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Realms is better for a small group that wants an always-online Minecraft world without running a server. A dedicated server is better if you want more control and are willing to set up and maintain the software and host. First, make sure everyone is playing the same edition: ordinary Java and Bedrock Realms and servers are separate, not a cross-edition bridge.
Java and Bedrock players need to choose by edition first
Java Realms and Java servers are for Java players; Bedrock Realms and Bedrock servers are for Bedrock players. Bedrock supports cross-play across supported devices within Bedrock, while Java cross-play is for Java players on Windows, Linux, and macOS. The ordinary Realm and server options do not let Java and Bedrock players join the same world. See Minecraft’s Java-versus-Bedrock explainer.
If your group is split between editions, settle that compatibility issue before comparing hosting. A hosting choice cannot make the standard Java and Bedrock editions play together.
Realms and dedicated servers compared
| Decision | Realms | Dedicated server |
|---|---|---|
| Setup and upkeep | Managed through Minecraft and intended for easy setup without server administration. | You install and configure the server yourself or rent hosting; you manage availability and connection settings. |
| Access when the owner is offline | Included: invited members can enter the active world while the owner is offline. | Depends on whether the host computer or hosting provider is running and reachable. |
| Control | Private, invited world with settings and three world slots; only one slot is active at a time. | More direct configuration control; the exact options depend on the server software and hosting arrangement. |
| Player capacity | Owner plus two or owner plus ten players simultaneously, depending on plan. | Depends on hardware or hosting and the workload; there is no universal capacity figure. |
| Cost model | Subscription. Current official US-listed prices appear below. | The official software is free; self-hosting still uses hardware, electricity, and connectivity, while rented hosting has provider-specific charges. |
| Backups and worlds | Minecraft says plans include free backups; worlds can be downloaded for 18 months after a subscription expires. | The operator chooses and manages backups; check any hosting provider’s own terms. |
What Realms includes—and its player limits
Minecraft’s official Realms page lists three persistent world slots, free backups, always-on access, and free play for invited friends. Only the active world is playable at a time. The invitation list can exceed the number of people who can play simultaneously; that limit counts the owner.
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Mojang describes the service this way: “Your Realm has three persistent world slots. Your invited friends can play your active world from any device, at any time, for free – even when you’re not online.” This is the product’s stated service description, not an independent uptime test. Bedrock Realms Plus also includes access to the rotating Marketplace Pass catalog; Java Realms does not include Marketplace access. Details are on the official Minecraft Realms page.
Official US-listed prices checked October 3, 2026
| Plan | Listed price | Simultaneous players |
|---|---|---|
| Bedrock Realms | $3.99 USD per month | Owner plus two |
| Bedrock Realms Plus | $7.99 USD per month | Owner plus ten |
| Java Realms | $7.99 USD per month | Owner plus ten |
These are the prices shown on Minecraft’s official page when checked October 3, 2026; storefront, tax, and regional pricing may differ. Minecraft says Realm worlds can be downloaded for 18 months after the subscription expires. Confirm the current terms and price for your region before subscribing.
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- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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What running a dedicated server involves
Minecraft provides free official server software for both Java and Bedrock. The software has no Realms subscription requirement, but operating a server still requires a capable computer or rented host, ongoing availability, and some setup. Java uses a server JAR and compatible Java Runtime Environment. Bedrock uses its own server package for supported Windows or Linux configurations.
- For local play: players on the same network may be able to connect without exposing the server publicly.
- For friends connecting over the internet: firewall and network settings may need configuration. Follow the relevant official instructions for the Minecraft server software and the Bedrock Dedicated Server.
- For Bedrock world setup: Microsoft Learn documents file-based settings and copying an existing world folder into the server’s worlds directory in its Bedrock Dedicated Server getting-started guide.
Self-hosting costs vary with equipment, electricity, connectivity, and the amount of time the machine must stay available. Renting a server moves some of that work to a provider, but prices, backup terms, and service guarantees vary. AWS has a Java server tutorial for EC2, published December 7, 2023; it is one cloud-hosting example, not evidence that cloud hosting is cheaper or easier for every group.
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Which should you choose?
Choose Realms if convenience matters most
- Your group is within the simultaneous player limit for the plan.
- You want an invited, persistent world without maintaining a server computer or network configuration.
- You want Minecraft’s managed access and included backups.
Choose a dedicated server if control matters most
- You want more direct control over server configuration.
- Someone in the group can handle installation, upkeep, and network access—or you are willing to rent hosting.
- You want to operate Java or Bedrock server software without a Realms subscription. Minecraft’s help page explains that Java online servers do not require Realms.
Consider hosted infrastructure if you do not want a home server
A rented host or cloud virtual machine can provide the dedicated-server approach without keeping a home computer online. Before choosing one, verify that it supports your edition and check its capacity, backups, access controls, price, and service terms. No provider is universally best on the evidence available here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
