Minecraft comes in two versions that don't play directly together. What matters is what your group plays on.
How do I know my version?
- Java Edition: only on PC (Windows, Mac, Linux), started via the Minecraft Launcher with the menu item "Minecraft: Java Edition".
- Bedrock Edition: on phone, tablet, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and as "Minecraft for Windows". In the main menu it's simply called "Minecraft".
Anyone playing on console or phone always has Bedrock.
The comparison
| Java server | Bedrock server | |
|---|---|---|
| Players on | PC (Windows, Mac, Linux) | phone, tablet, console, Windows |
| Extensions | plugins, mods, large modpacks | add-ons (behavior and resource packs) |
| Choice of extensions | huge | smaller |
| Memory requirement | higher | very frugal |
| Our price | from €4.99 per month | from €3.99 per month |
Our recommendation
- Everyone plays on PC: Java – more possibilities with plugins and mods.
- Everyone plays on phone or console: Bedrock. For Xbox, PlayStation and Switch there's a trick for joining – instructions.
- Mixed group: Java with the Geyser plugin – it lets Bedrock players join the Java server too.
Good to know
- Worlds can't simply be moved between Java and Bedrock.
- You can test both servers free for 24 hours – how it works.
- How much memory you need: Java · Bedrock.
- To order: Rent a Minecraft server · Rent a Minecraft Bedrock server.