17.6
Free planOpen sourceWebAPILinux
Best Minecraft Server Software in 2026
Minecraft server software helps you host and run Minecraft worlds on supported platforms. Use this chart to compare server editions, Java–Bedrock cross-play, mod loaders, plugins and administration interfaces. Check the platform before installing. If you want to run or manage a server from an Android device, confirm that the specific tool lists Android support; other platform options include self-hosted systems,…
27.0
Free planAndroidAPILinux
36.8
Fabric is a free, modular mod loader for Minecraft, with tools for players and mod developers.
Free planAPILinuxmacOS
- 4
PocketMine-MP
Free planAPILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.6Free plan - 5
Allay
Free planLinuxSelf-hostedWindows6.4Free plan - 6
Leaves
Free planAPISelf-hosted6.2Free plan - 7
Minecraft Forge
Minecraft Forge is free, open-source software that provides a modding API for Minecraft Java Edition.
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows6.2Free plan - 8
Gale
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.1Free plan - 9
Pumpkin
AndroidLinuxmacOSSelf-hosted6.1 - 10
Endstone
Free planLinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows6.0Free plan - 11
Glowstone
LinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows5.9 - 12
Leaf
APILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted5.9 - 13
Mohist
Free planLinuxSelf-hostedWindows5.9Free plan - 14
NeoForge
NeoForge is a free Minecraft Java Edition mod loader and API for developing and running mods.
APILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted5.9 - 15
Arclight
LinuxSelf-hostedWindows5.8 - 16
Sponge
APILinuxmacOSSelf-hosted5.8 - 17
Dragonfly
Free planAPISelf-hosted5.7Free plan - 18
Pufferfish
Self-hosted5.7From $32 a month - 19
Purpur
Free planAPISelf-hosted5.7Free plan - 20
SteelMC
LinuxmacOSSelf-hostedWindows5.7 - 21
Minestom
APISelf-hosted5.4 - 22
Ketting
Self-hosted5.0 - 23
Minecraft: Java Edition Server
LinuxmacOSWindows4.7 - 24
Paper
LinuxWindows4.6 - 254.3
Choosing well
Check the host platform
Confirm that the software supports the system where you plan to host it. The listed platform range includes self-hosted setups, Linux, Windows, macOS, API access and Android.
An Android label can mean a supported platform, but check the individual entry before choosing it for a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO device.
Match Minecraft editions
Compare edition support before setup, especially if players use Java and Bedrock. Java–Bedrock cross-play is a separate comparison point and may affect compatibility.
Review mods and plugins
Look at the extension model and mod loader support if you plan to change server behaviour. A plugin API can matter when your setup depends on add-ons or custom integrations.
Check administration tools
RCON support provides a comparison point for remote server control. API availability is also listed as a platform option, so check the tool's documented interfaces for your workflow.
Compare cost and code access
A free plan is available from entries on this list, while paid-from details can differ. Check the pricing information for the tool you are considering.
Open-source code is offered by entries such as Gale, Glowstone and Ketting. Review the licence when you need to read or change the code.
Questions people ask
Can I run Minecraft server software on Android?
Android is included among the platforms represented in this category, but support differs by tool. Check the individual listing before installing on a Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO device.
What is Java–Bedrock cross-play?
It is a comparison point showing whether a server can support players from Minecraft Java and Bedrock editions together. Check the entry for its stated support.
Do these tools support mods?
Mod loader support varies. Use the comparison fields to check whether a tool fits the mod setup you plan to use.
What is a plugin API?
A plugin API is an interface for extending server software with plugins. The chart lists plugin API support so you can compare extension options.
Is RCON supported?
RCON support is listed as a comparison field. Check the individual software entry to see whether it provides this remote administration method.