Best Minecraft Server Hosting (2025): Cheap, Modded & Bedrock Picks
Your complete guide to Minecraft server hosting—including Java vs Bedrock, cheap vs free, modded (Forge/Fabric), RAM per player, and what to consider before you buy a Minecraft server. Prefer to jump in? See Cosmic Host plans.
TL;DR
- Pick your edition first: Java for deep mods/plugins; Bedrock for easiest cross‑platform play.
- RAM matters more than “slots”: 2–3 GB small vanilla; 4–6 GB light‑to‑mid mods; 8–16 GB heavy modpacks/active communities.
- Hardware & network decide performance: high‑clock CPUs, DDR5 RAM, fast NVMe, strong DDoS protection.
- Free hosting can work for casual play, but queues/limits are common. Paid hosting = stability, control, backups, and easy modpacks.
How to choose the best Minecraft server hosting
- Edition & compatibility: Decide Java (Spigot/Paper/Forge/Fabric) vs Bedrock (different server stack, great for console/mobile).
- Performance over hype: Minecraft is tick‑bound; prioritize single‑core speed, modern DDR5, and NVMe.
- Right‑sized RAM: Start with a plan that fits your world size + mod count + player activity, and scale as needed.
- Security: DDoS protection, automatic backups, and restore points save worlds.
- Modpack support: One‑click installs (Forge/Fabric) and current Java versions reduce setup time.
- Ease of use: Straightforward control panel, fast deploy, and clear docs.
Java vs Bedrock: which should you host?
Java Edition
- Best for mods/plugins: Forge/Fabric modpacks, Spigot/Paper plugins.
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux.
- Who it’s for: Communities that want customization, performance tuning, and control.
Bedrock Edition
- Best for cross‑platform: Consoles, mobile, and Windows can join easily.
- Different server software & ecosystem: Great for friends across devices.
- Who it’s for: Plug‑and‑play convenience with broad device support.
Realms? Realms and Realms Plus are the official subscription servers. They’re simple, but generally don’t support traditional Java modding—use add‑ons/marketplace content instead. For true modpacks, choose a full Java server with Forge/Fabric.
How much RAM you actually need
Player behavior, redstone automation, world size, view distance, and mods all affect memory. Use this as a conservative starting point:
| Server type & activity | Suggested RAM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla survival, up to ~10 players | 2–3 GB | Base game + small world |
| Light plugins or small mod set (~≤40 mods) | 4 GB | Room for plugin/mod overhead |
| Growing modded server / mid‑size world | 5–6 GB | Headroom for tick spikes |
| Heavy modpacks / active 20–40+ players | 8–10+ GB | Stability under load |
| Large modded communities / ambitious automation | 16+ GB | For sustained activity + complexity |
Tip: Before upgrading RAM, apply basic Paper/Spigot optimizations—often the best “lag fix” is smarter config, not just more memory.
Modded Minecraft server hosting (Forge & Fabric)
Forge powers many classic modpacks (Create, SkyFactory, MineColonies). Fabric is lightweight, quick to update, and great for modern packs (e.g., Cobblemon). Look for hosts with one‑click modpack installs, matching Java versions, and a support team familiar with mod loaders.
- Forge: larger, long‑running mod ecosystem; huge pack selection.
- Fabric: leaner footprint; fast updates; excellent for custom mod stacks.
- Paper (plugins): if you run plugins (no client mods), Paper/Spigot give big server‑side wins.
Free vs paid vs Realms
Free hosting (e.g., “free minecraft server hosting”)
Great for testing or casual sessions, but expect queue times, limited resources, and occasional restarts. For busy or modded worlds, free plans often struggle.
Paid hosting
Budget‑friendly plans now offer DDoS protection, backups, and one‑click modpacks. You get consistent TPS, better CPU clocks, and a clean upgrade path as your player base grows.
Realms
Fastest route to a small private world across devices; however, traditional Java modpacks aren’t supported. If mods are your priority, choose a full server.
Why Cosmic Host (plans & recommendations)
Cosmic Host is tuned for Minecraft’s CPU‑sensitive workload: high‑clock Ryzen 9950X up to 5.7 GHz (turbo), DDR5 RAM, fast storage, and high‑capacity DDoS protection. You get instant setup, a clean panel, and plans that map to real player counts.
Recommended plan → use‑case
- Creeper Core — 3 GB: up to ~6 players (vanilla/small plugins)
- Enderman Elite — 4 GB: up to ~10 players (vanilla/light mods)
- Redstone Runner — 5 GB: up to ~14 players (light‑mid mods)
- Diamond Digger — 6 GB: up to ~18 players (mid mods)
- Nether Knight — 8 GB: up to ~24 players (modded communities)
- Wither Warrior — 12 GB: up to ~36 players (heavier modpacks)
- Dragon Lord — 16 GB: up to ~48 players (big active worlds)
- Bedrock Titan — 32 GB: 80+ players (Bedrock or large Java)
Browse Cosmic Host Minecraft plans →
Fast setup checklist
- Pick edition: Java for mods/plugins; Bedrock for cross‑platform ease.
- Select server type: Paper (plugins) or Forge/Fabric (mods).
- Install your pack: Use one‑click modpacks or upload your mods.
- Tune basics: view‑distance, simulation‑distance, entity activation ranges.
- Protect & backup: enable DDoS, schedule automated backups, test restores.
FAQ
What’s the best host for modded Minecraft?
One with easy Forge/Fabric installs, high‑clock CPUs, DDR5 RAM, and strong DDoS protection. Cosmic Host checks these boxes.
How many GB for 10–20 players?
Typically 3–6 GB depending on mods and activity. Start modestly; scale as your world grows.
Is “free minecraft server hosting” good?
It’s fine for casual play/testing. Expect queues and constraints. For consistent TPS and modpacks, go paid.
Java or Bedrock hosting?
Java for deep modding/plugins; Bedrock for consoles/mobile cross‑play. Realms are easiest, but limited for Java modpacks.
Which providers do players compare?
Popular names in editor roundups include Apex Hosting, Shockbyte, ScalaCube, Hostinger, and BisectHosting. Always test latency + features for your region/modpack.