Minecraft boasts a staggering 141 million players, forming a vibrant community. Most gather and play on various online servers. While some run on personal systems, others leverage third-party hosts. As a result, numerous hosting services cater to Minecraft enthusiasts like you, offering a gateway to online adventures. We present concise reviews of each, aiding your selection process. Alternatively, official Minecraft Realm servers offer another avenue. Without further ado, here are the premier Minecraft server hosts of 2022.
Top Minecraft Server Hosting Services (2022)
Due to reliability concerns and limited functionality, we won’t discuss free alternatives or direct Minecraft multiplayer server providers. Instead, we’ll focus on hosting providers suitable for building and hosting your server.
Key Factors in Choosing a Minecraft Server Host
Minecraft’s online dependency means it has lower hardware demands compared to most games. Here are the essential requirements, along with recommended specifications if your budget allows:
| Requirements | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| RAM | 1 GB | 3 GB |
| Processor | Intel Pentium 4 2.8 GHz or AMD Athlon XP 2600+ & better |
Intel Core or AMD K8 CPUs & better |
| Storage | 2 GB | 5 GB |
| Location | Reliable with Good Uptime | Same Country or Continent as Players |
| Players | 1-5 | 15-20 |
These estimates stem from user experiences and data collected by the Minecraft Wiki. Playing with few or no mods and a small group of up to 3 friends may require less than our minimum stated requirements. However, if the player count increases, consider increasing your RAM allocation, as it is crucial for optimal performance. Allocating 200 MB of RAM per player is a simple method to ensure sufficient resources.
Reasons to Host Your Own Minecraft Server
Running your own Minecraft server may seem daunting, but its benefits outweigh the costs and efforts involved. Here are some key reasons to host your own Minecraft server:
- Setting the Rules: You are the rule-maker of your world. Literally. From Minecraft’s biomes to the maximum player power, you have full control.
- Mods & Texture Packs: Taking control to the next level, you can use mods and texture packs in your game. These can change almost everything in Minecraft. Thanks to the large Java community, there are numerous free Minecraft mods to explore. For Bedrock players, Minecraft Realms with monthly content might be preferable.
- Creating Community: A self-controlled Minecraft server often comes with benefits, including forums, domains, and even full-fledged community websites.
- Admin Control: In online gaming, toxic players pose a significant challenge. Hosting your server grants you the power to lock, punish, and blacklist disruptive players in your Minecraft world. Concerned parents can also restrict access to ensure only their child’s friends can join.
- 24/7 Access: Externally hosted servers, distinct from those on your PC, offer continuous operation. Once server costs are covered, providers handle maintenance and electricity, ensuring you and your friends can access the server at any time.
Top Minecraft Server Hosting Services
Now that you understand server capabilities and what to consider, let’s highlight the top Minecraft server hosting services of 2022. Explore each service’s pros and cons to choose the best fit for your needs.
1. Hostinger
Chances are, you’re already familiar with Hostinger due to its popularity and reputation. It stands out among general hosting providers for offering dedicated Minecraft servers. These servers operate on VPN infrastructure, ensuring dedicated resources and a minimum of 2 GBs of RAM. Additionally, Hostinger provides excellent technical support and offers almost instant setup for Minecraft.
Multiple packages are available, ranging from the cheapest plan at $8.95/month to $77.99/month. While the control panel appears clean, it may initially seem overwhelming, but it’s straightforward to begin. Additionally, Hostinger serves as a global website hosting provider, offering convenient payment options worldwide.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| 30-day money-back guarantee | Competitors offer cheaper plans |
| Instant plan changes | Limited ready-to-install mods and plugins |
| Changeable server hosting | No free domains |
| 99.99% uptime, automatic backups | Only 5 server locations |
| Support for VOIP | |
| Variable pricing, International payment options |
Price: starts at $8.95/month (usually discounted to $6.95/month)
Get Started with Hostinger
2. Apex Hosting
One popular hosting option for players and streamers setting up custom Minecraft servers is ApexHosting. Besides basic servers, they offer automated backups, one-click modpacks, and instant setup. Apex provides a user-friendly control system, along with detailed video guides and professional support.
If you need to connect multiple servers, consider purchasing proxy plans. Support is available for various multiplayer games like Rust and Valheim. While their control panel offers numerous options, it can be overwhelming. However, their reliable support system and instructional videos ensure you maximize its potential.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Free subdomains | Supports only 5 currencies |
| Premade Minigames | Larger plans slightly more expensive than peers |
| 200+ ready to install mods | Only 7-day money-back guarantee |
| On-site Guides to fix errors | Slightly complex server migration process |
| Pre-made seeds for custom results | |
| 99.9% uptime with automated backups | |
| Free test servers available |
Price: $7.49/ month for 1st month; $9.99 thereafter
Start with Apex Hosting
3. Shockbyte
For quality on a budget, Shockbyte is ideal. Starting at $2.50/month, it offers top performance without compromise. Shockbyte boasts unmatched offerings in Minecraft server hosting, including 100% uptime, free subdomains, cross-compatibility, and more.
