Updated 4 November 2026
Minecraft Realms is Mojang's own subscription for a small private server. Your own server from a hosting company is the other option. Both let your friends play when you are offline. Which one fits depends on how many people play, on which devices, and whether you want plugins or mods. Realms prices below are the prices on minecraft.net, checked on 28 October 2026.
Side by side
| Realms (Bedrock) | Realms Plus (Bedrock) | Realms for Java | Own server at ServerSpark | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per month | $3.99 USD | $7.99 USD | $7.99 USD | from €0.99 (per quarter) or €1.09 (monthly billing), incl. VAT |
| Players at the same time | you + 2 | you + 10 | you + 10 | you set the limit; memory decides how many play smoothly (1 GB: 1–3, 4 GB: 5–15) |
| Payment | recurring subscription that renews automatically; 30-day free trial for eligible players | per month, quarter or year; never charged automatically | ||
| Plugins and mod loaders (Paper, Fabric, Forge) | no | yes, one-click install from Modrinth | ||
| Marketplace content | no | Marketplace Pass catalog | no | no (Bedrock add-ons can be uploaded yourself) |
| Java and Bedrock together | no: Bedrock Realms and Java Realms are separate | yes, with Geyser on a Java server | ||
| Backups | included | nightly off-site backup plus backup slots in the panel | ||
minecraft.net shows Realms prices in US dollars; the price in your local store can be different. ServerSpark prices are in euro with 21% VAT included.
When Realms is the better pick
- You play Bedrock with one or two friends, want nothing to set up, and like everything inside the game menu.
- You want the Marketplace Pass content that comes with Realms Plus.
- You don't mind a subscription that renews automatically.
When your own server is the better pick
- More friends for less. Ten friends on Java: Realms for Java is $7.99 a month; a 4 GB ServerSpark server is €4.19 a month paid per quarter, or €4.39 with monthly billing.
- Plugins and mods. Paper plugins (protection, ranks, mini-games), Fabric or Forge mods and modpacks like Cobblemon are only possible on your own server.
- Mixed devices. With Geyser, friends on phones, tablets and consoles can join a Java server.
- Full control. Whitelist, operators, every setting in server.properties, and your world files to download any time.
- No automatic charges. You pay each invoice yourself, which many parents prefer.
Moving from Realms to your own server
You can download your Realm's world from the Realm settings in the game (on Java under Backups) and upload it to your server in SparkPanel. Or order a plan and email info@serverspark.nl: we move it for you for free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Realms safe for children? Yes, only invited players can join. Your own server is just as closed when you turn on the whitelist; see Minecraft server for kids.
Do my friends need to pay? No. With Realms and with your own server, only the owner pays. Everyone needs their own copy of Minecraft.
What does my own server cost in total? See How much does a Minecraft server cost?
Are these Realms prices still right? They were checked on minecraft.net on 28 October 2026. Mojang can change them; always check the current price there.