Finding a great Minecraft server hosting provider can easily get complicated, and this can be an overwhelming process; with over 600,000 servers running around the world, tracking down the perfect server for your needs can be a real challenge.
Just where do you get started? Well, the good news is that we are here to help.
Whether you’re looking for a private or public server, a “done-for-you” approach or the option for full customization, or are simply on the hunt for a recommendation, Hosting Data have done the hard work for you – read on for the ultimate this guide to help ensure that you find the best Minecraft experience possible.
Minecraft is one of the most popular video games of all time, drawing millions of players from all walks of life. Many players have gone a step further, taking their gaming to the next level by setting up their own Minecraft web servers.
What are they and what benefits do they offer?
Table of Contents:
What is a Minecraft Web Server, and Why Do You Need One?
A Minecraft web server is a computer hosted online that allows multiple people to connect over the internet and play a game of Minecraft together. It’s similar to how people can connect to play on servers in other online games like Counter-Strike or World of Warcraft.
Greater Control Over Game
One benefit of using a Minecraft server is that you will have more control over your game experience than the options available with the standard single-player mode. For example, when playing on your own web server, you can customize the rules for specific games or make changes to gameplay settings such as difficulty level and world size. You also have more flexibility around who can join your game, giving you greater ability to ensure everyone playing has similar interests and shares common ethics when it comes to in-game behaviour.
Increased Sandbox Features
Having access to a remote multiplayer environment also increases potential sandbox features within the game, meaning players can create custom maps and design unique challenges for themselves or others if desired. Access to third-party modifications also allows for complex creations in game worlds, meaning that there are lots of interesting possibilities open up with accessing this extra content online through web servers.
Web servers allow players to create group quests, explore the deepest gorges, and question whether Herobrine is actually someone they will run into.
Extra Security
Running your own dedicated web server also offers additional security against hacking or denial-of-service type attacks. This is because only those people whom you add as essential members will be allowed into these secure environments, and they can be reassured that these are free from any malicious activities from unauthorized personnel.
If you want even more safety from external threats then opting for Virtual Private Servers (VPS) instead can help keep players protected even further when engaging in multiplayer experiences with friends or competitors depending on the case
How We Help
So, which is the best Minecraft server hosting option?
The truth is that not all web servers are made alike; each Minecraft hosting provider has its own pros and cons, and it is important to weigh up the specs of each host to ensure that you find the perfect server hosting option for your site – and this is where we can help.
Here at Hosting Data, we have taken the stress out of the situation by conducting research on the best Minecraft server hosting providers for you, distilling the facts into a blended brew of the leading web servers, all in an effortless checklist.
Learn how to host a Minecraft server – and DM your buddies, as you’ll soon be on a brand-new adventure using the best-of-the-best Minecraft servers.
Want power? See our best-dedicated host hit list if you already have a strong community and need more power.
Best Minecraft Server Hosting Providers
| WEB HOST | PRICE | UPTIME | RATING |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hostinger | £8.95/mo | 99.99% | ★★★★★ |
| 2. Apex Hosting | £6.21/mo | 99.99% | ★★★★★ |
| 3. ScalaCube | £4.30/mo | 99.99% | ★★★★★ |
| 4. BisectHosting | £2.50/mo | 99.99% | ★★★★★ |
| 5. MCProHosting | £7.47/mo | 99.99% | ★★★★★ |
| 6. MelonCube | £2.50/mo | 99.96% | ★★★★★ |
| 7. ServerMiner | £5.97/mo | 99.97% | ★★★★★ |
Right, now for the 7-best Minecraft server hosting sites:
1. Hostinger: Best Overall Choice - Secure Low-Latency Minecraft Servers (£8.95/Month) ⚡
Key Specifications:
- 30-day Money-back warranty for extra peace of mind, allowing you to make a confident choice.
- Immediate set-up – you can be up and running in no time, rather than worrying about spending hours on the initial stages.
