Hostinger (opens a new tab) is a top choice because it offers a dedicated Minecraft server hosting service. Hostinger is rare to offer this feature. It's also remarkable for its simplicity of setup. You can use the Game Panel feature to set up a server in just a few minutes, or else manually create an environment with Ubuntu 18, Centos 7, or Debian 9 (all Linux distributions compatible with Minecraft).
All of Hostinger's Minecraft hosting is VPS hosting (opens in new tab), which means you get a dedicated allotment of storage, bandwidth, and RAM that's yours and yours alone (compared to shared hosting, which can be cheaper but less reliable and performative). It's cloud-based with versioning, which allows you to restore files from the past and create Minecraft environments from them.
Hostinger supports a wide variety of Minecraft server types, including Official and Spigot, Purpur and Forge, Cauldron and Feed the Beast. Hostinger offers a range of plans starting at $8.95 a monthly for 2GB RAM with two CPUs and upto $77.99 a months for 16GB RAM and eight CPUs.
Our full Hostinger review is available (opens in a new tab).
2. Shockbyte
Shockbyte (opens in new tab) is another popular Minecraft and gaming server with a lot to offer, including an incredible 100% uptime record. It offers instant setup, as well as a $15 management option that allows you to have your server set up by a Shockbyte employee. You will also receive a free subdomain so you can create an IP for your server.
The plans are inexpensive and flexible, starting at $2.50 a month for 1GB RAM. Servers have a maximum number of slots, but there is no limit. All plans come with unlimited slots. You can upgrade or downgrade between any plan at your convenience. The cost of each plan is only for the day you use it. It's not for the entire month. This makes it easy for you to scale up for special events.
You can also set up your own plan, with 64GB RAM, a dedicated Internet IP and a preferred location.
Our full Shockbyte review is available (opens in a new tab).
3. ScalaCube
ScalaCube (opens in new tab) is a hosting service that focuses on game hosting, including Minecraft, Minecraft: PE, Rust, Hytale, ARK, and Valheim. It is a great choice to host multiple games.
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ScalaCube also offers unlimited traffic with no throttle, so you won't have to worry that your Minecraft server will slow down due to the number of people who have connected. All plans include file access, plugin and modded support, modpack and launcher support, custom JARs and launchers, a website and forum, free web hosting, instant setup, and a MySQL database.
ScalaCube is also only of the few high-end Minecraft server providers to offer a free plan. It comes with 3GB RAM, 2 3.4GHz CPUs, 30GB SSD storage, and space to host one game server. It is a great choice if you are just starting out and don't want to spend any money.
There are nine paid Tiers that include 770MB RAM, 2.5 GHz CPU, 10GB storage for $5 per month and 32GB RAM for $192. You can also have unlimited servers with 320 GB for $192.
Read our full ScalaCube review (opens in new tab).
4. MCProHosting
MCProHosting (opens new tab) is a leading provider of games hosting and has been in business since 2011. MCProHosting has servers in 22 locations on six continents, with the majority of them located in the United States and Europe. This allows for fast loading times, and seamless gameplay from any location.
MCProHosting supports Minecraft as well as Rust, Factori and Starbound. If you love more than one of these games, MC's ONE Plan is perfect for you. It allows you to switch between them at will and back up and restore them on the fly. You can spend a month hosting Minecraft and then switch to Rust gaming with your friends. Then, you can pick up your Minecraft world from where it was.
MC also offers 24/7 Support, plugin/mod support and full file access. Unlimited storage is available as well as daily backups. Minecraft servers start from $7.99 a month, and there's a free trial available to get you started.
Our complete MCProHosting review is available (opens in a new tab).
5. Apex Hosting
Last but certainly not least, Apex Hosting (opens in new tab) is a well-known name in Minecraft server hosting. It is known for its ease-of-use and configuration. There are 200+ preconfigured modpacks and preconfigured minigames. Also, helpful guides for setting-up plugins, mods and mini-games. This is a great option for beginners.
Apex also offers chat and ticket support 24/7. There is also a seven-day guarantee of your satisfaction. Each plan includes full FTP access and MySQL database access. Server transfers are also included (if you have an existing gaming account).
Pricing starts at $9.99 per Month with 2GB RAM, basic servers, and modpacks. The price goes up to $59.99 per Month with 15GB RAM advanced servers, all modpacks, as well as 15GB RAM. All plans include unlimited storage, automatic backups, unlimited storage, and unlimited slots.
Our fill Apex Hosting review is now available (opens new tab).
How to choose the best Minecraft server hosting for you
There are a few points to keep in your mind when choosing a provider. Hosting an online multiplayer game requires hardware.
The larger the server, the more players and slots, and the more advanced and reliable the hardware needs to be. You will need sufficient RAM and processing power for all connections. Shockbyte stands out with 64GB RAM. ScalaCube and MCProHosting have plans that offer up to 32GB RAM, which is sufficient for even the largest servers.
You also need to consider cost. If you're just starting out and want to learn the ins and outs of running a Minecraft server, it's hard to beat ScalaCube's free plan, although Shockbyte also offers some very low-cost plans. This will depend on your hardware requirements.
Configuring your server is an important step. Apex Hosting's quick and easy configuration of mods or mini-games makes it easy for you to transform a blank screen into a functioning Minecraft server. If you have more experience and want more control, the manual Linux environments offered by Hostinger are a good option.
Finally, no matter what your server configuration, it's important to have good support options. If your server goes down or you need help installing a new mod, you'll need reliable, responsive user support, and you'll want it fast to keep your game going. Shockbyte, ScalaCube and MCProHosting all offer 24/7 customer support.