What’s the best way to host a Minecraft server?

Aternos is great if you want a free server with decent performance for casual play.

It’s not the fastest but easy to set up with plugins and no cost.

If you want low lag and more control, paid hosts like Apex or Shockbyte are much more reliable.

These let you choose RAM, modpacks, and server locations which really helps reduce lag.

Hosting from your own PC is possible too but comes with firewall and IP risks.

You’ll also need a solid internet connection and keep your machine running 24/7.

Realms is simple for friends-only gameplay but it lacks plugin support and customization.

PebbleHost is good if you are trying to host with a few friends. Be sure to buy a Premium server if you're using mods or doing anything that stresses the server's CPU.

id say aternos bc its FREE

Aternos is fine for quick games, but PebbleHost runs smoother if you use mods.

idk if ggservers is still around or not, but I used them back in the day lol

yes

If you're just testing the waters or playing casually with a couple friends, the free option like Aternos is a decent starting point. But as a few people pointed out, if you plan to use mods or want a consistently smooth experience, you'll quickly hit its limits. For that, a paid host like PebbleHost or Shockbyte is definitely the way to go. The ability to choose your server location and get more RAM makes a huge difference in reducing lag, especially with modpacks.

Self-hosting is possible, but it's a headache with port forwarding and security risks, and you have to keep your PC on all the time. Realms is the easy "just works" option for vanilla Minecraft, but you lose out on all the customization and plugins. So for most people, a small paid server from a budget-friendly host is the sweet spot for performance and control without the technical hassle.