Best Minecraft Server Hosting Services of 2024

Hosting a Minecraft server can be a fun, educational, exciting, and even profitable endeavor. First things first, unless you plan to actually install a giant server in your basement and have somebody sitting next to it 24/7, then you’ll want to rent that Minecraft server from a professional, which frees you up to actually manage it and play the game and do all that fun stuff.

This isn’t a guide about how to set up a Minecraft server or how to monetize it, we’re strictly looking at the best Minecraft server hosting options to help you choose where to take that first step.

Let’s take a look at our top 10 Minecraft server hosting companies in 2024:

Here’s our list of the best Minecraft server hosting companies on the market and below them, you’ll find a quick description of their pros and cons, as well as some pricing information too.

• Apex Hosting – Exceptional hosting services at a good price.
• Shockbyte – Best overall Minecraft hosting service with great pricing.
• Hostinger – Mainstream hosting provider with powerful Minecraft servers.
• BisectHosting – Fantastic customer support and location coverage.
• Nodecraft – A very good option for hosting multiple servers for Minecraft.
• ScalaCube – A cheaper Minecraft host but still a very reliable one.
• MCProHosting – Expensive but a good host for your Minecraft server.
• Anvilnode – Best hosting for Minecraft servers with 15+ Players.

Any one of these hosts is a great pick, so find the one that has what you want and fits in your budget, even if it is ranked #5 or #7. We are not including any sub-par hosts on this list, there are all excellent choices with GameServers on-top.

1. Apex Hosting: Best Minecraft Hosting for the Price ($1.49 for the first month)

Apex Hosting is our top choice because of multiple reasons. They have a familiar setup, very low latency, and the ability to install modpacks in just a click or two, which is handy for people who are newer to running Minecraft servers or just don’t want to spend time mucking around when things could be done much more easily.

Their control panel is easy to use, specifically tailored for Minecraft. They provide quick setup, DDoS protection, and 24/7 support, suitable for both small and large servers.

Apex Hosting offers a wide range of Minecraft versions and modpacks, making it a versatile choice for gamers. As the official host for the Technic Platform, they support popular versions like FTB, ATL, Bukkit, and Vanilla. You can easily switch between different server versions, keeping your gaming experience fresh and exciting.

When it comes to pricing, Apex Hosting offers various monthly plans to fit different budgets, all priced in USD. For an extra $5 per month, they provide premium support. This means they handle the technical stuff like uploading plugins and mods for you. They also offer a dedicated IP address for $4 per month, slightly more than other hosts.

Overall, Apex Hosting stands out with its affordable starting price and valuable features. Their automatic backup system is a highlight, giving you peace of mind in case of any issues. While premium support might cost extra, it can be a worthwhile investment for hassle-free gaming. Apex Hosting strikes a balance between affordability, functionality, and customer support, making it a great option for Minecraft players.

Apex Hosting Discounts

They offer 50% off your first payment, so here is a host where it is really worthwhile to pay annually in advance since you will save half the price. Their most basic server, for the first year, will cost you $22.50 instead of $44.99, and it is the same all the way up to their Bedrock 6GB server for 200 players, where you will literally save hundreds of dollars in your first year.

2. Shockbyte: Overall Cheapest Minecraft Server Hosting in 2024 (only $1.87 with discount)

Established back in 2013, Shockbyte is one of the longest-running Minecraft hosting providers around. The company originates from Australia but nowadays its services are popular with gamers all over the world. Shockbyte’s mission is to offer premium quality servers at rock-bottom prices, and they seem to be well on their way towards achieving that goal.

Shockbyte revolutionizes your gaming experience with instant setup, support for all mod packs, and a reliable 100% uptime guarantee. You get full FTP access, a free subdomain, and a complimentary MySQL database. The service boasts unlimited SSD storage, bandwidth, snapshot support, DDoS protection, and a Multicraft control panel. Each plan is designed to support an unlimited number of players, offering more flexibility than the suggested player counts. The only slight limitation is its choice of four server locations.

Starting at $2.50 per month for 1 GB of RAM, Shockbyte stands out for its affordability. The entry tier accommodates up to 20 players, but there’s no strict cap on player count. For more demanding needs, premium packages like Spartan, Zeus, and Titan range from $25 to $40 per month, offering additional resources. Note that pricing for Asia Pacific servers is different.

