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First, check whether everyone plays Java Edition or Bedrock Edition: the standard Realms and server options are edition-specific, so Java and Bedrock players do not ordinarily join the same world. For a small group that wants an invite-only world available when its owner is offline, Realms is usually the easier choice. Hosting your own server suits a group that wants more configuration and access control and has someone willing to install, run, and maintain it.
How to choose between Realms and your own server
- Confirm the edition. Ask each friend whether they play Java or Bedrock, and choose hosting software for that edition. Java Realms works across Windows, macOS, and Linux; Bedrock Realms supports the Bedrock devices and platforms listed by Minecraft. The editions are not interchangeable for ordinary Realms or server play. See Minecraft’s Java and Bedrock edition guide.
- Decide who will operate the world. Realms is a managed, cloud-hosted option. With self-hosting, someone in the group takes responsibility for setup, configuration, and keeping the service available.
- Check the simultaneous-player limit. The current US Realms plans differ in capacity; count the owner in the stated limit. The number of people you can invite is not the number who can play at once.
- Consider the full cost and world continuity. Realms has a published recurring subscription. The official Bedrock server software is free, but hardware, electricity, internet service, uptime, and the operator’s time can still have costs. Decide how the world will be backed up before moving or changing its host.
Realms vs. self-hosting at a glance
| Consideration | Minecraft Realms | Your own server |
|---|---|---|
| Setup and upkeep | Integrated subscription with less server administration. | Install and configure compatible server software; the operator maintains it. |
| Availability | Cloud-hosted and always online, so invited friends can play while the owner is offline. | Available when the host machine and service are running and reachable. |
| Access and configuration | Private, invite-controlled service with plan-defined features and limits. | Operator controls server configuration and player access, including allowlists where supported. |
| Concurrent players | Current US plans list the owner plus 2 players for Bedrock Realms, or the owner plus 10 for Bedrock Realms Plus and Java Realms. | Depends on the software configuration and the host machine and network; no universal capacity is established. |
| Cost | Recurring subscription; current US prices are listed below. | Microsoft’s Bedrock Dedicated Server software is free; total operating costs vary. |
| Backups and world transfer | The Realms plan page lists free backups; worlds can be downloaded. | The operator needs to plan and maintain backups. Existing Bedrock worlds can be copied into the official server’s worlds folder. |
What Realms gives a friend group
Realms is Minecraft’s managed hosting option: the world is hosted in the cloud, access is controlled through invitations, and the Realm remains online even when its owner is away. Friends invited to play do not need to buy their own Realms subscription. That removes the need for a group member to keep a home server running and handle its routine administration.
Current US plan prices and player limits
Minecraft’s US Realms page, accessed in 2026, lists the following monthly prices and simultaneous-player limits. Prices can vary by region and may change; check the official Realms page for current availability and terms.
| Plan | US price per month | Simultaneous players |
|---|---|---|
| Bedrock Realms | $3.99 USD | Owner plus 2 players |
| Bedrock Realms Plus | $7.99 USD | Owner plus 10 players |
| Java Realms | $7.99 USD | Owner plus 10 players |
The same US page says an owner can invite up to 10,000 friends. That is an invitation limit, not concurrent capacity: the plan’s simultaneous-player limit still applies.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Where Realms is a good fit
- Your group wants a shared world that friends can enter when the owner is offline.
- You prefer an integrated service over managing server software and availability.
- Your expected number of simultaneous players fits the relevant plan.
- You want the plan’s included backup feature rather than arranging server backups yourself.
What hosting your own server involves
Self-hosting gives the operator direct control over configuration and player access, but also makes that person responsible for operating the service. For Bedrock Edition, Microsoft offers free Dedicated Server software for Windows and Ubuntu Linux. Its guide covers server properties and allowlists, and explains how to copy an existing Bedrock world into the server’s worlds folder: Microsoft’s Bedrock Dedicated Server getting-started guide.
Those operating-system details apply to the documented Bedrock software; they should not be treated as Java server requirements. For either edition, choose server software compatible with the group’s edition. Java and Bedrock hosting are not interchangeable.
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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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Responsibilities that shift to the operator
- Install, configure, start, and maintain the server software.
- Keep the host machine and service running when friends want to play, and ensure the service is reachable.
- Manage who can join and maintain the server’s configuration.
- Make and preserve backups; the operator, rather than a Realms plan, is responsible for the backup routine.
- Account for any incremental hardware, power, internet, and time costs.
Free software does not establish that self-hosting will cost less overall. If you already have suitable hardware and connectivity, your incremental expense may be different from someone who must supply them; neither case can be reduced to the software’s price alone.
Is Realms worth it, or is self-hosting cheaper?
Realms is worth paying for when its hosted availability and lower administration burden matter more than direct server control. Its subscription price is visible and recurring. Self-hosting may avoid that subscription, but the Bedrock software’s free price does not include the cost of a machine, electricity, connectivity, or the operator’s time. There is no universal cheaper option without knowing what the group already has and what it values.
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Choose based on the trade-off rather than assuming one option is faster or cheaper: the available product and technical documentation establish hosting features and responsibilities, not a comparative performance benchmark or guaranteed savings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Move a world without losing track of it
Before changing hosting arrangements, preserve a copy of the world and decide which copy will be authoritative. Realms lists free backups and lets owners download worlds. Microsoft’s Bedrock Dedicated Server guide documents copying an existing Bedrock world into the server’s worlds folder. Follow the relevant edition-specific instructions and keep a separate backup rather than relying on an unverified migration path.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- 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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- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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.
