Java vs Bedrock, Which Should You Host?
Minecraft comes in two editions, and they are more different than most people expect. This guide breaks down the real differences so you can pick the right one for your community.
Java Edition: The Original
Java Edition is the original version of Minecraft, available on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is written in Java and has been around since 2009, which means it has the longest history and the largest modding community of any version. When people talk about Minecraft servers, mods, or plugins, they are almost always talking about Java Edition.
The Java server ecosystem is enormous. You have multiple server software options like Paper for plugins, Forge and Fabric for mods, and proxy software like Velocity for building server networks. Thousands of free plugins and mods are available from communities like SpigotMC, Modrinth, and CurseForge. If you want to run custom gamemodes, install large modpacks, or build a server with complex permission systems and economy features, Java is the only realistic choice.
The trade-off is performance. Java Edition runs on the JVM and uses more memory than Bedrock. A vanilla Java server with ten players typically needs 4 GB of RAM, while a modded server can require 8 GB or more. Java Edition also only runs on desktop computers, so your players need a PC, Mac, or Linux machine.
Bedrock Edition: The Cross-Platform Version
Bedrock Edition runs on Windows 10/11, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. All of these platforms can play together on the same server, which makes Bedrock the go-to choice if your group includes console and mobile players. The game is written in C++ and generally runs more efficiently than Java Edition, requiring less RAM and CPU per player.
The Bedrock Dedicated Server (BDS) is the official server software provided by Mojang. It is functional but significantly more limited than Java server software. There is no equivalent of Paper or Spigot for Bedrock. You cannot install Bukkit plugins. Customization is limited to behavior packs (data packs), resource packs, and add-ons, which can modify game behavior but are far less powerful than Java mods.
Bedrock also has its own marketplace where players can buy skins, texture packs, and worlds. Java Edition has no marketplace because everything is freely available from community sites instead.
Key Differences at a Glance
Redstone Works Differently
This catches a lot of people off guard. Redstone behaves differently between the two editions, and builds designed for one will often not work on the other. Java Edition has quasi-connectivity, which means pistons can be powered by blocks that are technically not adjacent to them. Bedrock does not have this mechanic. Tick timing, comparator behavior, and observer output also differ. If your community is into technical Minecraft with complex redstone contraptions, Java is the safer bet because most redstone tutorials and designs are made for Java Edition.
Crossplay with GeyserMC
If you want the best of both worlds, GeyserMC is a plugin that lets Bedrock players connect to a Java Edition server. It translates the Bedrock protocol into Java protocol on the fly, allowing console and mobile players to join your Java server alongside PC players. It is not perfect, some features do not translate cleanly, and Bedrock players might notice minor visual glitches or inventory differences, but it works surprisingly well for vanilla and lightly modded gameplay.
GeyserMC runs as a plugin on your Java server, so you get the full Java plugin ecosystem while still allowing Bedrock players to connect. This is the approach most community servers take when they want maximum reach across platforms. It is supported on Paper, Spigot, Velocity, and BungeeCord.
Which Edition Should You Choose?
Choose Java Edition if your community plays on PC and you want access to the full plugin and mod ecosystem. Java is the right choice for modded servers, servers with custom gamemodes, SMP communities that want economy and permissions systems, and technical Minecraft communities. The vast majority of Minecraft server hosting is Java Edition for these reasons.
Choose Bedrock Edition if your players are primarily on consoles or mobile devices and you want a simple vanilla or lightly customized experience. Bedrock is easier to set up and lighter on resources, but you give up the plugin and mod ecosystem that makes Java servers so flexible.
If you want crossplay between PC and console or mobile, go with a Java server running GeyserMC. You get the full power of Java Edition with the cross-platform accessibility of Bedrock. All Astroworld hosting plans support both Java and Bedrock server software, as well as GeyserMC for crossplay setups.