There are several ways to host a Minecraft server, each with its advantages and considerations. Personally, I’ve used all of these methods hosting many different servers and they each have their benefits and drawbacks.

1. Self-Hosting:
   • Personal Computer: You can host a Minecraft server on your own computer. This option is suitable for small groups of friends but may have limitations in terms of performance and uptime. This requires that you either host the server on your computer and configure your network to allow access, or use the “Open to LAN” option from the game menu. This is easy, but requires that you are on the same network as your friends.
   • Dedicated Hardware: You can set up a dedicated server machine at home. This option offers control and customization but may require technical skills and can be resource-intensive.
   • Virtual Private Servers (VPS): Renting a VPS from a cloud provider (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud, or DigitalOcean) allows you to install and manage your Minecraft server. This offers more control and scalability but may require technical expertise.
   • Dedicated Servers: For larger communities, renting a dedicated server from a cloud provider provides powerful hardware dedicated solely to your Minecraft server.
2. Minecraft Hosting Providers: Many companies specialize in Minecraft server hosting. They offer dedicated servers optimized for Minecraft, ensuring high performance, uptime, and technical support. Examples include Bisect Hosting and StickyPiston.
3. Minecraft Realms: Mojang, the company behind Minecraft, offers a service called Realms, which provides a simple and user-friendly way to host a Minecraft server. It’s a good option for small groups and casual players.

Each hosting method has its advantages and limitations, so your choice should depend on your specific needs, technical expertise, budget, and the size of your player community. Make sure to consider factors like server performance, uptime, security, and scalability when deciding how to host your Minecraft server.

How much does Minecraft Realms Cost?

Minecraft Realms offers different subscription tiers, primarily depending on the number of players you want to invite to your server. Here is a general overview of the pricing tiers for Minecraft Realms:

1. Realms: This plan allows for a limited number of players (you plus two friends) and costs around $3.99 per month. This is only available on the Bedrock Edition
2. Realms Plus: Realms Plus includes additional content, such as a library of Marketplace content (maps, skins, and more). It’s priced at $7.99 per month.

Realms is just about the easiest way to share a world with friends and get everybody online. The marketplace offers many maps, skins, and other content. But for a modded experience, you’ll need to host a Java Minecraft Server

How Much Do Minecraft Hosting Providers Cost?

The cost of Minecraft hosting providers can vary widely depending on several factors, including the hosting company, the type of hosting plan you choose, the amount of resources you require, and the duration of your subscription, and the amount of technical support you need.

1. Budget Plans: Basic plans designed for a small number of players (around 2 to 10) on shared servers can start at around $3 to $10 per month.
2. Standard Plans: Standard hosting plans with more resources and better performance, suitable for larger player communities (up to 50-100 players), typically range from $10 to $30 per month.
3. Premium Plans: High-performance plans with dedicated resources for larger communities or modded servers can cost $30 to $100+ per month or more.
4. VPS Hosting: If you opt for virtual private server (VPS) hosting, prices can vary greatly depending on the resources allocated. VPS plans can range from $10 to $50+ per month or more.
5. Dedicated Servers: For large communities or extensive modding, dedicated server hosting can cost anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars per month, depending on server specifications.
6. Cloud Hosting: Cloud hosting providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and DigitalOcean offer flexibility in resource allocation and pricing. Costs can range from a few dollars per month for small servers to hundreds of dollars per month for high-performance setups.

It’s crucial to compare hosting providers, read reviews, and consider your specific server requirements before making a decision. Check here for a list of common Minecraft Hosting Providers.