Even the most basic plan includes 1 GB of RAM, sufficient for hosting a server for a group of close friends. Expanding options, there’s also a choice to customize your package based on server requirements. However, a potential downside emerges from user reviews citing monetary issues. ShockByte faces criticism for limited currency support, a short refund window, and reports of additional fees on support forums.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Cheaper pricing than peers | Limited currency support |
| Free subdomain; DDOS protection | Only 72-hour refund policy |
| Claimed 100% uptime & automated backups | Several users reported additional fees & pricing issues |
| Free Buycraft and Enjin trials | |
| Quarterly, semi-annually payment options available | |
| Offers cross-compatible servers |
Price: starts at $2.50/month
Get Started with ShockByte
4. Bisect Hosting
Bisect Hosting is a server provider emphasizing flexibility, with plans starting at $2.99 per month. With a wide array of plans to choose from, Bisect caters to the diverse needs of Minecraft players online. By inputting your requirements into Bisect’s system, the AI efficiently identifies the most suitable plan.
Notably, Bisect exceeds the competition by offering support for up to 32 GB of RAM, compared to the industry standard of 16 GB. Moreover, their hosting services extend to 11 other popular games, such as Counter-Strike and Team Fortress 2, ensuring reliable performance and response times.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Wide range of package options | Limited backups for budget options |
| High-end packages | Premium users have limited server locations |
| Includes free sub-domain and MySQL database | Modpack installation incurs extra charges on budget options |
| Utilizes Multicraft control panel |
Price: starts at $2.99/month
Start with Bisect
5. Scalacube
Among the affordable options, Scalacube stands out. It’s the sole Minecraft server hosting service in our list that provides a free tier. Their plans range from $2.50 to $96, with one-click installation for over 1000 mods. Additionally, you’ll receive a custom forum and a Minecraft launcher, enhancing personalization.
Scalacube also offers high-end servers with 32 GBs of RAM, similar to Bisect. While its pricing appears competitive, it lacks instant support and free backups. Nonetheless, if you seek to try hosting a Minecraft server for free, Scalacube offers a starting point.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Free hosting options | Limited currency support |
| Free sub-domain | No refunds |
| Custom launcher and forum support | Users claim lag in reviews |
| High-end packages available | No free backups |
| Custom Guide to get started | Lack of instant support |
| Testable servers |
Price: starts at $2.5/month; also offers a free option
Get Started with Scalacube
6. Sparked Host | Affordable Minecraft Server Hosting
At just $1.5 per month, Sparked Host offers the most affordable Minecraft server hosting available. While they offer a range of budget-friendly plans, their server options are somewhat limited. They assure customers that they utilize enterprise-level servers to maintain quality while reducing costs.
Despite the low prices, performance quality may vary, as indicated by user reviews. However, the site provides a service recommendation feature to simplify server selection, even with limited options. For those interested in trying their services for less than $1, a 24-hour free trial is also available.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Affordable hosting | No Money-back guarantee |
| 24/7 live support | Limited currency options |
| Subuser privileges | Complex location change |
| Subdomains available | |
| Competitive pricing for premium plans |
Price: starts at $1.5/month; free trial offered
Start Now with Nodecraft
7. Nodecraft
Concluding our list, we highlight Nodecraft, known for its reliability. Supporting up to 30 games, their team excels in multiplayer gaming. Apart from offering cost-effective server options, they provide dedicated apps for server management. Plans start at $9.98/month, allowing game switching on the same server. Additionally, they offer a free trial without requiring payment information.
Nodecraft distinguishes itself by never overselling servers, ensuring you receive the exact service you pay for regardless of active users. Although they support various games for online hosting, their server packages are limited.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Multi-game support on one server | 7-day money-back guarantee only |
| Dedicated mobile apps | Limited currency support |
| 24/7 Online & On-Call support | Slightly overwhelming control panel |
| Backup snapshots included with each plan | More expensive than peers |
| Regular contests and offers | |
| Custom unique control panel |
Price: starts at $9.98/month; free trial offered
Get Started with NodeCraft
Explore Top Minecraft Server Hosting
Discover the finest Minecraft server hosting services here. Once you’ve found what you like, dive right in. Alternatively, delve into the world of Minecraft maps or explore creative house ideas for your server. You can also connect with other server hosts via Minecraft discord channels for insights. Offline players seeking affordable hosting options can find exceptional experiences in these top Minecraft modpacks.
If you encounter any confusion in selecting a hosting service, our comment section welcomes your queries. Our team stands ready to assist you in making the best decision.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
