Minecraft is more than just a game-it’s a creative playground where players build, explore, and collaborate. Whether you’re hosting a private server for friends or creating a public community, having a reliable Minecraft server is essential.
But let’s face it: hosting can get expensive, and not everyone wants to spend a fortune on a server. That’s where budget-friendly Minecraft hosting comes in.
If you’re looking for affordable Minecraft server hosting under $5, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down the top 5 budget hosting providers that deliver excellent performance, mod support, and reliability without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, we’ve got you covered with the best options for ’2025’.
Let’s dive in
What is a Minecraft server hosting?
A Minecraft server is a special system or space that lets you and your friends play Minecraft together in the same world, anytime you want. Instead of just playing solo, a server allows multiple players to join, explore, build, and enjoy the game side by side – all in real time.
It’s like having your own private Minecraft world where you control everything: the rules, who joins, the gameplay style, and even what kind of adventures happen.
You can either host it yourself if your computer is powerful enough, or use a paid hosting service that keeps your server running 24/7 with better performance and support.
Whether you want a peaceful survival game with friends, a crazy modded world, or a public server with tons of players, the Minecraft server is the engine that powers the whole experience. It gives you the freedom to create, play, and share your Minecraft journey exactly the way you imagine it.
What to Look for in a Budget Minecraft Server Host
Before diving into the list of hosting providers, here are the key factors to consider when choosing a budget Minecraft server:
- Performance & Server Specs
Look for a host that offers at least 1GB of RAM, high CPU speed, and SSD storage. These ensure lag-free gameplay and faster load times.
- Uptime & Reliability
A 99.9% uptime guarantee is essential to minimize server downtime and keep your game running smoothly.
- Mod & Plugin Support
If you use mods or custom plugins, ensure the host supports popular platforms like Forge, Spigot, Paper, and Bukkit.
- Security & DDoS Protection
Built-in DDoS protection, firewalls, and regular backups are crucial to safeguard your server from attacks and data loss.
- Customer Support
24/7 customer support via live chat, email, or tickets ensures you can resolve issues quickly.
- Ease of Use
A user-friendly control panel and one-click installations make it easier to manage your server, especially for beginners.
Top 5 Best Budget Minecraft Hosting Providers Under $5
Here are the top 5 hosting providers that offer reliable Minecraft servers for under $5 per month:
1. GravelHost – Best Overall for Performance & Support
GravelHost is a top-tier Minecraft hosting provider known for its fast performance, secure servers, and excellent customer support. It offers a user-friendly control panel, making it ideal for beginners and advanced players alike. With high-speed SSD storage and DDoS protection, it ensures a smooth and lag-free gaming experience.
Key Features:
Pros:
- High-speed SSD storage for fast performance.
- Excellent for beginners and modded servers.
- Reliable customer support.
- Uptime: 99.9%
Cons:
- Slightly higher pricing compared to competitors.
Price: Starts at $1.80/month
Why Choose GravelHost?
GravelHost is the best overall choice for budget Minecraft hosting, offering a perfect balance of performance, security, and support.
2. SHOCKBYTE – Cheapest Hosting with Unlimited Player Slots
Shockbyte is one of the most affordable Minecraft server hosting providers, offering unlimited player slots depending on your server’s RAM. It’s a popular choice among budget-conscious gamers looking for cost-effective hosting with full customization options. With FTP access and support for all modpacks, Shockbyte gives you complete control over your server.
Key Features:
Pros:
- Most affordable option
- Great for large servers with unlimited slots
- Uptime: 99.9%
Cons:
- Customer support can be slow
Price: Starts at $2.50/month
Why Choose Shockbyte?
If you’re on a tight budget and need a server with unlimited player slots, Shockbyte is a solid choice.
3. BisectHosting – Best for Modded Servers
BisectHosting is a top-rated Minecraft server hosting provider known for its exceptional mod support. It offers a one-click installer for 100+ modpacks, making it the perfect choice for players who want to run heavily modded servers without hassle. With free subdomains, DDoS protection, and 24/7 live chat support, BisectHosting ensures a smooth and secure experience.
Key Features:
Pros:
- Ideal for modded Minecraft servers
- Reliable performance and uptime
- Uptime: 99.9%
Cons:
- Basic plans have limited RAM
Price: Starts at $2.99/month
Why Choose BisectHosting?
BisectHosting is perfect for players who want to run custom modpacks without spending a fortune.
4. KAMATERA – Best Cloud-Based Minecraft Hosting
KAMATERA is a premium cloud-based Minecraft hosting provider designed for serious gamers and large-scale server operators. Unlike traditional hosting services, Kamatera offers dedicated cloud servers with instant scaling and pay-as-you-go pricing, allowing you to customize resources based on your needs.
