Minecraft remains one of the most popular games worldwide, with millions of players building, exploring, and surviving together in a virtual world. For those who enjoy playing multiplayer Minecraft with friends or want to create a community, hosting your own server can offer the best experience.
However, paying for hosting can be expensive, especially for new players. Thankfully, there are a number of free Minecraft server hosting options that allow you to host a server without spending any money.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the 9 best free Minecraft server hosting providers for 2025. Whether you are looking for a basic server for a few friends or a customizable platform with mods and plugins, this list has something for every type of player. Let’s dive in!
What Is Minecraft Server Hosting?
Minecraft server hosting refers to the service that allows individuals or groups to run a multiplayer Minecraft world on a dedicated server.
It enables players to host their own custom servers, offering control over game settings, mods, plugins, and player limits.
Hosting services can be free or paid, with paid options providing better performance, greater customization, and more stability for larger communities. A good hosting provider ensures smooth gameplay, uptime, and the flexibility to modify server settings as needed.
9 Best Free Minecraft Server Hosting Providers – In 2025
1. Aternos – The Most Popular Free Minecraft Hosting
Aternos is one of the best free Minecraft server hosting services available. Known for its simplicity and flexibility, Aternos provides players with a fully customizable server, supporting mods, plugins, and other Minecraft versions.
It’s widely considered the go-to platform for free Minecraft hosting and is trusted by millions of players worldwide, and explore the 12 Best Minecraft Server Hosting Providers.
Features:
- Unlimited Player Slots: Aternos allows you to have an unlimited number of players on your server, making it ideal for large groups.
- Customizable Server: You can install any mod, plugin, or Minecraft version, providing complete freedom over your gameplay experience.
- Auto-Backups: Aternos automatically backs up your server data, so you never lose your progress.
- Completely Free: There are no hidden fees or charges, making it one of the best truly free Minecraft hosting options.
Cons:
- Slow Server Start-Up: Due to high demand, servers can take longer to start, especially during peak times.
- Performance Fluctuations: As a free service, server performance may vary depending on traffic and load.
Best For:
Aternos is perfect for players who want a free, fully customizable Minecraft server without any major restrictions. If you’re patient with occasional wait times and enjoy tweaking server settings, Aternos is the top choice.
2. Minehut – Easy-to-Use Free Hosting with Plugin Support
Minehut offers free Minecraft server hosting with a simple and easy-to-use interface. While the free plan comes with some limitations, it’s a great option for smaller groups or players new to Minecraft hosting.
Features:
- Two Free Servers: Minehut offers 2 free servers, each supporting up to 10 players, perfect for small groups or casual gameplay.
- Plugin and Mod Support: You can install a variety of mods and plugins to customize your server and enhance your Minecraft experience.
- Simple Web Panel: The web-based control panel makes it easy to manage your server, even for beginners.
- No Ads: Unlike some free hosting providers, Minehut does not place ads on your server.
Cons:
- Limited Resources: The free plan offers only 1GB of RAM, which may not be enough for more demanding gameplay.
- Player Limit: While it’s great for small groups, the 10-player limit might feel restrictive for larger servers.
Best For:
Minehut is ideal for beginner Minecraft players or small groups who want to start hosting without diving into complex setups or spending money.
3. Server.pro – Reliable Free Hosting with Flexible Plans
Server.pro is a solid option for free Minecraft server hosting. It offers flexible plans with decent resources and an intuitive control panel, making it an excellent choice for players who want reliability on a budget. And here are top best Minecraft VPS Hosting providers.
Features:
- 1GB RAM on Free Plan: The free plan comes with 1GB of RAM, which is suitable for basic Minecraft gameplay.
- Supports Mods and Plugins: Customize your server with mods and plugins to enhance the gaming experience.
- Custom Control Panel: The easy-to-use control panel lets you manage your server and settings quickly.
- No Ads: Enjoy an uninterrupted gaming experience without any ads.
Cons:
- Limited Resources: The 1GB RAM on the free plan may not be sufficient for larger servers or heavy mod usage.
- Performance Variability: As with most free services, performance can suffer under high demand.
Best For:
Server.pro is great for small to medium-sized Minecraft servers. It’s a good choice for players who want reliable hosting without spending money but are willing to accept some performance fluctuations.
4. FalixNodes – Flexible Free Hosting with Mod Support
FalixNodes is another free Minecraft hosting provider offering flexibility with 1GB of RAM. It’s a great option for those who want to host a Minecraft server with mods or plugins without paying a penny.
Features:
- 1GB RAM on Free Plan: Ideal for small to medium Minecraft servers with a few players.
- Unlimited Slots: There are no restrictions on the number of players who can join your server, making it suitable for communities.
- Supports Mods and Plugins: You can use mods and plugins to customize your Minecraft server.
- Free and Simple Setup: The platform is easy to set up, even for players with limited experience.
Cons:
- Performance Issues: As the servers are shared, performance may be inconsistent depending on load.
- Requires Discord for Registration: You’ll need to use Discord to register, which may be an inconvenience for some users.
Best For:
FalixNodes is perfect for players who want a flexible, free server with mod support and don’t mind occasional performance issues due to server load.
5. Minekeep – Reliable Free Minecraft Server Hosting with Mod Support
Minekeep offers an excellent free Minecraft hosting service designed for both beginners and experienced players. It’s a user-friendly platform that allows you to easily set up and manage your Minecraft server.
While the free plan comes with some limitations, it provides solid performance and essential features, making it a great choice for smaller groups.
Features:
- 1GB of RAM: Enough for casual Minecraft gameplay and small servers.
- Mod & Plugin Support: Customize your server with various mods and plugins to enhance your Minecraft experience.
