The Best Minecraft Server Hosting In 2022 (Free Or Paid).

Since its release nine years ago, Minecraft remains one of the most popular and beloved games globally. Minecraft's popularity is unstoppable, with more than 126 million users worldwide.

There are many ways that you can play Minecraft with your friends. But the best way is to host your Minecraft server online. If you are one of these players, there is a good chance that you want to take your Minecraft experience to the next level. You can host it on a cheap, reliable server with your favorite mods.

If you want to learn how to start a Minecraft server, be sure to check out this video below.

We've compiled the top Minecraft server hosting providers, so you don't have to be a newbie or want to make a switch.

Let's first look at how resource-intensive Minecraft can be.

Minimum Minecraft Server Hosting Requirements

Hosting games can be difficult, as they consume more resources than other web applications. Minecraft isnt a resource hog, so it can be hosted on web servers that meet certain requirements.

We're talking about Minecraft's basic setups, or pure vanilla as it's known. For such installations and an average player group of up 10 users, you can get by with the bare minimum in the VPS hosting space.

Let's look at the exact requirements for plain Vanilla Minecraft hosting in numbers:

Minimum Requirements:

1GB RAM - 1 Core CPU


Recommended Requirements

- 2GB RAM


- 2 CPU Core


In comparison to hosting providers' standard offerings, storage space requirements are very negligible. We've therefore skipped it altogether. Just make sure that storage is SSD.

Hosting setups that allow for 50 player groups or more will be a better option if your interest is in Minecraft. You might also be interested in custom mods, which will make the requirements even higher.

We recommend that you use a VPS hosting plan such as the Minecraft Villager Plan from Hostinger. It comes with 3GB RAM and costs $12.95/mo. As you can see, the more players you want to host, the higher your potential monthly cost gets.

What are the Top Minecraft Server Hosting Providers in 2022?

As Minecraft continues to grow in popularity, the demand for Minecraft hosting has increased. We've chosen the best-performing ones to make your decision easier.

Here are our top choices for the best Minecraft server hosting this year:

1. Shockbyte

- Instant activation servers upon subscription


- It's SLA covers uninterrupted gaming and guarantees 100% uptime.


- A free subdomain will help you attract more people to your game.


- Offers 24/7 support to assist with problems and other issues.


- Guarantees DDoS protection according to its SLA.


Cons:

- Limited money-back guarantee program.


- Frequent reports on pricing and hidden fees


Shockbyte has earned its reputation as one of the most trustworthy, cheap Minecraft server hosting provider. The company offers a variety of plans with varying RAM sizes to suit any budget.

Shockbyte offers 13 plans. This includes a custom plan that customers can choose from 1 (20+ slot) to 16GB RAM (18+ slots). The company offers some of the most affordable prices on the market. It charges only $2.50 per month for its cheapest plan, and $40 per month for the premium 'Titan. If you are not happy with server performance, all plans come standard with a moneyback guarantee.

Start today with a 25% off code 'LAUNCH.'

2. Apex Hosting

- Access to service administrators via live chat support 24/7.


- Allows you change the server version files with just a few mouse clicks


- Provides low latency on Java or Bedrock across their servers around the world.


- Allows users create a site for their service provider using its free subdomain.


- Supports all types Minecraft mini-games and maps, mods, plugins, and mods.


Cons:

Apex Hosting claims unlimited player slots, but actually limits players.


- Other options with similar features may be available at a lower price.


Apex Hosting has a Trustpilot rating of 4.7 from hundreds of reviewers. This makes it one of the most trusted Minecraft server hosting platforms. You can't go wrong setting up your server with the company, as proven by the 200,000 high-performing servers they've hosted through the years.

The company offers seven tiered plans ranging from 2-10 GB RAM. Each plan is priced lower for the first month, and then it increases to its regular cost. To receive a 10% discount, you can also pay quarterly for each plan. You can also get the Proxy to hide IP address for extra protection.

Get 25% OFF your first month via our link below and start building your Minecraft community.

3. Hostinger

- Uses Multicraft panels to set up servers.


- Comes with extensive selection of preinstalled mods.


- Protects servers from DDoS attacks through its advanced automated hardware protection.


- Offers enterprise-level data backup to quickly restore lost or damaged data


- Players can enjoy low latency regardless of their location by connecting to a global server network.


Cons:

Only higher plans include daily backups, SSH, and SSH access


- No dedicated hosting


- Doens't provide phone support


Hostinger is a top web hosting provider so it is not surprising that it also offers the best Minecraft server hosting providers.

Hostinger offers top-of-the line features at affordable prices. This package is perfect for those who don't have any network or server setup knowledge but still want to enjoy the best Minecraft hosting plan.

