosting option of all the hosts we have. Their regular plans go from $2 to $96. They also have one-click installs for more than 1000 mods. There's also a special forum and a Minecraft launcher that can really make servers feel more personal.
Like Bisect, Scalacube also comes with high-end servers with 32 GB of RAM. The server rates on Scalacube might look more affordable, but that means giving up some must-have things. For instance, there's no quick support, limited money back, and no free backups. But if you're trying to find out what it's like to run a Minecraft server for free, start here.
Pros:
- Free hosting options.
- Get a free subdomain.
- Custom launcher and forum support.
- High-end packages are available.
- Guide to getting started.
- Testable servers.
Cons:
- Limited currency support.
- No refunds.
- Users say there is lag in reviews.
- No free backups.
- Lack of immediate support.
Price: Starts at $2 a month; offers a free option.
6. Sparked Host
At just $1 each month, Sparked Host is the least costly server host, winning in pricing. Sparked Host has more low-priced add-ons, but with less server choices than some of its competitors. The site states it uses only professional-grade servers to keep costs down while keeping quality higher.
You can get almost anything other companies offer, but for a lot less money. But, performance quality can differ, going off what users say in their feedback. The site also has suggested services, making picking the right server simpler, even with limited options. There's a 24-hour free trial to try their services without spending a dime.
Pros:
- Lowest prices for hosting.
- Live support system.
- Subuser access available.
- Subdomain options available.
- Cheaper high-end plans.
Cons:
- No Money-back period.
- Limited currency support.
- Changing the server location can be complex.
Price: Starts at $1 a month; free trial available.
7. Falixnodes
As our last pick, Falixnodes is a completely free Minecraft server hosting service. Besides offering low-cost server hosting options, they also have apps to help manage the servers. A credit card is not needed, and they even offer unlimited player spots.
Falixnodes states its server activates right away. All you have to do is pick the Java or Bedrock version, the server subdomain, how much RAM you want, and a location. And once you activate it, you can start the Minecraft server and start playing with your buddies.
Pros:
- Multi-game support on same server.
- Apps for mobile users.
- Support line operating 24/7.
- Backup snapshots with each plan.
- Frequent giveaways and deals.
Cons:
- Control panel can be difficult.
- Some performance issues when traffic is high.
- Free hosting is limited to some countries.
Price: Free.
What to Consider When Picking a Minecraft Server Host
As a game that relies on a network to run, Minecraft has lower hardware needs than some games. Here are the minimum must-have needs and the ones you want to have for higher speeds if it is in your budget.
| Requirements | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 1 GB | 3 GB |
| Processor | Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz or AMD Athlon XP 2600+ & better | Intel Core CPUs or AMD K8 CPUs & better |
| Storage Space | 2 GB | 5 GB |
| Server Location | Dependable with Good Uptime | Same Country or Continent as Most Players |
| Players | 1-5 | 15-20 |
For playing solo or with three of your closest friends with no mods, you can go lower than the bare minimum needs. But if more players join the server, up the RAM, as that will take the biggest hit. The easiest way to ensure there's enough RAM is to allow 200 MB of RAM per player.
Why Host a Minecraft Server?
The idea of running a Minecraft server may seem overwhelming. However, the gains you get from it should make the money and energy worth it. Here are some reasons to host a dedicated Minecraft server:
- Set the rules: You set the rules of your world. No joke. You get to control every part of the world to the amount of players.
- Mods & Texture Packs: Taking rule-making to another level, you can add any mods and texture packs to your game. You can then use them to change almost everything in Minecraft. Because of the big Java community, there are a ton of free Minecraft mods to check out. Minecraft Realms with their monthly content, might be a better fit for Bedrock players.
- Create Community: A self-controlled Minecraft server often comes with things like forums, domains, and fully made community websites.
- Admin Control: The thing that is most irritating about some online games is the amount of trash talk. But, you can stop players by removing players that might cause issues in your Minecraft world. This can be setup so only your children's friends can play on their server.
- 24/7 Access: Because we are focusing on externally hosted servers and not your personal PC, you can keep them on all the time. After server costs, the companies make sure they are running and have electricity so you or your buddies can always get on the server.
That ends our talk about the best Minecraft server hosts. If you have made your choice then jump in and get started. But if you plan on waiting, you can hop into some of the best Minecraft maps and check out a few cool house ideas for your soon-to-be server.
Are you having trouble picking a Minecraft server host? Let us know in the comments section.
FAQ
Which Minecraft Server Hosting Service is the best in 2024?
Picking the best Minecraft server hosting service depends on what you value as a player. For ease of use, great uptime and a solid reputation, Hostinger and Apex stand out. However, other options may be better depending on your budget and particular needs, so make sure to have a look at all the options.
How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?
A vanilla or unmodded server can run off of 1-2 GB of RAM.
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