- DDoS Security to block potential malicious traffic and ensure that your server works as it should.
- Free MySQL, making it easier to manage your Minecraft servers.
- Multicraft dashboard to allow you to manage your dashboard from a single, simple location, making Minecraft hosting easier and smoother.
- PCI-DDS with Dual-CPU to ensure ongoing security for server hosting.
PROS
CONS
Hostinger Review
Hostinger is a simple, safe, and secure host: For £8.95/month, you’ll get 2GB RAM and total root access. Along with a Virtual Private Server (VPS: see the best VPS host review), you’ll get your server going the very moment you sign up.
Backups & Security
Thanks to the server’s hardening system, all data stored in a Hostinger server is kept safe from any malicious attacks or unauthorized access from hackers or cybercriminals. Your website is also protected from DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) attacks thanks to its powerful firewall protection system.
Hostinger also makes use of Multicraft's console, which enables you to make carbon copies of the server just with a couple of clicks, as well as to restore in a matter of seconds.
Lowest Possible Latency
This is the key to success with a game server. To achieve the lowest possible latency, consider choosing the server site (one of Hostinger's five worldwide) closest to you.
Reliability
Hostinger's support is along for the ride right away, handling any technical issues you might have (often taking care of it for you). Hostinger servers provide around-the-clock monitoring and maintenance and are also equipped with high-end technologies such as SSD drives, cloud technologies, and other advanced features.
Scalable
Hostinger servers can easily handle large amounts of traffic without slowing down your website performance or crashing it due to overload. That means you can easily scale up the resources during peak times while still keeping your budget manageable without compromising on security.
Flexible
Hostinger offers flexible plans so you can choose the one that best suits your needs in terms of pricing and feature set needed for optimum performance without breaking the bank. You can always upgrade later if needed.
2. Apex Hosting: Best for Advanced Features - Get Your Minecraft Server Hosting Set Up in Five Minutes (£6.21/Month) ⏲️
Key Specifications:
- Java/Bedrock Servers – great for multiplayer gaming.
- DDoS Prevention to protect your site from malicious traffic.
- 24/7 Live Chat & Tickets – ensuring that you can receive support and assistance whenever you need.
- Mod/Plugin Assistance (All) – this gives you the freedom and flexibility to manage your Minecraft server in a way that suits your needs.
- Quality Hardware With Low Latency – perfect for playing smooth, effective games with larger numbers of players.
- FTP/MySQL Full Access to put you in control of every element of your Minecraft server.
PROS
CONS
Apex Hosting Review
All plans come with a free subdomain and automated back-ups. Apex Hosting starts from £6.21 / first month (£8.28 after). You’ll get 2GB of RAM and total root access.
Low Learning Curve for Newbies
Peak Hosting is user-friendly, with safe web servers to host Minecraft worlds. You'll be in action within 5 minutes of purchasing your server plan.
Easy to Use Interface
This company utilizes Multicraft's interface, which they've changed to make it even simpler to handle files, deal with settings, switch server versions, and so on (the control panel is intuitive: even if you have no previous experience, it’s a small learning curve to customizations, with a plugin manager to find new mods).
Uber-Experienced Support Team
One of the most experienced MC teams around. That’s why they have more than 100,000 customers.
Find 24/7 live chats and tutorials. Choose one of Apex Hosting's 15 (it’ll be 16 in quick measure) international host sites for the smallest latency possible. 13 hosting plans range from 1GB to 16GB with infinite player slots and unrestricted storage space.
Flexible Platform
One of the key features of PHS is its flexibility. You can easily scale your server up or down based on your needs, as well as migrate to different regions – all without extended downtime. It also offers custom configurations so you can tailor it to your specific business requirements.
High-Performance Servers
PHS servers are designed to be superfast and efficient. With advanced caching technologies, they’re capable of delivering lightning-quick responses even during peak periods. Plus, they come with unlimited storage space and data transfer so you won’t have to worry about running out of space.
