Best Minecraft server hosting providers in 2024

Have you ever dreamed of building your own Minecraft world, complete with custom rules, mods, and a dedicated community? Are you tired of being limited by the vanilla experience? Don't worry, we can help you take your Minecraft experiences to the higher levels, and setting up your own server is the best way to proceed. There are many Minecraft server hosting providers and choosing the right one is a little bit hard. That`s why we prepared the 10 best Minecraft server hosting providers in this blog post. Let`s see what they are!

 

What is a Minecraft server?

Imagine Minecraft as a giant, open world. In singleplayer, you explore it all by yourself, building whatever your imagination cooks up. But wouldn't it be epic to share that world with friends, team up on mega-builds, or battle in epic player-versus-player arenas? That's where Minecraft servers come in! And the best Minecraft server hosting sites are trying their best.  Think of them as special online spaces that run the Minecraft world. For those looking to get started without spending money, there are also excellent options for free Minecraft server hosting that provide great features at no cost.

Here is the coolest part:

1. It's your world, your rules: You can customize the server with mods, plugins, and settings to create your own experience. Want to see limitless TNT explosions everywhere? Or perhaps super-powered tools and insane mobs? A Minecraft server enables you to make it happen.

2. Team up with friends: Invite your buddies to join your server and work on stunning builds, fight monsters together, or create your own adventures. It's like having your own little Minecraft playground.

3. Endless possibilities: Minecraft servers exist in a variety of shapes and sizes. There are creative havens to produce masterpieces, competitive sites for PvP combat, and even role-playing servers where you may make your own character and plot. 

Is Minecraft server hosting free?

Minecraft server hosting can be free, but it's a bit risky. Free servers may lag with many users, have limited uptime, and offer few customization choices. They often come with restrictions that can hinder your gaming experience. Paid servers, on the other hand, provide superior performance, reliability, and functionality at a higher cost, allowing you to enjoy a smoother gameplay experience.

When choosing a hosting option, it ultimately depends on what you want: free for a quick test run, or paid for a smooth, personalized experience. If you’re serious about your Minecraft gameplay and want to avoid interruptions, investing in a reliable server is worthwhile.

So, to answer the question, “is Minecraft server hosting free?” we can say yes, but they’re risky! For a better experience, consider exploring options like game vps for reliable and performance-oriented server hosting solutions tailored to your gaming needs.

 

10 most popular Minecraft server hosting

Knowing the "10 most popular Minecraft server hosting" involves more than just having a list. It provides a starting point for researching providers with a strong reputation and a large user base.  By comparing the features, cost, and user evaluations of these popular solutions, you'll be able to select the best fit for your Minecraft server requirements. Continue reading if you want to know what is the best Minecraft server hosting service. 

1- 1Gbits, one of the best Minecraft server hosting providers

1Gbits Minecraft Hosting is an excellent choice for those who want to craft their dream Minecraft world with ease! 1Gbits is one of the best Minecraft server hosting providers that provides exceptional performance, resulting in a lag-free, realistic experience. The user-friendly interface allows you to easily install mods, and daily backups keep your creations safe. Servers strategically situated throughout the world ensure that everyone has a smooth and low-ping gameplay experience for gamers around the world. The strong DDoS protection defends servers from any errors, allowing gamers to focus on their Minecraft experiences uninterrupted. Whether you're running a single server or several instances, 1Gbits' central platform makes it easy to manage your Minecraft environment.

Pros:

• Dedicated VPS hosting for superior performance

• User-friendly interface for easy modding

• Automated daily backups to safeguard progress

• Strategically located servers for global low-ping experience

• Robust DDoS protection for uninterrupted gameplay

• Centralized platform for managing multiple servers

• 99.9% uptime guarantee.

• 24/7 customer support.

Cons:

• You can mention in the comments and we`ll try to fix. 

 

2- Shockbyte

If you're looking for a Minecraft server host with an array of plans and strong features, Shockbyte is a good choice. Shockbyte specializes in game servers with options for Minecraft and many other popular titles, boasting a 100% uptime guarantee, DDoS protection, and even high-end plans with impressive RAM and player capacity.

Pros:

• Specialist game server provider with Minecraft expertise.

• Wide variety of plans to fit different server needs.

• DDoS protection, unlimited bandwidth, and instant setup.  

• 100% uptime guarantee.

Cons:

• Customer support reportedly needs improvement.

• Money-back guarantee is only 24 days (compared to some competitors with longer guarantees).