Customer support is available 24/7 through live chat or a ticket system. For self-service, there’s a comprehensive knowledge base and FAQs on the website, alongside a YouTube channel with Minecraft tutorials and tips.

In summary, Shockbyte offers excellent performance, a range of features, and unlimited slots at a competitive price. While it has some minor limitations, these are small compared to the overall value, especially for US-based server users. Shockbyte is an excellent choice for Minecraft hosting that balances cost with features.

Shockbyte Discounts

Shockbyte is currently offering an out of this world deal, to take advantage of it, click here. If you buy hosting for 1 year, you get 25% off with this coupon code: MAMBOSERVER; this means you can get 1 year of Minecraft hosting for only $22.44, which’s less than $1.87 per month. Truly a bargain you can’t miss, and if you wanna commit to an everlasting Minecraft world then you should know that coupon code INTERSTELLAR gives you a huge 25% discount for life on all Semi-Annual and Annual hosting plans.

3. Hostinger: Robust Minecraft Server Hosting at a Good Price

Hostinger is a bit unusual in that it’s one of the few mainstream hosting providers that offers game servers. The company is primarily known for its cheap shared hosting services along with its VPS and cloud hosting solutions. But despite the fact that Hostinger doesn’t specialize exclusively in Minecraft servers, it can easily get the job done just as well as any other company of this list, perhaps even better in some cases.

Hostinger stands out as a top choice for those seeking feature-rich hosting services. It offers fast SSD storage, advanced DDoS protection, cloud-based server backups, and MySQL databases. You also get full root access, extensive mod support, and a 99.9% uptime guarantee. The setup is streamlined with the Multicraft panel, and there are five data centers to choose from. Additionally, Hostinger offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a notably affordable shared hosting plan at just $0.99 per month, ideal for those considering a Minecraft blog.

In terms of specifications and pricing, Hostinger sets itself apart by not limiting the number of slots. This means you can fully utilize the high-end servers according to your needs. The pricing, however, is a bit higher than many Minecraft hosting providers. The basic plan starts at $8.95 per month for a dual-core machine with 2GB of RAM, while the top-tier plan costs $29.95 per month, offering 8GB of RAM and an octa-core CPU. All plans come with unlimited storage.

Hostinger prides itself on exceptional customer support, available 24/7 via live chat and phone. They also have a comprehensive help center, although it’s not solely focused on Minecraft hosting, reflecting the company’s broader range of services.

Overall, Hostinger is renowned in the hosting industry for its solid track record and range of services. While not exclusively focused on Minecraft servers, this offers a variety of hosting options. The main drawback is the cost, with plans starting at $8.95 per month, making it more suitable for medium to large Minecraft communities. For a more in-depth look, Hostinger’s full review is readily available.

4. BisectHosting: Great Entry-level Minecraft Hosting Plans

BisectHosting is one of those “by gamers for gamers” types of companies. Established in February 2012 by a group of Minecraft enthusiasts who were unhappy with the state of the market at the time, BisectHosting quickly grew into a force to be reckoned with. These days the company also offers servers for other games like Terraria, Rust, and even the recently released Valheim, however, Minecraft remains its top priority.

If you’re diving into the world of Minecraft hosting, BisectHosting emerges as a standout choice, offering a rich tapestry of features to elevate your gaming experience. Whether you’re navigating through the pixelated realms of Bedrock/mobile or delving into the modded complexities of the game, BisectHosting has you covered. Key highlights include the ease of instant setup, comprehensive FTP access, daily backups to safeguard your virtual worlds, and the sleek Pterodactyl control panel. Opting for a Premium package opens up a treasure trove of extras like a free dedicated IP, robust DDoS protection, and unlimited slots, among others, all accessible across an impressive network of 18 data centers worldwide.

When it comes to affordability, BisectHosting scores high without compromising on quality. Starting at a modest $2.99 per month, you can kickstart your Minecraft server journey with a basic plan that includes 1 GB of RAM and support for up to 12 players. For those seeking more, standard packages range up to $23.92 monthly, offering up to 96 slots. However, the allure of Premium plans is undeniable, with unlimited slots and NVMe SSD storage starting at just $7.99 per month, providing a seamless experience without the hassle of resource limitations.

