Minecraft guides
Best Minecraft server hosting in the UK: what to look for
The best host is the one that suits your group: servers close to your players, enough memory for what you run, and a fair price that doesn't jump after the first month. Here's what to check on any host, and how AwakeNode measures up.
What to check
| What to check | Why it matters | AwakeNode |
|---|---|---|
| The price after the first month | Many hosts advertise a first-month price. What you'll pay every month after is what matters. | The same every month, from £2. A discount code, if you have one, says how long it lasts. |
| Where the servers are | The closer the server, the lower the ping for UK players. | Performance servers in the UK, from £4 a month; Budget servers in the EU. |
| Setup fees and contracts | Some hosts add a setup fee or lock you in for months. | No setup fee and no contract. Cancel any time; it runs to the end of what you've paid for. |
| Player slots | Some plans cap how many people can join. | Unlimited player slots on every plan. |
| Trying before you pay | A trial that needs a card can bill you if you forget. | The Minecraft Budget 4 GB plan is free for 48 hours, with no card needed. |
| Modpacks, mods and plugins | Installing them by hand is where most new servers go wrong. | Modpacks, mods and plugins install in one click from your server's page. |
| Backups | Without them, one bad mod or griefer can cost you the world. | Backups you can take and restore from your server's page. |
| Help when it breaks | Crashes happen. Getting an answer quickly is what counts. | Help with what's wrong built into your server's page, and support by ticket or email. |
| Growing later | Moving host to get more memory means moving your world. | Move to a bigger plan any time and pay only the difference. Your world comes with you. |
How much memory you'll need
Memory decides how well a server runs, and most of the price. As a rule of thumb: 2 to 4 GB for vanilla with a few friends, 6 to 8 GB for plugins or a light modpack, and 10 GB or more for a heavy modpack. More on choosing memory, or what each size costs.
Try AwakeNode
Start with the Minecraft Budget 4 GB plan free for 48 hours, no card needed, or pick a plan. Your server is set up within a few minutes.
Questions
What's the best Minecraft server host for a few friends?
One with a UK or nearby location, enough memory for what you'll run (2 to 4 GB for vanilla with a few friends), no player slot limit, and a fair price after the first month. A free trial lets you check it with your own group first.
What's the best host for modpacks?
Look for 6 GB or more of memory, fast processors, and one-click modpack installs. Big packs like All the Mods want 10 GB or more.
Should I choose a UK host?
If most of your players are in the UK, a server in the UK or nearby Europe keeps ping low. Check where the server actually runs, not just where the company is.
More on running a Minecraft server