Want to run a Minecraft server without paying for hosting? Compare the listed free plans and their startup conditions. Check game compatibility and the limits that could affect your sessions with friends.
Minecraft · Listed plans · confirm pricing, configuration and options with the provider.
Minecraft
Java · Bedrock
A free Minecraft world to start when you play.
Backups · External storage
Keep in mind: A queue can delay startup. The server stops when empty. Test your player count; enable backups using Google Drive.
Subject to the limits below.
Checked on 2026-09-22. Performance is not certified.
View official sourceConditions checked on . Each detail links to the official help page.
Protect my worldNeed to start without a queue or keep the world online? These selections may include paid plans.
Before you answer, the current pick is editorial. We then compare listed offers against known criteria, followed by the start queue and price. Missing information stays visible and prevents a definite recommendation. No placement is sold on this page.
This catalogue covers 178 hosts and 24 games. Euro prices come from the linked official pages, excluding temporary promotions, for the stated region and duration. They are not updated live: confirm the final price, local taxes, options and renewal terms with the host.
Proximity uses broad regions, without measuring latency. When friends live in several countries, choose a shared region and test the connection before committing.
Depending on the plan, starting the server may involve a queue or a manual action. It may also sleep when nobody is playing. Read the provider’s conditions, especially world retention and backups.
It depends on the plan and modpack. Check supported server software, available resources and configuration access. Minecraft Java support alone does not guarantee that your modpack will run.
Aternos provides free hosting. exaroton is a paid service with a limited trial. Compare these differences before choosing where to keep your Minecraft world.
| Criterion | Aternos | exaroton |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free hosting. | Charges depend on allocated memory and running time. Storage fees may still apply. |
| Starting the server | A queue may apply when available resources are occupied. | Advertises no startup queue; starting the server still takes time. |
| When nobody is playing | Stops automatically without players; not intended to stay running while empty. | Configurable automatic shutdown, with an adjustable delay or the option to disable it. |
| Files and mods | No unrestricted uploads of custom plugins and mods; some other files are accepted. | File uploads become available after the first credit purchase; this feature is restricted during the trial. |
| Moving services | An Aternos server can be the source of the transfer. | Dedicated Aternos import copies the world, player data, mods/plugins and settings. |
exaroton’s trial credits are not permanent free hosting. Keep a backup and check the imported world before moving your group.
Once you have chosen a plan, prepare the server and check that a friend can join you.
Ask each friend whether they play Java or Bedrock and which device they use. Check your game versions too.
Check the supported edition and how each device can connect, especially consoles. To avoid hosting charges, choose a free plan rather than a limited trial.
Follow the host’s startup instructions. Wait until it shows the server as online before trying to join.
Use the connection details provided for your edition. If the game asks for a port, enter the one supplied by the host.
Connect, then share the connection details with a friend. Check that you can find each other in the same world.
After your first builds, make a backup and keep a copy outside your hosting account. Follow the guide to check that you can restore it.
Minecraft
Palworld
Rust
GTA V · FiveM
Valheim
Counter-Strike 2