Support is another cornerstone of BisectHosting’s service, boasting a reliable customer support team that’s just a ticket away. While they also offer Discord and live chat, tickets are your go-to for swift resolutions. Available 24/7, the team prides itself on a response time of about 20 minutes. Additionally, a comprehensive knowledge base offers over 100 articles, covering everything from server customization to the ins and outs of modding.

In summary, BisectHosting doesn’t just offer Minecraft server hosting; it provides a gateway to an enhanced gaming experience. With its combination of flexible features, competitive pricing, and stellar support, it stands as a top choice for gamers and mod enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re starting small or going big with a premium package, BisectHosting is equipped to meet your Minecraft hosting needs with excellence.

5. Nodecraft: Free Minecraft Server Hosting to Start Off

Nodecraft if a fairly typical jack-of-all-trades game server provider that supports a wide variety of titles. At the moment there are 29 games to choose from, including of course Minecraft. What’s great about the service is that you can host servers for multiple games and can freely switch between them at any time. As far as the Minecraft servers, in particular, are concerned, they can be a bit expensive but Nodecraft offers a number of incentives to sweeten the pot.

Nodecraft sets itself apart in the Minecraft server hosting arena with an enticing offer: the chance to embark on your server hosting journey for free, courtesy of a no-strings-attached trial. This trial period doesn’t require credit card details, making the process of trying out their services worry-free. If you decide to stay beyond the trial, you’ll be greeted with a suite of features including instant setup, unlimited slots, a bespoke control panel (NodePanel) accessible on both desktop and mobile, DDoS protection, a dedicated IP, and the option for debranding. Nodecraft also boasts an impressive global reach with 14 data centers and offers peace of mind with a 7-day money-back guarantee.

However, transitioning from the free trial to a paid plan reveals Nodecraft’s pricing to be on the higher side compared to competitors. The entry-level package is priced at $9.98 per month, offering 1GB of RAM and 5GB of SSD storage. While these resources may seem modest, the silver lining is the provision of unlimited slots and the flexibility to run multiple game server instances under any plan—ideal for those looking to host various games. Nevertheless, for users focused on a single game server, this feature might not hold as much value.

Nodecraft shines in the support department, standing out with around-the-clock access to live chat, a ticket system, and a toll-free phone service for all customers. Beyond these direct support channels, Nodecraft extends its community engagement through Discord, YouTube, a vibrant blog, and community forums, offering a plethora of resources for server management and troubleshooting. Although their knowledgebase is somewhat limited in content, the array of other support options ensures you’re well-covered for any queries or issues that might arise.

Overall, Nodecraft is a compelling choice for those who delve into hosting servers for multiple games, thanks to its versatile server management capabilities and robust support network. The platform is particularly appealing to content creators, offering special programs for YouTubers and Twitch streamers. While the pricing may lean towards the premium side, the initial free trial, combined with the rich feature set and exceptional support, positions Nodecraft as a noteworthy contender in the Minecraft server hosting space, especially for those prioritizing flexibility and reliability.

6. ScalaCube: Most Reliable Minecraft Hosting in January 2024

ScalaCube is an Estonian company that started out small back in 2015 but has since become a very popular server provider for games like Rust, Ark: Survival Evolved, and of course, Minecraft. The service is very straightforward and simple to use, which makes it a great choice for beginners. However, don’t dismiss ScalaCube if you’re an experienced user because there are some interesting advanced features here that you’re likely to enjoy.

ScalaCube stands out in the crowded Minecraft server hosting space with its unique offering: the ability to craft your own Minecraft launcher directly from the control panel. This personalized launcher not only enhances your gaming experience by allowing for automatic server or mod list activation upon game start but also positions ScalaCube as a hub for mod enthusiasts. With support for all the top mods and effortless one-click installs for over a thousand modpacks, ScalaCube caters to a wide array of Minecraft players’ needs.

