- Java server: for players on Windows, macOS and Linux with Minecraft: Java Edition. Plugins, mods and modpacks.
- Bedrock server: for players on phones, tablets, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and the Windows Bedrock version. Add-ons, but no plugins or mods.
- Mixed group? Run Java with the Geyser plugin so Bedrock players can join too.
Who can join
| Java server | Bedrock server | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows / macOS / Linux (Java Edition) | Yes | No |
| Windows (Bedrock version) | No* | Yes |
| Android, iOS | No* | Yes |
| Xbox, PlayStation, Switch | No* | Yes, with workarounds (see below) |
* Unless the Java server runs Geyser, which translates between the two.
Plugins, mods and add-ons
- Java has by far the biggest ecosystem: thousands of plugins on Paper (permissions, claims, economy, minigames) and mods and modpacks on Fabric and Forge.
- Bedrock servers support behaviour packs and resource packs (add-ons), but not Java plugins or mods. The official Bedrock Dedicated Server has no plugin API.
If you want an SMP with land claims, ranks and anti-grief tools, or any kind of modded play, Java is the practical choice.
Joining a Bedrock server from consoles
Phones, tablets and Windows can add any server by address in the Servers tab. Xbox, PlayStation and Switch only show Mojang's featured servers by default, with no "Add server" button. Console players commonly use community workarounds such as BedrockConnect (a DNS-based server list) or a friends-list broadcaster that lets them join through the Friends tab. These are third-party tools, so check that they still work for your platform before you promise console friends they can join.
Crossplay: Java and Bedrock together
Geyser is a plugin or mod for Java servers that lets Bedrock players connect, and Floodgate lets them join without a Java account. It works well for most survival play. Some things differ: combat feels slightly different, and a few Java-only features and mods won't show correctly to Bedrock players. Geyser needs a UDP port for Bedrock players to connect to, so check how your host handles that before relying on it.
Performance and RAM
Bedrock Dedicated Server is written in C++ and is lighter than a Java server: 1–2 GB handles a small group. Java servers need 2–4 GB for friends and more for plugins or mods; see how much RAM a server needs. Java with Paper, however, gives you far more tools to tune and diagnose performance.
Ports and addresses
Java servers use TCP port 25565 by default. Bedrock uses UDP port 19132. When you add a Bedrock server you enter the address and port separately; on Java you can type address:port.
Which should you host?
- Everyone plays Java on PC: Java.
- Everyone plays on phones, consoles or the Windows Bedrock version: Bedrock.
- A mix, and you want plugins: Java with Geyser.
- A mix, but it's kids on tablets and consoles with no need for plugins: Bedrock is simpler.
NS5 hosts both. Minecraft Java servers start at $3.70/month and Bedrock servers at $2.10/month, and you can switch a server between them from the Settings tab at the same price. See Minecraft hosting.
Common questions
Can Java and Bedrock players play together?
Not on a standard server. A Java server running the Geyser plugin, usually with Floodgate, lets Bedrock players join.
Is a Bedrock server cheaper to host?
Usually, because Bedrock Dedicated Server needs less RAM. A small Bedrock server runs well on 1–2 GB.
Can I move a world between Java and Bedrock?
Not directly. Third-party converters such as Chunker can convert worlds between the two formats, but check the result carefully because some blocks and entities don't translate perfectly.
Minecraft Java servers from $3.70/month on AMD EPYC with dedicated RAM. One-click Paper, Fabric, Forge and Modrinth modpacks, backups and SFTP included. Try one free for 48 hours, no card needed.