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Head-to-head · Minecraft Bedrock Server Hosting

Apex Hosting vs Minecraft Realms

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 6 checks side by side
Higher score Apex Hosting #3 in Minecraft Bedrock Server Hosting 9.1/10 Paid plans · price varies by game ✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Apex Hosting
Minecraft Realms #5 in Minecraft Bedrock Server Hosting 8.8/10 From $3.99/mo · 30-day trial ✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Realms

Apex Hosting leads on 1 check, Minecraft Realms on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreApex Hosting · 9.1/10
  • Most featuresApex Hosting · 4 of 4

Apex Hosting scores higher on our rubric for minecraft bedrock server hosting: 9.1 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

Apex Hosting offers java–bedrock crossplay; Minecraft Realms doesn't.

Apex Hosting is the better fit for console families on Bedrock Dedicated Server. Minecraft Realms is the better fit for console families who want zero setup.

  • Apex Hosting fits best

    Console families on Bedrock Dedicated Server

  • Minecraft Realms fits best

    Console families who want zero setup

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Side by side

Feature Apex Hosting 9.1/10 Visit ↗ Minecraft Realms 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.1 8.8
Ranking #3 in Minecraft Bedrock Server Hosting #5 in Minecraft Bedrock Server Hosting
Best for Console families on Bedrock Dedicated Server Console families who want zero setup
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price $3.99/mo $3.99/mo
Free plan — —
Free trial — —
Features Apex Hosting 4/4 · Minecraft Realms 3/4
Native Bedrock server ✓ ✓
Java–Bedrock crossplay ✓ (best) —
Console join ✓ ✓
Add-ons & packs ✓ ✓
Specs
Server locations 14 locations Not checked yet
Bedrock server software Bedrock Dedicated Server Not checked yet
Price per GB RAM $3.99/GB/mo From $3.99/mo · 30-day trial
Our review
Pros
  • Console guides use BedrockConnect DNS on Xbox and Switch, plus a PlayStation guide
  • A one-click Geyser installer lets Java servers take Bedrock players
  • A 1 GB Bedrock plan costs $3.99 a month at the recurring rate
  • Consoles, phones and PCs join natively, with no DNS tricks or relay apps
  • Invited members play for free; only the owner subscribes
  • Worlds are saved automatically and stay downloadable for 18 months after cancelling
Cons
  • Vanilla Bedrock only; PocketMine and Nukkit were dropped in mid-2024
  • Add-ons are installed by hand through the world's JSON files
  • One automatic backup is kept at a time
  • The $3.99 Bedrock Realm allows only the owner plus two players online at once
  • No plugins, server software choice, file access or published locations
  • Bedrock Realms can't host Java players; there is no crossplay bridge
Our verdict

Apex Hosting runs Bedrock servers on Mojang's Bedrock Dedicated Server and has invested in guides for the devices Bedrock players actually use. Its Xbox and Switch guide, which also covers the Switch 2, explains the BedrockConnect DNS…

Read the review →

Minecraft Realms is Mojang's own server subscription, built into the game rather than rented from a host. A Bedrock Realm is available on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, phones, tablets and Windows, and players on all of them join…

Read the review →
  1. Apex HostingMinecraft Bedrock Server Hosting 9.1Paid plans · price varies by game
  2. Minecraft RealmsMinecraft Bedrock Server Hosting 8.8From $3.99/mo · 30-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Apex Hosting — where it wins

    • Console guides use BedrockConnect DNS on Xbox and Switch, plus a PlayStation guide
    • A one-click Geyser installer lets Java servers take Bedrock players
    • A 1 GB Bedrock plan costs $3.99 a month at the recurring rate

    Where it doesn't

    • Vanilla Bedrock only; PocketMine and Nukkit were dropped in mid-2024
    • Add-ons are installed by hand through the world's JSON files
    • One automatic backup is kept at a time

  • Minecraft Realms — where it wins

    • Consoles, phones and PCs join natively, with no DNS tricks or relay apps
    • Invited members play for free; only the owner subscribes
    • Worlds are saved automatically and stay downloadable for 18 months after cancelling

    Where it doesn't

    • The $3.99 Bedrock Realm allows only the owner plus two players online at once
    • No plugins, server software choice, file access or published locations
    • Bedrock Realms can't host Java players; there is no crossplay bridge
  • Apex Hosting9.1/10 · Paid plans · price varies by game

    Bedrock from $3.99 for 1 GB, one-click Geyser, add-on guides and console joins on Xbox, Switch and PS.

    Visit Apex HostingFull verdict →
  • Minecraft Realms8.8/10 · From $3.99/mo · 30-day trial

    Mojang's own subscription servers, joined natively from Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, phones and PCs.

    Visit RealmsFull verdict →

More comparisons

All minecraft bedrock server hosting comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update