It seems that Minecraft isn’t losing popularity. The game allows you to explore a 3-dimensional block-like world. This world can be created, modified, or destroyed. It’s not unlike a virtual Lego.
It is possible to play Minecraft solo. It’s the multiplayer mode that is really where the fun is. You can interact with other players. You have four options to enable multiplayer games: you can play on a Local Area Network, Minecraft Realms, or split-screen.
An online server is our top recommendation. It allows me to build your entire environment and create your own community. You will need to rent a server through a hosting company.
However, not all services are created equal.
So we purchased plans from all the providers that offer Minecraft server hosting plans. After careful testing, extensive observation, and rigorous elimination, we narrowed down my top choices. This article will list the top Minecraft server hosting companies.
Contents
Minimal Minecraft server requirements
As a game, Minecraft doesn’t consume a lot of resources. This helps us to keep costs low. But, it is important to consider minimal requirements when you are considering multiplayer or modded servers.
The three most important resources to monitor are CPU, memory, and storage. You must ensure that your server meets the minimum requirements. These 3 resources are crucial for the performance of your Minecraft server hosting.
You can manage with very basic specifications for Minecraft server hosting. This is the server’s basic unmodified version — or Vanilla server as it is more commonly known.
VPS hosting plans should easily be able to handle vanilla Minecraft servers with around 10 players. These are the minimum resources that you will need:
- 1GB RAM
- SSD storage
- 1 CPU
You will need to have more resources if you want to take your business to the next level.
RAM is a key component in this game. For every 20-27 players, 1GB RAM is sufficient. Also, 1GB RAM is required for every three plugins. For smooth gaming, don’t forget to include the CPU.
You will need this to get the best-modded server hosting experience with around 50-100 players.
- 24GB RAM
- SSD storage
- 4 CPUs
Storage is not an important factor in this case until it’s based upon SSD drives.
Minecraft server hosting is very simple. However, it’s vital to ensure that your chosen provider meets these essential requirements in order to enjoy a smooth gaming experience.
1) AccuWeb Hosting
If you talk about a “perfect” and “no-complaint” host for supporting Minecraft gaming, then the one and only name that hits the mind is AccuWebHosting. Their plans’ variety is so large that they’ve got something for everybody.
Latency has never been an issue with AccuWebHosting, and that makes it a great host for gaming. Here’s a cool fact, just to amaze you. Their Linux VPS Classic plan costs you just $5, and it offers more than double what you pay.
That was just an example showing how affordable AccuWebHosting is, even after being the best in the best Minecraft server hosting countdown.
However, for Minecraft, we’d recommend you something bigger.
After deeply analyzing their 14 special gaming dedicated server plans, we concluded that Game-2 is the best plan they offer at $109. You get mind-blowing features like:
- Intel i7-7700K (4c,8t) 4.2 GHZ Processor
- V Disc
- Unmetered bandwidth
- 500 Mbps network speed (great for a huge multiplayer Minecraft game)
- And much more…
On the low-budget side, you can opt for their VPS plans. Here are the top 3 for you:
- Pearl
- Diamond
- Emerald
All these are fully managed plans that come with features like:
Main features:
- 3 vCPU Cores
- 60 GB SSD Storage
- 2 GB Guaranteed RAM
- Remote Desktop Access
- 24/7 Live Support
- 99.9% Uptime
- 7 Days Money Back Guarantee
- 2 Dedicated IP Address (IPV4)
Pros
- Ultra-fast hosting
- Unbeatable value for money ratio
- One of the most appreciable support staff in the hosting industry
- The high customer satisfaction rate
- Versatility is hosting plans (both VPS and dedicated gaming servers)
- Multiple data center locations across the world.
Cons
- Sorry, nothing to mention yet
2) Hostinger
Hostinger is a secure, easy-to-use host site. You can set up your server in minutes and have access to Virtual Private Server (VPS) within seconds of registering and paying for it.
Multicraft’s control panel is used by this host. It allows you to backup your server in just a few clicks and restore it in seconds. Password changes are easy, and you can also install mod packs or plugins directly from your control panel.
Hostinger’s customer support team will be there for you right from the start. The Hostinger website also has tutorials to help you set up the server. They will help you set up your server if you have any questions or if you need assistance. Hostinger offers five locations worldwide where you can move your server for the lowest latency.
There are five server levels to choose from: Alex (best for new hosts with less than 70 players) to Enderman (bigger bandwidth and unlimited players). You can upgrade your hosting account from the client dashboard as you grow and add new players. Hostinger allows you to create your Minecraft worlds, and it doesn’t affect your data or settings.
Hostinger’s refund policy is another thing that makes it stand out. Hostinger will refund your money if you are not completely satisfied within 30 days. Hostinger would deduct the cost of the domain from any refund if your plan included a domain name.
Main features:
- Instant setup
- DDoS protection
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Free MySQL
- Multicraft panel
- Full-time development team
- Mobile app
- PCI-DDS compliant
- Dual-CPU hardware
- Automatic off-site backups
Pros
- Full Support
- Select Closer Server for Lowest Latency
- Automatic Offline Back-ups
Cons
- No Traditional cPanel (but Easier Version)
- Must Log in for Live Chat Support
3) ScalaCube
ScalaCube hosts Minecraft Pocket Edition. Minecraft PE is the mobile version. However, it’s also available via the Bedrock engine. These versions are called Bedrock editions.
You can set up your server in a matter of seconds with just one click. After you have purchased a server, click through the control panel and choose PocketMine or Nukkit as the server’s administrator. ScalaCube’s control panel lets you set up unlimited game servers, with plans ranging from 10 to 600 slots depending on the mods and plugins that you have installed.