With high-performance SSD storage and near-zero downtime, it’s perfect for hosting high-traffic and modded Minecraft servers.
Key Features:
Pros:
- Premium features for serious gamers
- Scalable resources for growing servers
- Uptime: 99.99%
Cons:
- Requires technical knowledge for setup
Price: Starts at $4.00/month
Why Choose Kamatera?
Kamatera is ideal for advanced users who need a powerful and scalable hosting solution.
5. ScalaCube – Best for Beginners
ScalaCube is a beginner-friendly Minecraft hosting provider that offers a simple and affordable solution for new server owners. With its 1-click modpack installation, free subdomain, and an intuitive control panel, ScalaCube makes it easy for anyone to set up and manage a Minecraft server without technical knowledge.
Key Features:
Pros:
- Cheapest hosting option
- Perfect for beginners
- Uptime: 99.9%
Cons:
- Prices increase after the first month
Price: Starts at $2.00/month
Why Choose ScalaCube?
ScalaCube is an excellent entry-level hosting provider for players who want a simple and affordable setup.
Feature Comparison Table
| Provider | Price | Ram | Mod Support | Uptime | Customer Support |
| GravelHost | $3.00 | 1GB+ | Yes | 99.9% | 24/7 Live Chat |
| SHOCKBYTE | $2.50 | 1GB+ | Yes | 99.9% | Email/Ticket |
| BisectHosting | $2.99 | 1GB+ | Yes | 99.9% | 24/7 Live Chat |
| KAMATERA | $4.00 | 2GB+ | Yes | 99.99% | Email/Ticket |
| ScalaCube | $2.00 | 1GB+ | Yes | 99.9% | Email/Ticket |
FAQ’s
1. Can I run a Minecraft server for free?
Yes, you can run a Minecraft server for free by hosting it on your own PC, but it’s not ideal for multiplayer gaming. While it might seem like an easy option, your personal computer may struggle with the performance demands, especially when running the server and the game at the same time, leading to lag or crashes.
Additionally, hosting on your own PC opens up security risks, as it exposes your network to potential vulnerabilities and hackers. Your internet connection might also not be strong enough to handle the traffic, which can cause slow connections or interruptions.
If you’re looking for a smoother and more secure experience, a paid hosting service would be a better choice.
2. How much RAM do I need for a Minecraft server?
When it comes to running a Minecraft server, the amount of RAM you need depends on several factors, such as the number of players, whether you’re using mods or plugins, and the complexity of your world. For a small server with just 1-5 players and basic gameplay, 2GB to 4GB of RAM is usually enough.
However, if you’re hosting a medium-sized server with 6-15 players or planning to use some plugins or light mods, you’ll want to go with 4GB to 6GB of RAM for a smoother experience. For larger servers, especially with 16+ players or heavy modding, 8GB to 12GB of RAM is typically required to keep things running smoothly and reduce lag.
If you’re running a heavily modded server, such as those with packs like “Feed the Beast,” you might need 10GB to 16GB or more of RAM to ensure optimal performance. In short, the more RAM you allocate, the better the server will perform, ensuring a stable, lag-free experience for everyone.
3. Can I upgrade my server later?
Yes, most hosting providers offer flexible upgrade options as your server requirements grow. You can easily scale up resources like RAM, CPU, and storage to accommodate more players or enhance performance.
4. Do these hosts support Bedrock Edition?
Yes, some hosting providers support both Java and Bedrock Editions of Minecraft. However, it’s important to verify this with the hosting provider before purchasing, as not all hosts offer support for both editions. Be sure to check the provider’s details to ensure compatibility with your preferred Minecraft edition.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect Minecraft server hosting doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With the best budget hosting providers under $5, you can enjoy a seamless gaming experience without compromising on performance or features. Here’s a quick recap of our top picks:
- GravelHost is the best overall choice for its balance of performance, security, and support.
- SHOCKBYTE is the most affordable option, perfect for those on a tight budget.
- BisectHosting shines for modded servers, offering easy modpack installations.
- KAMATERA is ideal for advanced users who need scalable, cloud-based hosting.
- ScalaCube is the best for beginners, with its simple setup and low cost.
No matter which provider you choose, make sure it aligns with your needs-whether that’s mod support, player slots, or ease of use. With the right hosting, you can create a lag-free, enjoyable Minecraft experience for you and your friends.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick your favourite Minecraft hosting provider, set up your server, and start building your Minecraft world today!
