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Minecraft Realms vs Server Hosting: Which is Better?

Minecraft Realms are official multiplayers servers hosted by Mojang/Microsoft which offers an easy setup process.

Third-party server hosting provides you with more control over your server and more customization options.

Both of these allow you to create a multiplayer server to play with your friends and/or community. This article helps you compare these two options so you can choose the better option for yourself.

In this article we'll be comparing:

  • Pricing;

  • Customization;

  • Performance;

  • Setup Process and Management;

  • Player Limits and Mods.

Pricing of third-party server hosting fully depends on the server host. Each hosting provider has their own pricing structure that they use. In this example, we've used WiseHosting as an example.

Minecraft Realms

  1. Realms are generally more expensive than third-party server hosting plans, starting at $3.99 p/m for yourself + 2 players up to $7.99 p/m for yourself + 10 players. Only 2 plans to choose from.

  2. You are also unable to use a discount code - it will always be the same flat pricing regardless of subscription length.

Third-party Server Hosting

  1. Pricing depends on the server's resources (RAM, storage, backups, etc.). However, starts at $5.99 p/m. Various configurable plans to choose from.

  2. Discounts for longer subscriptions of up to 20% OFF on annual plans.

Minecraft Realms

  1. Limited addons/resourcepacks.

  2. Limited world options; normal type only. No custom world generation.

  3. Requires invitation; limited access.

  4. Limited access to files. Cannot install plugins, mods, datapacks, or anything else.

  5. No customization; only default configurations by Mojang.

  6. No console access.

Third-party Server Hosting

  1. Access to tens of thousands (if not more) datapacks, plugins, mods, and modpacks.

  2. Able to use custom world generation for any dimension (third-party plugin).

  3. Anyone can join with the address (unless whitelist is on).

  4. Limitless customization; you're able to change anything you want to your liking.

  5. Ability to have Java <-> Bedrock crossplay.

  6. Console access with a bunch of features (schedules, backups, instances, and more).

Generally, third-party server hosts outperform Realms in various performance-related questions.

Minecraft Realms

  1. Frequent downtimes for maintenance.

  2. Limited resources & mod support - with multiple ones installed can overload the server.

  3. 10-player maximum servers, cannot extend the limit.

  4. NA and EU servers only resulting in players from other locations to experience ping lag.

Third-party Server Hosting

  1. Reliable uptimes with DDoS Protection.

  2. Powerful servers & full mod support.

  3. No limit on max player-count.

  4. Global locations from EU, NA, AU, and Asia.

Setting up a realm and managing it is super easy, resulting in the third-party hosts being defeated in this matter. However, WiseHosting has custom-developed their game panel to be as easy-to-understand as possible. Very user-friendly for both beginners and advanced users.

Minecraft Realms

  1. Managing the server through Minecraft or Realms -website.

  2. Friends can join by accepting your invite, no IP addresses.

  3. No technical knowledge required whatsoever.

  4. Able to create the realm through Minecraft.

Third-party Server Hosting

  1. Server management is through the Game Panel.

  2. Anyone can join through the server's IP address.

  3. Slight technical knowledge recommended.

  4. Ordering through the homepage.

Unfortunately, Realms has capped the player-limit to 10 while third-party server hosts are able to host hundreds, if not thousands.

Minecraft Realms

  1. Maximum of 10 players online.

  2. Performance may suffer the more players are online.

  3. Additional players counts (from 1) costs extra ($2.99 per month).

Third-party Server Hosting

  1. No limit on the player counts, however, there is a recommendation.

  2. The higher the plan the more players your server can handle.

  3. No extra charge on player counts - set it to what you prefer.

Hopefully this was able to help you decide which one to go with; Realms or Server Hosting. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the support team.

If you want to start the server hosting through WiseHosting, use the code SAVE10 to order a server from WiseHosting and get 10% off your first month.

If you need help setting up any of the worlds on your WiseHosting server, just open a Support Ticket HERE and our team will help you out!