Secure Data Protection
Your data is safe with PHS thanks to 128-bit encryption technology, all sensitive information is secure and encrypted within their environment – ensuring safekeeping against any type of breach or attack.
Affordable Pricing Model
PHS has an affordable pricing model which makes it possible for customers to tailor their package according to the level of resource usage needed – helping them save money.
3. ScalaCube: Best Premium Minecraft Hosting - Minecraft Server Host of Choice for the ‘Pocket Edition’ (£4.30/Month) 🧊
Key Specifications:
- DDoS Prevention to ensure that your site is as safe from malicious traffic and attacks as possible.
- Free MySQL to make it easy to manage Minecraft servers.
- Several Hosting Servers – allows your Minecraft hosting system to keep running, even when there are high numbers of traffic.
- BungeeCord Assistance – perfect for allowing players to jump from server to server without having to disconnect, offering a smoother, more effective playing experience.
- Plugin/Mod/Mod pack Assistance – offers users the chance to have greater flexibility and customization over their Minecraft servers.
- Personalized PHAR/JAR – custom servers are a key element of Minecraft hosting, and these can really help.
PROS
CONS
ScalaCube Review
For £4.30/month grab of 1.5GB RAM and 15 GB SSD Storage.
ScalaCube is actually a Minecraft Pocket Edition website host. Minecraft PE itself is the mobile version of the desktop Minecraft, though it is actually usable now via non-mobile and Bedrock.
Easy to Get Started
Once you obtain a server, you may choose PocketMine or Nukkit to power the server. ScalaCube's interface lets you establish endless hosting servers (plans run from 10 to 600 slots: depending on the plugins and mods you've chosen) on a VPS server.
Support & Server Specs
Their team provides a solid array of set-up guides and training video streams. You can hop onto the live chat or grab a support ticket at any time of the day/week. Backups are automatic, helping to keep your information safe and secure.
Lots of Customization Options
ScalaCube's interface uses custom forger servers to create make a unique Minecraft launcher, or modify the server/mods listing for every server. Your launcher smoothly connects new players to your server (installs their files).
Range of Plans
The nine plans range from 768MB to 32GB RAM. Talk to the ScalaCube support team as your reputation grows; they’ll advise you on the right plan.
Overall, ScalaCube is a great option for Minecraft server hosting – particularly if you are big on customization and flexibility.
4. BisectHosting - Choose Premium or Budget Minecraft Server Host Plan (£2.50/Month)
Key Specifications:
- Quick Set Up to allow you to get started hosting your Minecraft server in no time.
- Complete FTP Access – you have full control over all the files that enter and leave your server.
- Access to free MySQL for total control and management of your Minecraft server.
- Infinite SSD Storage Space – great if you are planning on a lot of mods or customization.
- Free DDOS Prevention to create a secure platform for your Minecraft server.
- 24/7 Live Assistance – you are covered if something goes wrong, or you require assistance.
PROS
CONS
Bisect Hosting Review
Bisect Hosting Server is a leading server hosting provider that specializes in providing powerful, reliable and affordable hosting solutions for businesses of all sizes, and they offer a comprehensive range of hosting packages, from shared hosting plans to enterprise-level managed servers.
For £2.50/ month ($2.99/month), grab 1,024MB of RAM with total root access. Choose to host Java (original) or even Bedrock (for mobile) along with a fast set-up process. The moment you pay, your server will await you.
Solid Infrastructure & Great Customer Experience
Their support team is more than competent at teaching you the basics of sustaining your Minecraft world: mods, hosting, plugins, etc.
Plenty of Server Sites Depending on Plan
Find 15 server sites worldwide, along with eight dedicated to Premium plans. Switch between Budget and Premium as needed: from 1GB for 12 players to 32GB for over 160 players (backup recovery requires a small charge on Budget).