All plans include all the features mentioned above as well as at least 2GB RAM or 2 vCPU hardware. Prices range from $6.95 - $77.99 per month, with Wolf Plan offering 16GB RAM and eight vCPU. Each plan comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.

Hostinger allows you to take advantage of limited-time specials on all plans upto 77% off.

... or check out our Hostinger Review.

4. GameTeam

There are 12 server locations available to minimize lags while playing.


- 99.99% uptime guaranteed regardless of server location


- SSDs used in servers provide fast gaming experience with low I/O times


- Full FTP access to manage files and plugins using an FTP client of choice


- Daily backups available for 7 consecutive days


Cons:

- Customer service doesn't reply promptly


- Servers at entry-level tend to slow down when there are multiple players


GameTeam is a relatively new player in the Minecraft hosting industry. It aims at providing users with an industry leading gaming experience at an affordable cost starting at $2.50/month. It supports all the good stuff such as Minecraft Java & Bedrock Edition and 1-click installs for modpacks & plugins in addition to providing players with unlimited number of slots per server. Although the entry-level server will slow down with large numbers of players, it is still a nice feature.

GamTeam's pricing structure is very straightforward. The cheapest plan offers 1.0 GB RAM and $3/month. Higher tier plans offer additional RAM with the most expensive plan providing us with 32 GB RAM at $96.00/month. Additional support is available for modpack installation and plugin configuration, which costs $15.00 per month.

Get started today with a 50% discount for your first month when you use the code '50PERCENT.

5. Spark Host

Featured Partner

- Offers fast and reliable money-back guarantee


- Provides round-the-clock customer support


- Provides DDoS protection


- Offers high-end plans at an affordable price


- Subuser access and subdomain options


Cons:

- No BBB page


- Fairly new player, only 2-3 years in the industry


We recognize Sparked Host as one of the easiest, most affordable and quite powerful solutions out there. Your server will be automatically set up once you have purchased a hosting plan with them. The cost is as low as $1.50 per month. You can start playing instantly via your Minecraft Client or continue setting up the server according to your preferences with additional modpacks. We have found that their support team is always available to help, no matter what modpack or plugin you choose.

So why include Sparked Host on our list? They are most definitely the best value for money! Their servers run on industry-leading hardware. This means that your Minecraft community will run flawlessly on their platform, regardless of whether it is just starting or has a large player base. You should make sure that you choose the right plan for you. You can also find great resources and documentation to help you get started as a server administrator.

Hey, it's fair. Some people might have reservations about starting a minecraft server. Sparked Host is a great server. They are currently rated 4 at the time of this review.

6. ScalaCube

- Provides full control via a custom control panel. - Lets you install over a thousand unique modpacks with just a single click.


- Supports unlimited server slots with powerful VPS servers.


- Get a 50% discount on any subsequent server you order after your first.


Cons:

- No access to customer service during weekends


- Doesn't provide SLA networking


- Doesn't provide refunds


Offering different game servers such as Hytale and Ark, ScalaCube is aware of users' demands across its servers. ScalaCube's Minecraft hosting offers flexibility in how you want your game to launch and better tools for monitoring who is logging in to your server.

Scalacube offers its lowest plan with 768 MB RAM, 3.4 GHz CPU, and slots for 10 players at $2.5/month. The most expensive has 32 GB RAM, 8x3.4 GHz CPU, and 600 player slots at $96/month. Each plan allows you to create an unlimited number of game servers.

...or read our ScalaCube review

7. GG Servers

- Offers high performance processors between 4-5GHz for faster speeds.


Unmetered SSD drive


- Provides an intuitive and customized version of the Multicraft control panels.


- Modpack support available for all server types. Installation is quick and easy.


- Impressive reach, servers in nine locations around world


Cons:

- Overwhelming selection of plans that make it difficult to choose from


- There are frequent complaints about their substandard 24/7 Support ticket feature


GG Servers has provided people with reliable and fast game servers at affordable prices since 2013. The company provides 24/7 support to its customers, with an actual human, for all their server-related needs.

All plans can be purchased with GG Servers Standard or Premium packages. Standard uses DDR4 2133MHz 3.2-4GHz GHz, and Soft RAID 1 (400MB/s. r/w). MySQL Database and unlimited slots are available as add-ons at +$2/month each.

Premium not only includes MySQL and unlimited slots, but it also has better specs - DDR4 2400MHz and 4.4-5GHz GHz and NVMe (2500+M/Bs/w).

Get 50% off for our readers by using the code HOLIDAY50

8. HostHavoc

- Uses SSDs to run its game servers for faster performance and quicker loading.


