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Head-to-head · Minecraft Server Software

Cuberite vs Endstone

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Cuberite #4 in Minecraft Server Software 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Cuberite
Endstone #13 in Minecraft Server Software 7.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Visit Endstone

Cuberite leads on 0 checks, Endstone on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreCuberite · 8.5/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresCuberite · 2 of 4

Cuberite scores higher on our rubric for minecraft server software: 8.5 against 7.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #13.

On edition support, Endstone gives you Bedrock where Cuberite offers Java.

Cuberite is the better fit for mature cross-platform Java servers. Endstone is the better fit for bedrock servers needing plugin APIs.

  • Cuberite fits best

    Mature cross-platform Java servers

  • Endstone fits best

    Bedrock servers needing plugin APIs

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Cuberite 8.5/10 Visit ↗ Endstone 7.5/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.5 7.5
Ranking #4 in Minecraft Server Software #13 in Minecraft Server Software
Best for Mature cross-platform Java servers Bedrock servers needing plugin APIs
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Self-hosted Self-hosted
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux, Android Windows, Linux, macOS
Support Email, Community, Docs Docs, Community
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market
Features Cuberite 2/4 · Endstone 1/4
Java–Bedrock cross-play — —
Mod loader support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Plugin API ✓ ✓
RCON support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Edition support Java Bedrock
Extension model Plugins Plugins
Server platforms Multi_platform Multi_platform
Our review
Pros
  • Free and open-source across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
  • Lua plugin API, repository, and configurable server settings
  • Multiple worlds, world generation, WebAdmin, and RCON support
  • Python and C++ plugin APIs for server extensions
  • Commands, events, permissions, forms, inventories, maps, and schedulers
  • Free, open-source, self-hosted deployment through pip or Docker
Cons
  • Supports Minecraft Java Edition 1.8–1.12.2
  • Does not provide crossplay support
  • RCON protocol is unencrypted
  • Supports Bedrock rather than Java Edition servers
  • Does not provide crossplay support
  • Self-hosted deployment requires server administration
Our verdict

Cuberite is a free, open-source Minecraft Java Edition server written in C++. It is aimed at self-hosted servers that need configurable performance and extensibility rather than a commercial hosted service. Official builds are available…

Read the review →

Endstone is self-hosted Minecraft server software based on the Bedrock Dedicated Server. It preserves vanilla Bedrock features while adding plugin support for Python and C++. That makes it a fit for solo developers, small teams, and…

Read the review →
  1. CuberiteMinecraft Server Software 8.5Free plan
  2. EndstoneMinecraft Server Software 7.5Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Cuberite — where it wins

    • Free and open-source across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
    • Lua plugin API, repository, and configurable server settings
    • Multiple worlds, world generation, WebAdmin, and RCON support

    Where it doesn't

    • Supports Minecraft Java Edition 1.8–1.12.2
    • Does not provide crossplay support
    • RCON protocol is unencrypted

  • Endstone — where it wins

    • Python and C++ plugin APIs for server extensions
    • Commands, events, permissions, forms, inventories, maps, and schedulers
    • Free, open-source, self-hosted deployment through pip or Docker

    Where it doesn't

    • Supports Bedrock rather than Java Edition servers
    • Does not provide crossplay support
    • Self-hosted deployment requires server administration

More comparisons

All minecraft server software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update