- Unlimited Player Slots: No cap on the number of players, making it ideal for casual multiplayer sessions.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy-to-navigate control panel for server management, even for newcomers.
- No Ads: Minekeep offers an ad-free experience, allowing you to focus on your gameplay without interruptions.
Cons:
- Limited Resources: The free plan offers 1GB of RAM, which may not be enough for large servers with high player counts or extensive mod usage.
- Performance Variability: As with many free hosting services, performance may vary based on the server load.
Best For:
Minekeep is perfect for players who want an easy-to-use and reliable free server, with mod support and no ads. It’s ideal for small communities or players looking to enjoy Minecraft with friends without the need for technical know-how.
6. Scalacube – Free Trial Hosting for High-Performance Servers
Scalacube offers a free trial that gives players access to high-performance Minecraft servers with 1GB of RAM. It’s a good choice for those who want to test premium hosting services before making a commitment.
Features:
- 1GB of RAM for Free Trial: The free trial provides 1GB of RAM for your Minecraft server, which is enough for most casual play.
- Mod and Plugin Support: You can run mods and plugins to customize your server to suit your needs.
- Simple Setup: Scalacube’s setup process is user-friendly, making it easy for newcomers to get started.
Cons:
- Limited Free Trial: After the free trial ends, you will need to upgrade to a paid plan to continue hosting your server.
- Resource Limitations: The free trial may have limited resources, so it might not be suitable for large servers.
Best For:
Scalacube is ideal for players who want to try out premium hosting features and evaluate performance before upgrading to a paid plan.
7. FreeMCServer – Simple Free Hosting with Mod Support
FreeMCServer offers free Minecraft hosting with a simple setup and 1GB of RAM for moderate server use. It’s a great option for small groups or casual play.
Features:
- 1GB RAM on the free plan.
- Supports Mods and Plugins: You can install mods and plugins to enhance your Minecraft server.
- No Ads: Enjoy a clean, ad-free experience while playing.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform is easy to use, making it ideal for beginners.
Cons:
- Limited Resources: The free plan is limited to 1GB of RAM, which may not be sufficient for larger, more resource-heavy servers.
- Inconsistent Performance: As with most free hosting providers, the server performance can vary depending on load.
Best For:
FreeMCServer is perfect for casual Minecraft players or small groups who want an easy-to-manage server without ads or hidden fees.
8. Google Cloud Platform (Free Trial)
Google Cloud offers a free tier that includes access to its cloud computing services, allowing you to host a Minecraft server for free. Although it’s more complex, it provides advanced control and reliability.
Features:
- 1 f1-micro Instance with 0.6GB RAM.
- Free for 12 Months: Google’s free tier is available for up to 12 months, offering a taste of its cloud-based infrastructure.
- Complete Control: You have full control over your server configuration and settings.
Cons:
- Technical Setup Required: Setting up a Minecraft server on Google Cloud requires technical expertise.
- Limited Resources: The free tier provides only 0.6GB RAM, which may limit server performance.
Best For:
Google Cloud is best for tech-savvy players who want complete control over their Minecraft server and are comfortable with the technical aspects of cloud hosting.
9. Playit.gg – Free Minecraft Hosting with No Port Forwarding
Playit.gg offers a unique service that allows you to host Minecraft servers without the need for port forwarding. This can be a game-changer for players who find configuring their router too complex.
Features:
- No Port Forwarding Required: The service handles the network setup for you, making it easy to get started.
- Free Minecraft Hosting with unlimited players (depending on server performance).
- Easy Setup: You don’t need any technical knowledge to get your server up and running.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: The platform offers fewer customization options compared to other providers.
- Performance May Vary: Server performance can fluctuate based on demand.
Best For:
Playit.gg is perfect for beginners or those who want to host a Minecraft server without dealing with the complexities of port forwarding or advanced setups.
FAQs
1. What is the best free Minecraft server hosting service?
Aternos is widely regarded as the best free hosting service, offering unlimited player slots, mod support, and full customization. It’s perfect for those looking for a free, flexible hosting experience, though performance may vary during peak times.
2. Can I host a Minecraft server for free without ads?
Yes, services like Minehut, FreeMCServer, and FalixNodes offer free Minecraft hosting without any ads, allowing for an uninterrupted gaming experience.
3. How many players can join a free Minecraft server?
It depends on the hosting service. For example, Aternos offers unlimited slots, while Minehut allows up to 10 players on its free plan, and Server.pro provides 1GB of RAM, suitable for small to medium groups.
4. Are free Minecraft servers reliable?
Free hosting services like Aternos and Server.pro are reliable but may experience occasional performance fluctuations during peak times or high demand.
5. Can I use mods on free Minecraft servers?
Yes, many free hosting services, including Aternos, Minehut, and FalixNodes, support mods and plugins, allowing you to customize your Minecraft server to enhance your gaming experience.
Conclusion
Choosing the right free Minecraft server hosting provider depends on your specific needs and preferences. Aternos stands out with its unlimited player slots and mod support, making it a great choice for those who value customization, though performance may vary during peak times.
Minehut is perfect for beginners with its simple setup and easy mod support for small groups. For those who prefer reliability and flexibility, Server.pro and FalixNodes provide solid hosting options, while Scalacube offers a free trial to test out premium features.
If you’re looking for full control and don’t mind a more complex setup, Best Minecraft Dedicated Server Hosting like Google Cloud might be the right choice, while Playit.gg simplifies hosting with no port forwarding required, ideal for new players.
Overall, each provider has its strengths, so whether you’re a casual gamer or an aspiring Minecraft community leader, these free hosting options cater to all. Now that you know the best free options, it’s time to choose the one that fits your needs and start your Minecraft journey today