5. MCProHosting - Cheapest High-Performance Minecraft Serve Host (£7.47/Month) 💸
Key Specifications:
- Plugin/Mod Assistance to make the process smooth and simple.
- Total File Accessibility, giving you more control over your hosting.
- Free Web/FTP Access makes it easy to transfer files.
PROS
CONS
MCPro Hosting Review
This is a great option for anyone looking for greater customisation and control over their hosting.
Access to a Range of Features
This solution includes free DDoS prevention, free MySQ, and a customized console. All plans support both Java and Bedrock Edition. Starts at 1.5GB of RAM, with total root access.
Manage Your Server
MCPro are in the process of improving the already customized Multicraft control panel so you can take care of your Minecraft server hosting via an internet browser, for added convenience and ease of use.
Access to Assistance
Any issues, grab assistance from mod packs to plug installs, updates, and relocation servers. Backs ups are daily for no added fee (recovery access too).
20 Site Locations & Unlimited Plans
Find 20 worldwide, with low reduced latency and nearly no downtime. Plans range from £7.47/month ($8.99/month) for ‘Trader’ at 2GB RAM and 35 player slots, to £28.24/month ($33.99/month) for ‘Enderman’, 6GB RAM and 100 player slots.
6. MelonCube - Features-Galore MineCraft Server Hosting service (£2.50/Month) 🎫
Key Specifications:
- 480Gbps DDoS Prevention for ultra-secure servers.
- Limitless Slots & SSD Storage – perfect for handling large numbers of files including mods and customization.
- Multicraft 2.0 – allows you to manage multiple servers from a single interface for added convenience.
- 1Gbps Connection for superfast access and higher speeds.
PROS
CONS
MelonCube Review
With a range of plans and a reputation for great service, this is a safe, reliable option that is great for newbies.
Range of Plans
One of the most attractive features of MelonCube Hosting is the wide range of plans they have on offer. This starts at £2.50/month with just over 1GB of RAM and complete root access.
Good Customer Service
Another great feature of MelonCube is their 24/7 customer support, which can be accessed through chat or telephone for any technical issues you may have with your server. In addition to this, they also offer an uptime guarantee of 99% – meaning that you can rest assured knowing that your website will remain online no matter what happens.
Good Security
In terms of security, MelonCube hosts its servers within highly secure data centres located in Germany, ensuring that your data remains safe at all times. Their data centres use advanced firewalls to protect against DDoS attacks, which are becoming increasingly common for websites today. Moreover, their team regularly runs security checks on their servers, making sure everything is running smoothly without any potential security risks.
Three Servers (US, Canada, France) with a 3-Day Refund
Starting at 1GB RAM on the Zombie plan, up to 48GB RAM with limitless slots/storage. You have three days to request full reimbursement (Dedicated/VPS servers, domains, and add-ons not included).
7. ServerMiner - Best Minecraft Server Hosting with Unlimited Worlds (£5.97/Month) 👽
Key Specifications:
- One-Click Version & Plugin Installs, making this quick and easy to use.
- SMPicnic – ideal for multiplayer games such as Minecraft.
- 50GB Storage Space – ideal for customization.
PROS
CONS
ServerMiner Review
ServerMiner costs £5.97/ month, starting at 1,536MB RAM and total root access.
Very Easy Set-Up
ServerMiner gives you a quick set-up; get hosting right after purchasing your plan. They use the SMPicnic control board, which includes a one-click plugin & version installer, a world chart, player graphing, plus more.
Unlimited Worlds
Let your imagination go to town. Find over 50,000 one-click mods as well as plugins. Upload others. Change mods at any time without world deletions: choose a different mod pack for every word.
Wide Variety of Servers
There are eight server sites worldwide, starting at 1.5GB RAM for 15 players and up to 10GB RAM for 100.
Buying Guide 💳
First, to find the ideal Minecraft hosting provider for your precious worlds: know your needs.
