What to Consider When Choosing a Server Host and a Server Plan

You have an amazing idea for your very own Minecraft server. You've got your community, and you know what you want in your server. Now you're looking for a host that will support your dream server.

But then you realize there are way too many options to choose from, and everyone offers different things. You have no idea what to pick. Do you go with this shiny offer, or do you pick that tempting, sweet deal?

You get the point. Choosing a game server host and the right plan for your needs can be one of the easiest things to do, yet so many people get it wrong. Don't worry, by the end of this article, you'll be 100% confident about what to pick and how to choose it.

What Do Many People Get Wrong?

A quick Google search will make it clear that every single server host offers a set of core features and a set of different features that vary from one hosting provider to another.

They are as follows:

Core features:

• CPU
• RAM
• Storage

Other features:

• Backups
• Databases
• DDoS Protection
• IP addresses
• Subdomains, etc.

So, more features must be better, right? Wrong!

That's what people often get wrong. Hosting providers offer features to appeal to you, but our in-house data shows that 70% of users don't actually use many of the additional features they've paid for.

So, when you pick a provider and a plan, choose with the intent of what you currently need, not what you might need in a few months.

With that out of the way, let's focus on what really matters.

We're going to discuss everything under three main topics:

1. How much RAM do you need for your Minecraft server?
2. How much storage do you actually need and what type?
3. Things to look out for when choosing the right hosting provider.

1. How Much RAM Do You Need for Your Minecraft Server?

With years of experience in the field and all the data we have, we can guarantee you that most people don't know what they actually need. What we see most often is that people think they need more hardware, such as RAM and CPU, than they actually do.

So how do you decide what you really need?

There are a few factors that decide your needs, such as:

• Server version
• Server software
• Player count
• Number of plugins
• Additional server features

Server Version

If you're planning to host an older version of Minecraft, typically older than 1.17, you don't need more than 4 GB. In some cases, people can get away with only 2–4 GB of RAM with around 5–10 online players at a time.

However, modern versions of Minecraft, which have more game mechanics, require much more RAM. For a small community server with around 5–10 players, you won't need more than 4–6 GB of RAM, even on the latest versions of the game.

But keep in mind that the player count is always a factor.

Server Software

Vanilla: Vanilla servers typically require less RAM due to not supporting any plugins or mods. If you're just planning to play on a basic vanilla server with a few of your friends, then you don't need more than 2–4 GB of RAM.

Paper and Spigot: Paper and Spigot servers are much more optimized to run on servers, which ultimately reduces the required server hardware. Learn more about optimizing your server performance in our server lag reduction guide.

Modded Servers (Forge, Fabric, etc.): Modded servers have many server-side tasks, which require more RAM and CPU power.

Proxy Servers (BungeeCord, Waterfall, etc.): Proxy servers generally need less RAM. In most cases, 512 MB is enough, but large community networks may require more.

Player Count

For servers with a player base around 5–10 players, 4–6 GB of RAM is more than sufficient. For larger servers, you can decide how much RAM you'll need by adding 2 GB of RAM for every 10 active users. While this isn't 100% accurate, it gives you a rough idea of how much RAM you'll need.

RAM Requirements by Server Type and Player Count:

Server Type	5-10 Players	10-20 Players	20-50 Players
Vanilla (Latest)	4-6GB	6-8GB	8-12GB
Paper/Spigot	3-4GB	4-6GB	6-10GB
Modded (Light)	6-8GB	8-12GB	12-16GB
Modded (Heavy)	8-12GB	12-16GB	16GB+

2. How Much Storage Do You Actually Need and What Type?

People tend to choose plans with way too much storage that they don't actually need. If you're starting your server fresh, you won't use more than 50 GB of storage for at least the first few years with an active server with 10–15 users.

This should explain a lot. However, if you have a server where more people are exploring the map and always loading new chunks, you might need more storage. But fortunately, most hosting providers offer the option to expand your storage, which we'll discuss more in the "Choosing a Hosting Provider" section.

Storage Requirements by Server Activity:

• Small Private Server (5-10 players): 25-50GB for the first year
• Medium Community Server (10-25 players): 50-100GB for active exploration
• Large Server (25+ players): 100GB+ depending on world size and activity
• Modded Servers: Add 20-50GB extra for mod files and generated content

Storage Type Considerations

SSD vs HDD: Always choose SSD (Solid State Drive) over HDD (Hard Disk Drive) for game servers. SSDs provide:

• Faster world loading and chunk generation
• Reduced server lag during world saves
• Better overall server responsiveness
• Improved backup and restore speeds

NVMe SSD: The best option for high-performance servers, offering even faster speeds than traditional SSDs.

