Minecraft Realms is the easiest way to play with friends, until you outgrow it. If you are looking for a Minecraft Realms alternative in 2026, this guide shows where Realms falls short, what to look for instead, and how to move your world to MintServers in minutes.
Why Players Look for a Realms Alternative
Realms is simple and managed for you, which suits a small group. As your world grows, these are the limits players run into most:
Small player limits
Bedrock Realms allows you plus 2 players. Realms Plus and Java Realms allow you plus 10.
No mods or plugins
Java Realms cannot use mods, and plugin-based setups are not supported on Realms at all.
Limited settings
You can change a few options, but you do not get full control over files, configuration or the console.
Java and Bedrock are separate
They are different products, so friends on different editions cannot join the same Realm.
One world at a time
Each Realm has three world slots, but only one world can be played at a time.
What to Look for in a Realms Alternative
A good alternative should remove those limits without making things harder to manage. Look for:
MintServers: A Realms Alternative Without the Limits
MintServers gives you a Minecraft server that is as easy to start as a Realm, with none of the restrictions.
Unlimited players and RAM
No player cap and no RAM limit on any plan, so your group can keep growing.
Java and Bedrock together
Run a Java server with Geyser and Bedrock players on Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, mobile and Chromebook can join your Java players.
One-click installs
Install add-ons, maps and texture packs for Bedrock in one click, or upload your own .mcaddon, .mcpack, .mcworld and .mctemplate files.
Mods, plugins and modpacks
On Java, choose software like Paper, Purpur, Fabric, NeoForge or Vanilla.
Any Minecraft version
Choose the version you want instead of being locked to the latest release.
A full control panel
Console, file manager, server properties, game rules, player management and scheduled tasks.
Backups and DDoS protection
Keep your world safe and your server online.
More than Minecraft
Swap your server to dozens of other games whenever you like.
Minecraft Realms vs MintServers
| Minecraft Realms | MintServers | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3.99 per month (Bedrock), $7.99 per month (Bedrock Plus or Java) | From $9.99 per month |
| Players | Capped You plus 2, or you plus 10 |
Unlimited No player slot limit |
| Java and Bedrock | Separate Different products, no crossplay between them |
Together A Java server with Geyser lets Bedrock players join too |
| Mods and plugins | Not supported Bedrock Realms Plus adds Marketplace content |
Supported Mods, plugins and modpacks on Java, one-click add-ons on Bedrock |
| Server control | Limited A few settings only |
Full Console, file manager, server properties and game rules |
| Other games | Minecraft only |
Dozens Other games on the same account |
How to Move Your Realm to MintServers
Switching does not mean starting over. You can bring your Realm world with you:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use mods on Minecraft Realms?
No. Java Realms cannot use mods, and Realms in general cannot run plugins. If you want mods or plugins, you need your own server, such as one from MintServers.
How many players can join a Minecraft Realm?
Bedrock Realms allows you plus 2 players at the same time. Realms Plus and Java Realms allow you plus 10. Up to 10,000 friends can be invited, but only the player limit can be online at once.
Can Java and Bedrock players play together?
Not on Realms, because Java Realms and Bedrock Realms are separate products. On a MintServers Java server, Geyser lets Bedrock players join alongside Java players, so everyone connects to the same address.
Do I lose my world if I leave Realms?
No. You can download your world and upload it to a new server. Realms also gives you 18 months after your subscription ends to download your worlds.