Many addons and features are fairly commonplace (for paid servers), like DDoS security, low latency, MySQL, strong uptimes (close to 100%), etc.
Have You Heard? Builders made this immense Minecraft library island containing banned articles (that were censored in their country of origin) in only three months to fight worldwide censorship.
We’ll list out essential features an effective server should have. (Some will depend on your requirements, such as using Java or Bedrock, so a good sense of what you want first helps…)
RAM
Random Access Memory is what your server requires to manage the software running your game. More RAM = more flexibility with your server: host more players, install more plugs and mods, and create larger worlds. Lower RAM leads to more lag.
Support With Mod Packs/Plugin
Plugins and mods bolster your Minecraft world. Each does different things, and they need separate special frameworks.
Find a server that manages both (it won’t be running at the same time. However, the server should be able to transition between the two smoothly).
Mods and Plug-Ins
Mods use Forge, allowing you to install new in-game items and characters. They’re either installed on your computer or the server. All players will need to have the same mods to use your server.
Plugins, however, operate on CraftBukkit, Spigot, and Paper. These always have to be mounted on your server. Plugins boost the server’s content (or edit it). Any of the players on your server can access them.
Server Sites
The more server sites, the better. There is less possibility of lag (reduced latency), and this gives you extra choices if you believe your server is operating suboptimally and you intend to switch over.
Generally, the server nearest you geographically will be the most ideal. An excellent server host will also provide speed tests on its site.
Server Performance
Check out your server’s performance. Some game servers reveal the ideal server based on your location.
Always decide on a game server that enables you to alter your server location without file deletions or great time delays. Find automated ones (one click, then the transfer takes place); others require a ticket.
Some servers may demand payment for certain locations; therefore be mindful of such charges.
Uptime
Uptime pertains to the condition of the server (offline or up and running). Server hosts generally give an SLA (service level agreement) to ensure minimum uptime. When the server is inaccessible or offline, we call this ‘downtime’.
Providers don’t include routine maintenance in this uptime figure. A dedicated server will notify you ahead of time when upkeep is due. Emergency upkeep is additionally left out of downtime figures and pertains to circumstances where the server needs to fix security breaches promptly.
The best server host sites will show their SLA on their site. If the downtime is an outcome of something not included in the SLA, they'll provide free credit. BeforeBefore deciding on your own Minecraft server, look to see how well they stick to their claims.
DDoS Prevention Measures
In this context, a distributed denial of service (DDoS) is the calculated overuse of a server's reserves. They’re not the most common cybercrime, but they are very serious.
The perpetrator works to separate the site's genuine users from these resources. Cybercriminals drain a site, creating blockages and obstructing valid customers trying to access the servers.
You need to select a website server host with a sturdy DDoS security system. Browse the net for any posts that suggest your selected site has suffered an attack in the past. Any successful attacks in the past boost the likelihood it will happen again.
Automated Backups
Automated back-ups automatically operate without you needing to carry them out. The server site should not require any special request to run its automatic backups (a manual option should also be available for on-demand backups).
Be sure you check out the fine print on server hosting sites. A number of them enforce upper limits (on the number of backups that can be kept). This means automated backups will still need manual installs, or you run the risk of overwriting old ones with new ones.
Recovering from a backup should also be simple. Even better if you can do this without needing to talk to the server hosting site support team. Also note: the best web hosts give backups with your hosting plan, while others bill for it.
Ultra-Low Latency/Ping
Latency, aka ‘ping,’ is the time needed for data packets you send out from your pc to get to the server.
The data pieces must leave your pc, get to the server, be validated by the server, and then come back to you/any other players. Ultra-low latency suggests that data occurs instantaneously (or virtually, completing its circuit too fast to notice or affect game plays).
Your server’s geo-location can affect latency. Choosing a server on the other side of the world can produce lags. Before selecting a server location, perform speed tests (ideally, your server hosting site offers these) to determine which server operates fastest for you.
