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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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. Good luck, and happy hosting!