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Cheap Minecraft server hosting: how to pick the right plan

2 min readUpdated Oct 31, 2026

How to keep a Minecraft server cheap without making it lag: size RAM to your players and plugins, pick the right server type and tune the settings that cost the most.

The cheapest Minecraft server is the one sized right: enough RAM that it doesn't lag, and no more. Paying for 8 GB to run Vanilla for three friends is wasted money; squeezing a modpack into 1 GB just crashes. Here's how to land in between.

Size it to what you run #

Your serverRAM to start with
Vanilla or Paper, a few friends1–2 GB
Paper with a handful of plugins2–3 GB
Fabric with light mods2–4 GB
Forge or a modpack4 GB and up

More detail: how much RAM a Minecraft server needs. Start small; you can move to a bigger plan later.

Get more out of a small plan #

  1. Use Paper or Purpur instead of Vanilla. They run the same game with better performance (compare types).
  2. Lower view-distance in server.properties to 6–8 and keep simulation-distance modest.
  3. Pre-generate or limit the world border so new chunks aren't generated during play.
  4. Keep mob farms and item piles in check; entities cost both CPU and RAM.
  5. Remove plugins you don't use, and restart on a schedule (schedules).

Already lagging? See fix Minecraft server lag.

What to check in any cheap host #

  • The RAM is what your server actually gets, not a shared "up to" number.
  • You can choose Paper, Purpur, Fabric, Forge or Vanilla.
  • You get a console, file manager and SFTP so you can upload worlds, plugins and mods yourself.
  • Monthly billing you can cancel, and your files downloadable any time.

Minecraft on ESN #

ESN Minecraft plans start at 1 GB of RAM (Forge needs 2 GB or more). Every plan has the Pterodactyl panel with a live console, file manager, SFTP, schedules, subusers and live usage graphs, servers in the US (Chicago and New York) and a public status page. Prices and live stock are on the plans page; deals are on deals and referrals.

New server? Follow set up a Minecraft server or make a server for friends. Coming from another host? Use the free importer.

FAQ #

What is the cheapest way to run a Minecraft server for friends? #

Use Paper on a 1–2 GB plan, lower the view distance, and turn on the whitelist. Move up only if the server shows memory pressure.

Is 1 GB enough for a Minecraft server? #

For Vanilla or Paper with one or two players, it can be. More players, plugins or mods need more.

Can I upgrade my plan later? #

Yes. Start small and move to a bigger plan when you need it.

Where are ESN servers located? #

In the US, in Chicago and New York.

Where can I see prices? #

On the plans page, which shows every plan and whether it is in stock.

Still stuck? Use the live chat on the panel or ask in the ESN Systems Discord. Last updated October 31, 2026.