Beyond the custom launcher, ScalaCube introduces the concept of limitless server creation from a single account, elevating flexibility for server administrators. Accompanying these servers are complimentary perks like a pre-configured website and forum, a free domain, MySQL database support, automatic backups, DDoS protection, and FTP access. Opting for ScalaCube means your server is housed on a virtual private server (VPS), ensuring dedicated resources without the worry of sharing with others.

Pricing at ScalaCube starts at a competitive $5 per month for both Java and Pocket Edition versions, with every package boasting unlimited player slots—a notable benefit over many competitors. While resources such as RAM and SSD storage are finite, thus requiring judicious management of player numbers to maintain performance, the base package’s 768 MB of RAM and 10 GB of SSD storage should comfortably support around 10 players. New customers can enjoy a 50% discount on any package for the first month, with additional paid options available for custom domains and dedicated IPs.

Support from ScalaCube is accessible and prompt, with a 24/7 presence via email and live chat, although it’s worth noting that ticket requests and live chat are primarily intended for current customers. While ScalaCube may not boast an extensive array of self-help resources, its website does offer valuable guides and tutorials for common tasks and troubleshooting.

In summary, ScalaCube presents a compelling package for Minecraft server hosting, highlighted by its custom launcher and the capacity for unlimited server creation. Coupled with a set of comprehensive features like a free website and forum, and the allure of unlimited player slots across all plans, ScalaCube is a strong contender for gamers and server administrators alike. The monthly payment structure is a minor consideration when weighed against the value and features ScalaCube offers, making it a highly recommended choice for those in search of a dedicated Minecraft hosting solution.

7. MCProHosting: Exceptional Minecraft Community and Support

MCProHosting is one of the oldest providers of Minecraft servers on the market. The company was established back in 2011 shortly after the game’s initial launch with the express purpose of offering quality and affordable servers for all fans of Minecraft. Since then, the company has expanded quite a bit and is currently also offering servers for games like Rust, CS: GO, Conan Exiles, and more. That said, Minecraft continues to be MCProHosting’s bread and butter to this day.

If you’re on the hunt for a server provider packed with features to make your Minecraft adventures even more epic, MCProHosting is going to feel like finding treasure. Imagine picking from 13 different spots around the globe for your server, and the moment you sort out your payment, your server is up and running like magic. And managing your virtual realm? It’s a breeze with their custom control panel that’s not just intuitive but comes loaded with all the bells and whistles you’d hope for.

Diving into what MCProHosting has on the table, every package is a sweet deal with unlimited storage, a free MySQL database, a complimentary subdomain, full FTP access, and DDoS protection to keep your gaming adventures smooth and uninterrupted. Most of the goodies, including mod/plugin support and automatic backups, come free of charge. Yet, if you’re looking to amp up your game even further, there are a few premium features that might catch your eye for a little extra each month.

When it comes to the specifics, MCProHosting doesn’t play favorites with Minecraft editions, offering support for both Bedrock and Java. For the Bedrock enthusiasts, plans start at a wallet-friendly $1.49 per month, though it’s a bit on the modest side with 256 MB of RAM and room for up to 10 players. Java players, on the other hand, can jump in at $7.99 per month, which gets you 1 GB of RAM and 25 player slots to start. No matter your choice, there’s a variety of plans and some nifty optional add-ons like dedicated IPs and extra backup storage space, ensuring you can tailor your experience to fit your needs perfectly.

Support-wise, MCProHosting shines with a responsive customer service team ready to assist via ticket or live chat. For those who love being part of a community or need some extra tips and tricks, reaching out on Discord is another great option. Plus, if you’re hungry for knowledge, their knowledgebase is stacked with guides and tutorials, especially for the Java edition fans.

Wrapping up, MCProHosting is kind of like the Swiss Army knife of Minecraft hosting — incredibly versatile whether you’re team Bedrock or Java. It’s true, the pricing structure might have you doing a double-take, especially with the extra charge for unlimited slots. But with the freedom to choose from so many server locations and the array of features at your fingertips, it’s hard not to be charmed by what MCProHosting offers to the Minecraft community.

8. Anvilnode: Quality Minecraft Hosting Services

Anvilnode might not be as well-known as other companies on this list but you shouldn’t overlook it just because of that. The provider offers very solid performance thanks to its cutting-edge hardware and its prices aren’t too bad either. The company specializes exclusively on Minecraft servers and even offers managed dedicated hosting for those who want to take things to the next level.