3. Things to Look Out for When Choosing the Right Hosting Provider

Check the Host's Reviews

Every hosting provider has their own reviews on Trustpilot, and if they don't, you should avoid them outright. A company's user reviews (provided by Trustpilot) are mostly unfiltered and unedited, giving you an unclouded idea of what they're really like and what you can expect from them. You'll also learn what people don't like about them.

What to Look for in Reviews:

• Recent Reviews: Focus on reviews from the last 6-12 months
• Response to Issues: How does the company handle complaints?
• Common Themes: Look for recurring positive or negative patterns
• Detailed Feedback: Prefer detailed reviews over simple star ratings

Watch Out for Hidden Charges

Some hosting providers advertise low prices to attract more users, but the reality is that when you check out, they include everything under the sun in your quote. They may charge extra for additional IPs, ports, storage, backups, priority support, and even setup fees.

Common Hidden Charges to Watch For:

• Setup Fees: One-time charges for server activation
• Additional Ports: Extra costs for multiple game servers
• Backup Services: Charges for automated backup systems
• Priority Support: Premium support tier fees
• Control Panel Access: Some hosts charge for panel usage
• Plugin Installation: Fees for pre-installed plugins or mods

Avoid Outdated Hardware

It's 2025, why would you use hardware that's over a decade old? Some hosting providers use outdated hardware like DDR3 RAM and old HDD storage to save costs, but this ultimately leads to poor server performance.

Modern Hardware Standards:

• CPU: Look for modern processors (Intel i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9)
• RAM: DDR4 minimum, DDR5 preferred for best performance
• Storage: NVMe SSD for optimal speed and reliability
• Network: Gigabit connections with low latency

Avoid Hosts That Deceive You

Always make sure you know exactly what you're purchasing. Many hosting providers do not provide any details about the hardware they're offering. They might say something like "5 cores, 16 GB of RAM," but they don't mention the speeds or specifications of those components.

Questions to Ask Hosting Providers:

• What specific CPU models do you use?
• What is the RAM speed and type (DDR4/DDR5)?
• What type of storage do you provide (SSD/NVMe)?
• What is your network uptime guarantee?
• Do you provide DDoS protection?
• What backup options are included?

Additional Factors to Consider

Server Location and Latency

Choose a hosting provider with servers located close to your primary player base:

• North America: US East/West Coast locations for optimal coverage
• Europe: Central European locations (Germany, Netherlands) for best connectivity
• Asia-Pacific: Singapore or Japan for Asian player bases
• Global Servers: Consider multiple locations if you have worldwide players

Latency Impact on Gameplay:

• 0-50ms: Excellent - No noticeable lag
• 50-100ms: Good - Slight delay in fast-paced activities
• 100-200ms: Acceptable - Noticeable but playable
• 200ms+: Poor - Significant lag affecting gameplay

Support Quality and Availability

Reliable customer support is crucial for server management:

• 24/7 Availability: Round-the-clock support for critical issues
• Response Times: Look for providers with quick response guarantees
• Support Channels: Multiple contact methods (tickets, live chat, Discord)
• Knowledge Base: Comprehensive documentation and tutorials
• Community Support: Active forums or Discord communities

Scalability and Upgrade Options

Your server needs will grow over time, so consider:

• Easy Upgrades: Simple process to increase RAM, storage, or CPU
• Downgrade Flexibility: Ability to reduce resources if needed
• Migration Support: Help moving to different server locations
• Multiple Server Management: Options to run multiple servers

Control Panel and Management Tools

A good control panel makes server management much easier:

• User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design for easy navigation
• One-Click Installations: Easy plugin and mod installation
• File Manager: Web-based file editing and management
• Backup Management: Easy backup creation and restoration
• Performance Monitoring: Real-time server statistics and alerts

Red Flags to Avoid

Unrealistic Promises

Be wary of hosting providers that make these claims:

• "Unlimited" Everything: No service can truly offer unlimited resources
• 100% Uptime: Realistic providers guarantee 99.9% uptime
• Instant Support: While fast support is good, instant is often unrealistic
• Cheapest Prices: Extremely low prices often mean compromised quality