The customer service team provides tutorial videos and instructions. You can also open a live chat to receive personal assistance at any hour of the day or night. You can also submit tickets right from your control panel. ScalaCube offers an automated backup system which they can restore from, if necessary.
ScalaCube’s control panel allows you to create your personal Minecraft launcher. Edit the server list as well as the mods list for each server. For a seamless transition, your launcher can connect players with your server by downloading all their files.
There are nine plans that offer servers with RAM ranging from 768MB up to 32GB. ScalaCube’s customer service team can help you determine if you should upgrade or if the right level is best for you. ScalaCube offers servers with ultra-low latency at four locations around the world.
Main features:
- DDoS protection
- Free MySQL
- Instant setup
- BungeeCord support
- Unlimited slots
- Multiple servers
- Backup system
- Custom PHAR/JAR
- Plugin/Mod/Mod pack support
- Website and forum
- Free domain
- Custom launcher
Pros
- No-Cost for Domain
- Online Forum Comes With Site
- Personalized Launcher
Cons
- Presales Support Not Great
- FTP a Little Slow (but Still Handy)
4) ApexHosting
Apex Hosting makes it easy to use and provides secure servers for hosting Minecraft worlds. After you have selected and paid for your server plan, you will be up and running in five minutes. Apex Hosting uses Multicraft’s control panel. They have modified it to make it easier to manage files and edit configurations, as well as change server versions.
The user-friendly panel allows you to easily customize your Minecraft server. The control panel also includes a plugin manager that allows you to install mods and plugins on any server version.
Apex Hosting’s customer support team is among the best in Minecraft. They have over 100,000 satisfied customers and can assist you in running a successful Minecraft server. You will also have ready-made tutorials and online chats 24 hours a day with their customer support team. In addition, for the lowest latency, you can move your server between Apex Hosting’s 15 (and soon to be 16) global locations.
There are 13 hosting packages available, ranging from 1GB up to 16GB. All plans include unlimited storage and play slots. You can upgrade or downgrade as often as you wish. You can choose from plans that suit all levels of hosts. Apex Hosting has DDoS protection and backs up servers automatically.
Main features:
- DDoS protection
- Java and Bedrock servers
- 99% uptime
- Instant setup
- All mod and plugin support
- 24/7 chat and ticket support
- Premium hardware and low latency
- Premade minigames
- Automated backups
- Over 200 1-click-Mod pack installers
- Full FTP and MySQL database access
- Free subdomain
Pros
- Premade Minigames
- Uptime at 99%
- Over 200 1-click-Mod Pack Loaders
Cons
- Pricey Recurring Prices
- Dedicated IP Not Included
5) MCProHosting
MCProHosting is capable of hosting Bedrock (the mobile edition) or Java (the original version). Five minutes is all this setup consumes. The host uses a Multicraft control panel which allows you to manage the server, install different server types and modify files. OneControlCenter is currently being beta-tested by MCProHosting.
Live chat is available (9 a.m. – 1 a.m. ET. ET) or submit a ticket. The MCProHosting website has answers for almost any server question.
They can help with everything, right from setting up, mod pack, and plugin installations to upgrading, downgrading, and relocating servers.
MCProHosting regularly backs up servers and stores the backups for no additional charge. Access to recovery is also free.
MCProHosting boasts nearly 20 server locations around the world, which have low latency and virtually no downtime. There are many plans available for Java hosts, including Herobrine (unlimited) and Steve (1GB RAM up to 20 players). The bedrock plans include Phantom (256MB RAM) and Llama (3GB RAM for unlimited players). The MCProHosting team can help you customize your server using mod packs and plugin setup plans (Server Management Packages), which are available as an upgrade to any plan.
If you are not happy with MCProHosting’s service, you can get a full refund within seven business days. The service fees you have paid are non-refundable.
Main features:
- Curated service
- Plugin/Mod support
- 24/7 support
- Enterprise hardware
- Worldwide locations
- Instant setup
- Full file access
- Free web/FTP file access
- Free MySQL
- Custom control panel
- DDoS protection
- Instant cancellation
- Unlimited RAM
- 99.99% uptime SLA
- Unlimited storage
Pros
- Unlimited RAM/Storage
- 99.99% Uptime SLA
- Cancel Instantly
Cons
- Tad Expensive
- Live Chat Not 24/7
Buying Guide
To find the perfect Minecraft server hosting site for your Minecraft world’s needs, first, you must know what your requirements are.
For paid servers, many add-ons and features are commonplace. These include MySQL, strong uptimes (closer to 100%), DDoS security (low latency); we will list the essential features that a server must-have.
RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is something your server needs to run your game’s software. More RAM means more flexibility for your server. You can host more people, install more mods and plugs, and create bigger worlds. Low RAM means more lag.
Support with Mod Packs/Plugin
Mods and plugins can be used to enhance your Minecraft world. Each mod does something different and requires a separate framework.
You should find a server that can manage both. It won’t have to be running simultaneously, but the server should be capable of seamlessly switching between them. Your server will require all players to have the same mods.
Server locations
The better the server sites are, the more you get. This reduces the chance of lag (reduced delay), which gives you more options if your server is not performing optimally and you wish to change. The server closest to you will generally be the best. A great server host will offer speed testing on its site.
Uptime
The server’s status (online, up and running) is called “uptime.” A service level agreement (SLA) is usually offered by server hosts to ensure minimal downtime. This is also known as ‘downtime.’ Server host sites that are the best will display their SLA on their website.
Ultra-Low Latency/Ping
Latency, also known as ‘ping,’ is the delay it takes for data packets to reach the server from your computer. Low latency means that data is available instantly. Your server’s geo-location can affect latency. Perform speed tests before you choose a server location.