Allowed Slots (Players) Number
When assessing your server hosting site, look at the number of players/slots you may have: that number equals how many players can play together at once.
A server hosting site MAY provide limitless player slots, yet if you have not bought a plan with adequate RAM, you will not be capable of hosting them all.
Before deciding on the number of player slots, ensure you know the number of players you'll host (how many will participate at once). For example, if you have a community of 10 players, yet only five player slots, no more than five may participate together.
You’re not fixed to one number: all hosting sites offer downgradeable and upgradeable plans. So it’s not an issue if you’ve got a plan with subpar specs (RAM or slots).
Two main reasons to run your own Minecraft server:
Ruler of Your Own World
When you control a Minecraft server, it's your domain. Minecraft server hosting allows you to forge the world, decide on rules and design, determine who can and cannot, and create custom items. This is a place where you decide on mods and plug-ins, and you make the rules – those who don't like it can play elsewhere.
Make a Community
When you operate a Minecraft server, you determine who joins. Over the months and even years, you can establish a community that people fondly return to over and over again.
If people like it, they’ll tell others, spreading the news of your server through the grapevines: you may end up as a very well-known social server. As the owner, you can curate the sorts of people allowed to play.
An essential benefit to managing your personal server is that you can decide on whether to make a small, private community or a goliath one. You choose exactly how large you prefer your server to be (running a podcast? See the best podcast hosting list).
From starting with a circle of good friends welcoming each other to complete strangers finding out about your world – you decide who is permitted in. Through this VIP access, you could develop a huge Minecraft server following.
FAQs
Read on to discover the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
What is The Top Free Minecraft Server Host Site?
The top free Minecraft server hosting option is most likely Aternos is probably your best free host. It was actually created for the sole purpose of giving free server hosting to Minecraft players. With this provider, you’ll have between 8 to 20 player slots with full customizations.
Crucially, it also offers DDoS protection - an essential for Minecraft hosting – and they even throw in free automated backups, 24hr customer support, and plug-in/mod pack compatibility.
What is The Best Amount of RAM for a Minecraft Server?
To figure out just how much RAM you need to have, you need to know the number of players you anticipate will use your server at once. Also, consider the number of mods and plugins you'll actually be making use of.
As a rule of thumb, expect 50MB to be the standard requirement per player, mod, and plug-in (separately). For example, if you are going to have ten players and ten plugins, and ten mods, you will need at minimum 1.5GB of RAM.
What Does it Cost to Host a Modded Minecraft Server?
To run a modded Minecraft server, you will need to have enough RAM accessible. Many server hosting sites do not list out their pricing plans according to the number of mods that can be hosted.
In that instance, you will need to figure out how many mods you have, and then make calculations based on this (50MB per player, mod and/or plug. Add it up).
How Can I Make a Minecraft Server?
So let's say you do not want to rent out a Minecraft server, and you prefer to create one. In that case, some technical know-how and equipment are necessary.
Your computer system is going to need at least:
- DDoS Prevention (to keep your players protected against cybercriminals and hackers)
- 8Ghz CPU (a duo-core processor is recommended as a minimum, and a high-performance CPU)
- 6GB RAM (the minimum advised for running the game and server simultaneously)
- 10MB/s Upload Speeds (you can test this out online for free. Servers with high pings/lags are unpopular)
Keep in Mind
Minecraft may work on one core processor, but if you’re managing a server, you'll need a dual-core.
Now that you have the required specs, you must decide on the Minecraft version you want and then download it to the server computer. We advise starting off with Vanilla if you are a beginner – note that this does block extensions.
Spigot and Bukkit are also not bad for newbies, you just need a little bit of technical know-how. These do allow plugin extensions.
The final step is to get logged in and add your server. This will require you to know your computer's IP address. Add it to the multiplayer screen, and then manage your server settings to enable you to add players.
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