Anvilnode really shines when you look under the hood – they’re all about top-notch hardware. We’re talking high-end Intel Xeon CPUs and super-fast SSD drives to keep your Minecraft server running smoothly. While their global footprint might seem modest with just four regions to pick from, it’s still pretty decent and covers a good spread geographically. Plus, you’ll find all the essentials like DDoS protection, full FTP access, and mod support included in every plan, ensuring a solid base for your server needs.

But wait, there’s more! Anvilnode isn’t just about the basics. They also throw in some really cool perks like multi-user support, a free MySQL database, daily backups without extra charge, and a one-click plugin installer to make life easier. And if you’re worried about navigating through all these features, fear not – the Multicraft 2.0 control panel is as user-friendly as they come. To sweeten the deal, you also get unlimited storage and bandwidth, which is like having your Minecraft cake and eating it too.

When it comes to pricing, Anvilnode is pretty wallet-friendly with plans starting at $4 a month. That’s a steal, especially considering you get 1 GB of RAM right off the bat, and every plan comes with unlimited slots. They’ve kept it simple – no premium tiers here, just straightforward, good value. That said, you can still opt for a few extras like dedicated IPs and modpack setup assistance if you’re looking to customize your experience further.

For those thinking big, Anvilnode offers managed dedicated servers starting at $90 a month. While that might seem a bit steep, you’re getting a powerhouse of resources, priority support, and the luxury of having everything managed for you. Just bear in mind, choices are a bit more limited with dedicated servers, as you’ll only be choosing between France and Canada for your server location.

Support-wise, Anvilnode sticks to the classics with live chat and ticket options, plus a community on Discord for those looking to engage with fellow users. The knowledge base might not be overflowing with articles, but there are still some gems there to help you out.

In essence, Anvilnode packs a punch with its emphasis on high-quality, speedy hardware and a slew of user-friendly features at prices that are hard to beat. They’ve positioned themselves as a go-to for gamers looking for reliability without breaking the bank, and with the option of stepping up to a managed dedicated server for those needing even more oomph. While there’s room for improvement in support, Anvilnode’s commitment to quality and value makes it a standout choice for Minecraft server hosting.

Anvilnode Discounts

Anvilnode offers Minecraft hosting at decent prices but you can get an even better deal on your hosting plan by using one of our special coupon codes. If you’re going for one of the monthly plans, make sure to use the coupon code STEEL to get 50% off your first month. Alternatively, if you’re thinking about investing long-term in an Anvilnode server, you can use the coupon code BLACKSMITH to get 33% off any plan that you buy using the quarterly, semi-annual, and annual billing cycles.

Why You Should Run Your Own Minecraft Server

With so many Minecraft servers already available and easy to join (in most cases), why bother running your own server? Well, there are actually quite a few reasons for why you should consider it. Let’s take a look at the most important ones.

Avoid Toxicity

Similar to most gaming communities out there, Minecraft players are known to be pretty toxic at times, with grief being all too common on a lot of servers. The last thing you want is to spend countless hours building something only to have another player ruin it in a matter of minutes. Naturally, that’s not something you’ll have to worry about when hosting your own server because you’re the one making the rules. Not only can you decide if something like griefing is even possible on your server, but you can also decide who gets to play on it. That sort of power is particularly useful if you’re looking to only play with a small group of friends.

Learn More About the Inner Workings of Minecraft

If you want to learn what makes the game tick, there are few ways better than hosting your own Minecraft server. As a server host, you’ll have access to a wide variety of tools that are not usually available to the average player. You’ll be free to experiment with all these tools as you see fit and get to know the game better than you would have otherwise. As an added bonus, you would also be learning a lot about the inner workings of servers in general while you’re at it.

Customization

Playing the vanilla version of Minecraft can be a lot of fun but we all know that playing with mods is generally a more enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to find an existing server that’s using the exact mods you may want, especially when we’re talking about mods that are a bit more obscure. By hosting your own Minecraft server, you can easily install all the mods you’re interested in and experiment with them in an environment where you get to make the rules.