 

3- Hostinger

Hostinger is one of the other best Minecraft server hosting providers. It is an acceptable substitute for beginners looking for Minecraft server hosting. Their user-friendly Game Panel allows for quick and easy server setup in minutes, and good customer support is accessible if you need assistance. Hostinger provides a number of Minecraft server setups, including common Java versions and mod compatibility.

Pros:

• Easy and quick server setup with user-friendly Game Panel.

• Multiple Minecraft Java Edition and server type options.

• Features like dedicated IP, backups, and mod/plugin installers. 

• Affordable pricing plans.

Cons:

• No dedicated Minecraft server hosting (only VPS plans). 

• VPS plans are not customizable.

 

4- ScalaHosting

If you want a strong and highly customized Minecraft server hosting option, ScalaHosting is a good choice. Their plans are comprehensive VPS packages that include unlimited scalability and advanced capabilities such as website hosting and email creation in addition to your Minecraft server. This freedom, however, comes at a cost, as ScalaHosting's Minecraft plans are much more expensive than cheaper alternatives.

Pros:

• VPS plans with limitless scalability for demanding servers.

• Highly configurable, allowing for advanced server management.

• Supports all server types, mod packs. 

Cons:

• Expensive compared to budget Minecraft hosting options.

• Average shared hosting speeds reported during tests.

• Limited content available on the support website.

 

5- InMotion Hosting

InMotion Hosting, which has over 20 years of hosting experience, is a solid choice for experienced Minecraft server owners. They offer customizable options and helpful resources, and their plans allow you to run any server version, plugins, or modpacks, giving you full control over your world. But InMotion Hosting only offers servers located in the United States, which may be a drawback.

Pros:

• Reputable hosting provider with experience.

• Easy plan selection with RAM recommendation guide.

• Highly customizable: supports any server version, plugins, and modpacks.

• Premium hardware for optimal performance.

Cons:

• Limited server location (US only).

 

6- ScalaCube

ScalaCube is a budget-friendly Minecraft server hosting service with a focus on ease of use. Their plans start at a fairly inexpensive $2 for the first month, making it a wonderful choice for beginners to experience with server management. ScalaCube provides one-click modpack installation, bespoke server building, and an easy-to-use interface. However, the free plan only includes one player slot and customer service is limited to an online ticket system.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable pricing, especially for beginners.

• Easy to use with one-click modpack installation and user-friendly interface.

• Offers custom server creation and multiple server locations.

Cons:

• Free plan has very limited capacity (1 player slot).

• Customer support only available through online tickets.

 

7- Apex Minecraft Hosting

Apex Hosting is a solid challenger for Minecraft server owners who want complete control and one-click modpack installation. They provide a large range of server configurations, extensive control over your server settings, and automated backups to increase security. Yet, you should know that their "unlimited player slots" may have restrictions, and their pricing may not be the most competitive. You should know that this brand is not the cheapest way to host a Minecraft server. 

Pros:

• Easy one-click modpack installation.

• Automated backups for server safety.

• User-friendly control panel and 24/7 customer support.

Cons:

• “Unlimited player slots" might have limitations.

• Pricing may not be the most affordable.

 

8- MCProHosting

MCProHosting is an experienced Minecraft server hosting provider with a solid network. Their automatic backups protect the server, and server management services are available for those who prefer a hands-off approach. In addition, MCProHosting provides a variety of plans with unlimited slots and an extensive variety of mod/plugin support. But their pricing is higher compared to other providers, and add-on costs can add up quickly. Buying this server, is not the cheapest way to host a Minecraft server. 

Pros:

• Powerful hardware for smooth gameplay.

• Automatic backups for server safety.

• Various plans with unlimited slots and mod/plugin support.

Cons:

• Pricier than some competitors.

• Add-on costs can become expensive.

 

9- BisectHosting

Another of best Minecraft server hosting providers is BisectHostin. It provides an affordable choice for Minecraft server hosting with multiple options. They cater to servers of various sizes, offering limitless player slots (on premium subscriptions) and inexpensive choices beginning at $2.99 per month. DDoS protection is available at no additional cost. Not to mention that their cheap plans lack dedicated IP addresses, and they do not provide phone assistance, instead depending only on 24/7 live chat help.

Pros:

• Affordable plans with flexible options for different needs.

• Unlimited player slots (on premium plans).

• DDoS protection included.

Cons:

• Budget plans lack dedicated IPs.

