Head-to-head · Minecraft Server Control Panels
Crafty Controller vs Minepanel
Crafty Controller leads on 0 checks, Minepanel on 0, and 6 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 scoreCrafty Controller · 7.9/10
- Free planboth
Crafty Controller scores higher on our rubric for minecraft server control panels: 7.9 against 7.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #4.
Crafty Controller is the better fit for free users wanting a polished general panel. Minepanel is the better fit for self-hosters wanting API-driven management.
- Crafty Controller fits best
Free users wanting a polished general panel
- Minepanel fits best
Self-hosters wanting API-driven management
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Side by side
| Feature | Crafty Controller 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Minepanel 7.7/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.7 |
| Ranking | #2 in Minecraft Server Control Panels | #4 in Minecraft Server Control Panels |
| Best for | Free users wanting a polished general panel | Self-hosters wanting API-driven management |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Mobile | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Web |
| Support | Community, Docs | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features Crafty Controller 4/5 · Minepanel 4/5 | ||
| Scheduled backups | ✓ | ✓ |
| Web file manager | ✓ | ✓ |
| SFTP access | — | Not checked yet |
| Multi-user roles | ✓ | ✓ |
| Server import | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported operating systems | Both | Both |
| Server software support | Minecraft Java, Minecraft Bedrock, JAR-based Minecraft servers, Bedrock executables, Forge, NeoForge | Vanilla, Paper, Forge, NeoForge, Fabric, Spigot, Purpur, Pufferfish, Folia, CurseForge, Modrinth, GTNH, and FTB modpacks |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Crafty Controller is a free, open-source Minecraft server launcher and management panel from Arcadia Technology. It runs as a self-hosted web application for administrators managing Minecraft Java, Bedrock, JAR-based, Forge, or NeoForge… Read the review → |
Minepanel is a Docker-based web control panel for creating, configuring, monitoring, and operating multiple Minecraft Java and Bedrock servers. It suits self-hosters, technical administrators, and teams that want direct control over… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Crafty Controller — where it wins
- Supports Minecraft Java and Bedrock server management
- Includes backups, schedules, roles, and crash recovery
- Free, open source, and accessible through web and mobile apps
Where it doesn't
- Does not provide panel-level SFTP access
- Requires self-hosting and administration
- No verified integrations are listed
Minepanel — where it wins
- Manages Java and Bedrock servers in isolated containers
- Includes monitoring, backups, file tools, roles, and modpack support
- REST API, proxy routing, and integrations support automation
Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosting rather than a hosted deployment
- Installation uses Docker Compose on Linux, macOS, or Windows via WSL2
- Its platform coverage is limited to web and self-hosted use
- Crafty Controller7.9/10 · Free plan
A polished, free control panel with broad core tools for Java and Bedrock servers.
Visit CraftyFull verdict → - Minepanel7.7/10 · Free plan
A capable open-source panel for self-hosters who want API-driven Minecraft management.
Visit MinepanelFull verdict →
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- MineOS.net vs Minepanel
All minecraft server control panels comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