Build a Community

If you’re an aspiring Minecraft content creator for platforms like Twitch or YouTube, running your own server is pretty much mandatory. In order to create quality content, you’ll need full control over a server and the ability to play together with your fans, at least on occasion. Now, you could organize a community on an existing public server but it’s much easier and smarter to run the server yourself. Trust us, your audience will definitely appreciate it and admire you for putting in the legwork.

Monetize Your Content

This is somewhat related to the last point but is worth discussing separately because monetization is an important part of running a server. In addition to potentially being able to earn some money by promoting your content on streaming platformers, you can also generate revenue via in-game advertising. Creating a companion blog or website for your server is also a good idea and, of course, you can try to monetize that as well. Earning a living by producing Minecraft content takes some creativity and a sizeable audience, but it can definitely be done with enough time and patience.

What to Look Out for In Minecraft Hosting Providers

If you’ve made it this far into the article, you should already have a pretty good idea of what to keep an eye out for when choosing a Minecraft hosting provider. But if you skipped over certain parts or simply want a quick summary, don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. Here are the most important things you need:

A Decent Number of Slots

The amount of slots dictates the number of users that can play on the server at the same time. Some hosting services offer unlimited slots with their plans but more often than not this won’t be the case. Make sure to get a server with more slots than you actually need at the moment, just in case your community ends up expanding in the future.

Good Location Coverage

If you’re living in the US and your server is located halfway around the world in Asia, for example, you’re going to experience a fair amount of latency. That said, if you’re building a community-oriented server and the bulk of your audience is in Asia you may want to consider providing a smooth experience for them even if that means taking a performance hit yourself. A good hosting service should allow you to set up your server in one of several locations around the globe. The more locations the better; for you and everyone else playing on the server.

Plenty of Server Resources

Despite being a fairly old game with blocky graphics, Minecraft’s procedurally-generated world can take up a surprising amount of system resources. The more players you have inhabiting the game world, the more resources you’ll need. RAM and processing power are the two main resources required, so make sure to pick a hosting plan that comes with a good amount of both. Storage is also important but these days most services either offer an unlimited amount of it or are running servers equipped with fast SSD drives, so that’s less of a concern.

Billing Cycle

If you’re on a tight budget you probably want to pay for your hosting on a monthly basis rather than sign up for a yearly contract. Unfortunately, that’s not possible with every hosting provider so make sure to choose one that supports the type of billing cycle you can afford. Sometimes paying for a full year in advance can net you great discounts but that still means dishing out a good chuck of money upfront. Don’t overextend by spending more than necessary, especially if you’re just experimenting with server hosting.

Mod Support

Most Minecraft server providers support mods but not all of them might support the exact mods you’re looking for. Pay close attention to the list of mods supported by the providers you’re interested in and don’t hesitate to look for alternatives if you can’t find what you’re looking for on your first try. Of course, this only applies if you intend to play with mods.

DDoS Protection

DDoS attacks against gaming servers are all too common these days and Minecraft servers are no exception. Luckily, the vast majority of hosting providers offer built-in DDoS protection with their plans, but it’s worth double checking if this feature is indeed included before committing to a purchase. Better safe than sorry when it comes to these types of things.

Ease of Use

Hosting your own Minecraft server should be a fun experience, so stay away from services that offer needlessly complicated control panels. Go with a service that has an industry-standard control panel whenever possible because those tend to be easier to use. Certain custom control panels can be a good choice as well but they may have a steeper learning curve, so just keep that in mind.

Final Thoughts about the Best Minecraft Server Hosting in 2024

A lot of people thought Minecraft was a passing fad when it first came out in 2011 but, almost a full decade later, the game is still very much alive and well. If you were thinking about giving it a shot, now would be the perfect time to do so because Minecraft hosting services are better and cheaper than ever in 2024. Sure, you could host your own server locally, but why do that when you can let a team of experts do it for you for just a couple of bucks per month?

As for which hosting provider you should go with, we think all the hosting providers we discussed in this article have their own merits and are very solid choices. However, we did have the best experiences with Shockbyte, Apex Hosting, and Hostinger. We would recommend checking out those three first, but definitely don’t dismiss any of the other companies on our list either. After all, it’s always a good idea to take your time and carefully weigh your options when it comes to things like this.