• No phone support available.

 

10- Nodecraft

Nodecraft provides a worldwide distributed server network with infinite player slots, making it an excellent alternative for servers of any size. Their "save&swap" feature allows you to switch between game servers while still saving your progress.  Still, their high-end plan may not be as powerful as competitors', and their money-back guarantee is only for 7 days. If you ask what are the best free Minecraft server hosting, this brand is the answer due to its free trial. 

Pros:

• Unlimited player slots for all plans.

• "Save&swap" feature for switching between game servers.

• Free trial available.

• DDoS protection, subdomain, and dedicated IP included. 

Cons:

• High-end plan might not be the strongest option.

• Short money-back guarantee (7 days).  

 

 

Now that you know most popular Minecraft server hosting solutions, You may want to know How to make a Minecraft server on VPS.

 

Factors to consider when choosing the best Minecraft server hosting

Creating your Minecraft empire? Do not scrimp on the foundation! If you know what is the best Minecraft server hosting websites you can enhance your gameplay. It sets the tone for your entire trip. To avoid any creepy-sized headaches and keep your server functioning like a dream, consider the following:

• Power up: RAM is your server's memory, and more RAM equals smoother gameplay for you and your team. Consider it a storage area for all the great mods and plugins you want to use. The more players you have, the more RAM you will need. 

• Location: Just like picking a real-world headquarters, server location is important! Choose the one nearest to your players to keep the lag monster at bay. 

• Regular backups: Backups are necessary because things happen, even in the digital world. That's why automated backups are essential. Regular backups help you to protect your world from crashes.

• Easy does it: Nobody enjoys fumbling with complex controls. A user-friendly control panel simplifies server management, allowing you to add mods, modify settings, and monitor performance. 

• 24/7 support: Even the most experienced Minecrafter might run into problems. Reliable customer service is your safety net. Look for 24-hour assistance by chat, email, or phone.

• Future-Proofing: Is your server destined for greatness? Choose a provider that allows you to simply update your RAM, storage, or player slots as your needs grow. 

• Security considerations: DDoS attacks can bring even the most powerful server to its knees. Make sure your hosting provider provides protection to keep the gremlins at bay. 

• Building a community: Read reviews and participate in online forums to learn what other Minecrafters are saying about various providers. A good reputation indicates a reliable service.

Once you’ve chosen a host, it’s important to know your Minecraft server IP address so you and your friends can connect to your server seamlessly.

What's the minimum requirement for a Minecraft server?

The RAM requirements for Minecraft servers have changed over time. Previously, 2 GB was suggested for running a server, but with new performance, the required has risen to 4 GB or more for a moderately loaded server. This is especially true for Minecraft versions 1.16 and later, which have added more material, resulting in increased RAM usage. Larger servers with many users and extensive worlds may need 8 GB or more, depending on the server's size and complexity.

Modded Minecraft servers require even more RAM because mods can dramatically alter or add new functionality, increasing the server's memory usage. Modded servers often require 8 GB or more, with some needing 16 GB or more. To manage your server efficiently and enhance your gameplay experience, check out our guide on the best Minecraft commands, which can help you customize and control your server with ease.

Final words

Here you have it, adventurers! With these tips and insights on various best Minecraft server hosting providers, you'll be well-prepared to pick the best Minecraft server hosting cheap providers for your needs. If you're looking for more control and performance, consider exploring options for Minecraft VPS hosting, which offers dedicated resources for your server. Remember that the best service depends on the size and goal of your server. So take your pickaxe, find the appropriate provider, and get ready to create your ideal Minecraft world!

For those looking to enhance their Minecraft experience, once you've chosen your ideal server hosting provider, don't forget to check out some of the best Minecraft seeds. These seeds can transform your server into a unique and exciting world, providing endless possibilities for exploration and creativity!

FAQs

What is the best server provider for Minecraft?

There's no single "best" provider as it depends on your needs. But considering factors like security, performance, location, and support, 1Gbits considered as one of the best Minecraft server hosting providers. 

 

What is the #1 Minecraft server?

Popular servers vary depending on game mode (survival, creative, etc.) and player preferences. Some popular options include 1Gbits, BisectHosting, and Apex Minecraft Hosting.

 

What is the best 24/7 Minecraft server hosting for free?

While there are free solutions with limited functionality, running a Minecraft server reliably usually requires paid hosting for performance and uptime. 1Gbits is one of the finest affordable Minecraft server hosting providers.