Rent a Minecraft server or host it yourself?
Self-hosting sounds free but has hidden costs, such as the electricity for a PC that runs around the clock. Here are the pros and cons of both options.
4 min read · Updated 16 October 2026
Self-hosting: the upsides
- No monthly costs if you already have the PC.
- Full control over everything.
- A good way to learn how servers work.
Self-hosting: the downsides
- Power: A PC running around the clock easily uses 50 to 100 watts. Over a month that can easily cost more in electricity than a small rented server.
- Availability: The server is only there while your PC is on. Many internet connections also have no public IPv4 address (DS-Lite), so friends can't get in without workarounds.
- Security: You open a port on your router and every player sees your home IP. Bot attacks then hit your connection.
- Upload: Many home connections have little upload. With several players it gets tight quickly.
- Maintenance: Updates, backups and troubleshooting are on you.
Renting: what you get
- The server runs around the clock in a data centre with a fast connection.
- A fixed address, no router settings, your home IP stays private.
- Backups, version changes and plugin installation with one click.
- Predictable costs: €1.50 per GB of RAM a month with us, cancel monthly.
In short
For an evening on LAN or to try things out, your own PC is enough. As soon as a group plays regularly, even without you, a rented server is usually cheaper and more relaxed than leaving a PC running permanently.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Minecraft server cost?
With us you only pay for RAM: €1.50 per GB a month, the smallest Minecraft server costs €6.00 a month. All prices incl. VAT, cancel monthly.
Is a Raspberry Pi enough?
For two or three players on vanilla and older versions it works, but for current versions with plugins or mods a Raspberry Pi is usually too weak.
Do I have to commit for long?
No. Our servers can be cancelled monthly, in the customer area or via “Cancel contracts here”.