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Paper vs Spigot vs Purpur: which server software?

The difference between Spigot, Paper and Purpur, which one to pick for plugins, and what ServerSpark runs.

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Updated 25 October 2026

Want plugins on your Minecraft server? Then you need server software that loads them. The best-known options are Spigot, Paper and Purpur. They are related: Paper started as an improved Spigot, and Purpur is built on top of Paper. Here's the difference, and why ServerSpark runs Paper.

In one sentence each

  • Spigot: the classic plugin server, built on CraftBukkit. Works, but it's slower than Paper and gets fewer performance fixes.
  • Paper: built from Spigot, with many performance improvements and bug fixes. It runs almost all Spigot and Bukkit plugins, plus plugins made specially for Paper.
  • Purpur: built from Paper, with lots of extra settings for fun gameplay tweaks (for example rideable mobs or changed mob behaviour). Paper plugins work on it too.

Which one should you pick?

  1. Almost everyone: Paper. It's fast, stable and supported by nearly every plugin. Most big servers run Paper or something built on it.
  2. Only if you need a specific Purpur option: Purpur. You only notice the difference when you want one of its extra settings.
  3. Spigot: there's rarely a reason anymore. Plugins written for Spigot generally run on Paper too.
Not sure? Choose Paper. You can always switch later, and your plugins come along.

What you get at ServerSpark

Every Minecraft Java server starts on Paper, so plugins work right away. In SparkPanel, under Settings → Server software, you can switch between Paper, Vanilla, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and a Modrinth modpack yourself. Spigot and Purpur aren't in that list. Do you really need Purpur? Email info@serverspark.nl and we'll look at it with you.

Installing plugins is easiest with the Plugins tab in SparkPanel: search Modrinth and install with one click. See Install Minecraft plugins and The best plugins for a small server.

Plugins or mods?

Paper, Spigot and Purpur run plugins: they work on the server only, so players join with normal Minecraft. Want new blocks, creatures or dimensions? Then you need mods and a mod loader. Read Fabric vs Forge vs NeoForge.

Frequently asked questions

Do my Spigot plugins work on Paper? Almost always, yes. Paper was built to stay compatible with Spigot and Bukkit plugins. A plugin page usually lists which software it supports.

Is Paper faster? Yes, Paper has many optimisations that Spigot lacks, such as faster chunk loading. On a small server you mostly notice fewer lag spikes. See Fix Minecraft server lag.

Can I switch without losing my world? Between Paper and Vanilla your world normally stays the same. Make an extra backup first via Backups in SparkPanel.