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Head-to-head · Minecraft Server Software

Cuberite vs Minecraft Forge

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 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
Minecraft Forge #8 in Minecraft Server Software 8.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 1 of 4 features Try Minecraft Forge

Cuberite leads on 0 checks, Minecraft Forge on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 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 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #8.

On extension model, Minecraft Forge gives you Mods where Cuberite offers Plugins.

Cuberite is the better fit for mature cross-platform Java servers. Minecraft Forge is the better fit for established Minecraft modded servers.

  • Cuberite fits best

    Mature cross-platform Java servers

  • Minecraft Forge fits best

    Established Minecraft modded servers

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 ↗ Minecraft Forge 8.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.5 8.0
Ranking #4 in Minecraft Server Software #8 in Minecraft Server Software
Best for Mature cross-platform Java servers Established Minecraft modded servers
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, macOS, Linux
Support Email, Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Cuberite 2/4 · Minecraft Forge 1/4
Java–Bedrock cross-play — —
Mod loader support Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Plugin API ✓ (best) Not checked yet
RCON support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Edition support Java Java
Extension model Plugins Mods
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
  • Dedicated server installation supports self-hosting
  • Mod registries, events, networking, and configuration APIs
  • Free, open source, and available on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Cons
  • Supports Minecraft Java Edition 1.8–1.12.2
  • Does not provide crossplay support
  • RCON protocol is unencrypted
  • Supports Minecraft: Java Edition only
  • No crossplay support across editions
  • Uses mods rather than a plugin-based extension model
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 →

Minecraft Forge is a free, open-source modding API and server platform for Minecraft: Java Edition. It is aimed at server operators running established modded environments and developers creating mods. The Forge installer integrates with…

Read the review →
  1. CuberiteMinecraft Server Software 8.5Free plan
  2. Minecraft ForgeMinecraft Server Software 8.0Free 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

  • Minecraft Forge — where it wins

    • Dedicated server installation supports self-hosting
    • Mod registries, events, networking, and configuration APIs
    • Free, open source, and available on Windows, macOS, and Linux

    Where it doesn't

    • Supports Minecraft: Java Edition only
    • No crossplay support across editions
    • Uses mods rather than a plugin-based extension model

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