# What to look for in Minecraft server hosting

The seven things that decide whether a Minecraft host is any good: memory, mod installs, backups, versions, crossplay, billing and refunds. A checklist before you pay.

Updated 2026-11-15.

A good Minecraft host gives you enough memory for your mods, installs mods and modpacks for you, keeps backups you can restore yourself, lets you pick any version, supports the devices your friends play on, and makes it easy to cancel. Price matters less than these, because a cheap server that lags or loses your world costs a group far more. Here is what to check before you pay anyone, us included.

## 1. Is the memory real, and is it enough?

Memory (RAM) is what runs out first on a Minecraft server. Every player, loaded chunk and mod adds to it.

| What you run | Memory that fits |
| --- | --- |
| Vanilla or Paper, up to 5 friends | 2 GB |
| Paper with plugins, 10 to 25 players | 4 GB |
| A modpack, up to 15 players | 8 GB |
| A public server or heavy modpack | 12 GB |
| Bedrock, a friend group | 2 GB |

Be wary of "unlimited" plans or plans priced by player slots alone. Slots are only a cap. Memory decides how many players actually play without lag.

## 2. Can you install mods and modpacks in one click?

Installing a modpack by hand means matching a loader, a Minecraft version and dozens of mod versions. A good host does that for you: you pick the pack, and the right loader, version and dependencies are installed. Check that the host covers both CurseForge and Modrinth, and that switching between Paper, Fabric, Forge and NeoForge does not need a support ticket.

## 3. Can you make and restore backups yourself?

Worlds break: a bad plugin, a griefer, a version change. You want a backup button you can press before any big change, and a restore you can do yourself without waiting for support. Being able to download your world is just as important, so it is always yours.

## 4. Can you choose the Minecraft version?

Modpacks are built for one version, and many SMPs stay on an older one for months. Your host should let you set any version and switch back without reinstalling by hand. On Bedrock it is the opposite: phones and consoles update on their own, so the server should update itself on every restart.

## 5. Does it support your friends' devices?

If anyone plays on a phone, tablet or console, check how they join. Bedrock servers take every device, but consoles have no Add Server button, so a good host gives console players a way in. Java servers can let Bedrock players join with Geyser, which needs a second port. Our [crossplay guide](https://minecraft-servers.host/guides/minecraft-java-and-bedrock-crossplay-server) explains the setup.

## 6. Is billing fair to a group?

Most servers are shared by a group, but paid by one person. Look for a way to split the bill, short rentals for a weekend event, and a cancel button in the panel rather than a support ticket. Check what the price renews at, not only the first month.

## 7. What happens if it is not for you?

Read the refund rule before you pay. A fair host refunds a new customer who asks quickly, and says plainly what happens to the server when it does.

## How do we answer the checklist?

- Memory from 2 GB to 12 GB on Java and 2 GB to 6 GB on Bedrock, each plan matched to what it runs.
- Modpacks, mods and plugins from CurseForge and Modrinth in one click, with the loader picked for you.
- One click backups and restores, and world downloads at any time.
- Any Java version, and Bedrock servers that update on every restart.
- Bedrock servers for every device, console joining through our DNS menu, and a Geyser port on every Java server.
- Split the bill with up to 10 friends, 3 day rentals, and cancel from the panel.
- A full refund for new customers who ask within the first 10% of the period they paid for, 72 hours on a monthly plan.

See every plan and price on the [plans page](https://minecraft-servers.host/plans).

https://minecraft-servers.host/guides/what-to-look-for-in-minecraft-server-hosting