Poor Communication

Avoid providers that exhibit these communication issues:

• No Clear Contact Information: Legitimate businesses provide multiple contact methods
• Vague Terms of Service: Unclear policies about refunds, usage, and limitations
• No Hardware Specifications: Refusing to provide detailed hardware information
• Pressure Sales Tactics: Pushing you to buy immediately without consideration time

Making Your Final Decision

Create a Comparison Checklist

Use this checklist to compare potential hosting providers:

• ☐ Positive Trustpilot reviews (4+ stars with recent reviews)
• ☐ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• ☐ Modern hardware specifications clearly listed
• ☐ Server location suitable for your player base
• ☐ 24/7 customer support with good response times
• ☐ Easy upgrade/downgrade options
• ☐ User-friendly control panel
• ☐ Automatic backups included
• ☐ DDoS protection included
• ☐ Money-back guarantee or trial period

Start Small and Test

Consider this approach when choosing your first hosting provider:

1. Start with a smaller plan to test the service quality
2. Monitor performance during peak and off-peak hours
3. Test customer support by asking questions or reporting minor issues
4. Evaluate the control panel and management tools
5. Upgrade or switch based on your experience

Budget Planning and Cost Optimization

Understanding Total Cost of Ownership

Consider all costs when budgeting for your server:

• Monthly Hosting: Base server plan cost
• Additional Services: Extra storage, backups, or features
• Domain Name: Annual domain registration fees
• Premium Plugins: Paid plugins or modifications
• Website Hosting: Separate web hosting if needed

Cost-Saving Tips

• Annual Payments: Many providers offer discounts for yearly payments
• Start Small: Begin with basic plans and upgrade as needed
• Monitor Usage: Regularly check if you're using all allocated resources
• Compare Regularly: Review your hosting choice every 6-12 months

Why Eternal Hosting Stands Out

At Eternal Hosting, we address all the common issues mentioned in this guide:

• Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees - what you see is what you pay
• Modern Hardware: AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processors with DDR5 RAM and NVMe storage
• Excellent Reviews: 4.9/5 stars on Trustpilot with hundreds of positive reviews
• Fair Pricing: Just $1 per GB of RAM with no player slot limits
• 24/7 Support: Real human support available around the clock
• Instant Setup: Servers deployed within minutes of purchase
• All-Inclusive: DDoS protection, backups, and support included in every plan

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overbuying Resources

Many new server owners make these mistakes:

• Too Much RAM: Buying 16GB when 6GB would suffice
• Excessive Storage: Paying for 500GB when 100GB is plenty
• Unused Features: Paying for databases, multiple IPs, or other features you don't need

Underestimating Growth

On the flip side, some users:

• Choose Too Small: Picking plans that can't handle growth
• Ignore Scalability: Not considering upgrade paths
• Skip Backup Planning: Not accounting for backup storage needs

Focusing Only on Price

The cheapest option isn't always the best value:

• Hidden Costs: Low advertised prices with expensive add-ons
• Poor Performance: Outdated hardware leading to lag and crashes
• Bad Support: Slow or unhelpful customer service
• Reliability Issues: Frequent downtime and server problems

Future-Proofing Your Choice

Technology Trends to Consider

Choose providers that stay current with technology:

• Latest Minecraft Versions: Quick support for new game updates
• Modern Server Software: Support for Paper, Fabric, and other optimized platforms
• Container Technology: Docker support for advanced server management
• API Access: Programmatic server management capabilities

Long-Term Considerations

• Provider Stability: Choose established companies with good track records
• Feature Development: Providers that regularly add new features
• Community Growth: Support for growing player bases
• Technology Adoption: Quick adoption of new gaming technologies

Conclusion

Choosing the right server host and plan for your Minecraft server doesn't have to be a daunting task. By focusing on what you truly need, such as the right amount of RAM, the appropriate storage type, and understanding the server software, you can make an informed decision that meets your current requirements.

Remember, it's better to start with the basics and upgrade as your needs evolve. Avoid the temptation of feature-rich plans that you won't use, and instead focus on core performance factors like modern hardware, reliable support, and transparent pricing.

With careful research and the right approach, you'll be able to select a hosting provider that ensures your server runs smoothly and efficiently for you and your community. Whether you're just starting your first server or looking to optimize an existing one, the principles in this guide will help you make the best choice for your specific needs.