- 24/7 monitoring of nodes to ensure sufficient server distribution


- Works with all available modpacks (Vanilla, ATLauncher, FTB, Technic etc.)


- Full FTP Access and a web-based File Manager for those who prefer to handle their own files


- Guarantees real person support 24/7 with 15min average response time


Cons:

- Doesnt offer partial refunds


Numerous reported problems with server startups


HostHavoc comes highly recommended in the Minecraft community, with over 730 reviewers rating the company at an average of 4.7 stars out of 5.0 on Trustpilot. With top-notch servers across mainly the US and Europe as well as one center in Australia, the company aims to provide premium service without any compromises.

HostHavoc plans do not provide any budget options budget as the company believes in speed and reliability and caters to those who are willing to pay a bit extra for high-quality Minecraft hosting. The cheapest plan offers 1-4 players and 1GB RAM, while the most expensive plan can host up to 250+ players. Each plan comes with unlimited storage and all earlier mentioned features such as backups, mods, and more.

9. BisectHosting

- High performance SSDs provide reliable and consistent performance.


- Large selection of Minecraft-focused Packages


- Full FTP access is available for file control and plugin management.


- Offers eight server locations.


Cons:

- Inefficient and unreliable customer service


- No dedicated IP available for lower tier packages.


BisectHosting is highly regarded in the Minecraft community. The company has received over 730 reviews, with an average rating of 4.7 stars out 5.0. With top-notch servers in different parts of the globe, the company aims to provide premium service at an affordable budget.

BisectHosting plans are divided into two: premium and budget. Budget packages offer instant setup, Multicraft Control Panel, 24/7 Support, and free subdomains.

Premium packages benefit from the same features as the Budget packages. They also get unlimited slots and more servers from different locations.

10. Nodecraft

- Provides a constant backup, secure FTP login, as well as real-time console stats using NodePanel 2,


- Allows users adjust game settings UI


- Lets users save and swap between 28 game servers anytime.


Cons:

Standard featues have a higher price


Limited currency options for purchases


Nodecraft is another game-hosting company that provides top-notch hardware for its servers worldwide. It uses NodePanel 2, which is a next-generation game server control panel that Nodecraft has developed. This allows you to manage your servers more efficiently.

The price for all plans ranges from $9.98/month to $39.98/month.Gservers.Org They possess the same feature and even host unlimited Minecraft player slots. The difference is in the hardware. The more expensive the plan, the better.

Best Minecraft Server Hosting Options for 2022

1. Server.pro (Freemium)

- Eight countries have data centers that guarantee almost no lag gaming


- Offers daily backups


- Allows users to create custom hostname for server


- Create your own hostname for the server.


- Provides DDoS protection


Cons:

- Customer service does not address specific issues, but simply sends cut and past answers to questions


- Frequent reports of servers shutting down at random


Server.pro, a Swedish game hosting company, offers both paid and free plans. It is easy to use and allows you to host Minecraft servers without spending a lot.

Server.pro is one of the best Minecraft server hosting companies. But aside from having 1 GB RAM, it also serves ads and doesn't include daily backups, multi-admin capabilities, and instant setup, among others.

The Premium ($5-10/month) and Pro ($20-40/month) plans are ad-free and offer everything that the Free plan doesn't. The only difference between them is that the Pro plan provides a dedicated IP and MySQL server with root access.

2. Aternos (Free)

- Allows for full customization so users can change anything and play exactly the way they want


- All available mods and plugins are also free


- Easy to upload customized worlds


Cons:

- Players are capped at 20


- Modpacks and plugins are limited


- RAM is capped at 1.7GB


Aternos is based on the principle that Minecraft must be free in order to provide their services. They will offer their services free of charge, from the RAM to the plugins. They're one of the few portals that gives Minecraft fans free servers to run their own networks.

Since they started operating in 2013, Aternos now has close to 13 million users adn 400,000 gamers.

Aternos Hosting restricts the number of players users can add. They also limit modpacks or plugins. The RAM available is limited to 1.7 GB.

Aternos isnt much, but its great for small groups who want a place to meet and share their experiences.

What to Look for in Best Minecraft Server Hosting?

Now that you have a list of the top Minecraft hosting companies, you need to learn how to choose the one that is right for you. You should consider the following key factors when making a decision about your Minecraft hosting company.

Let's take a look on some of the most important.

#1. The right server location

To avoid lag, servers must be located near players' locations. Hosting players from all around the world is impossible. But if you are hosting players in a specific region or country, make sure that the company has servers closest to your area.

#2. #2.

To provide players with seamless, uninterrupted gaming, the se