Head-to-head · Minecraft Server Software
Paper vs Minecraft Forge
Paper leads on 0 checks, Minecraft Forge on 1, and 4 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 scorePaper · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresPaper · 2 of 4
Paper scores higher on our rubric for minecraft server software: 9.2 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.
On extension model, Minecraft Forge gives you Mods where Paper offers Plugins. Minecraft Forge offers mod loader support; Paper doesn't.
Paper is the better fit for most Java server operators. Minecraft Forge is the better fit for established Minecraft modded servers.
- Paper fits best
Most Java server operators
- Minecraft Forge fits best
Established Minecraft modded servers
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Side by side
| Feature | Paper 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Minecraft Forge 8.0/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.0 |
| Ranking | #2 in Minecraft Server Software | #8 in Minecraft Server Software |
| Best for | Most Java server operators | 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, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Paper 2/4 · Minecraft Forge 1/4 | ||
| Java–Bedrock cross-play | Not checked yet | — |
| Mod loader support | — | ✓ (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 |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Paper is open-source Minecraft: Java Edition server software for administrators and developers who want to run their own server. Based on Spigot, it focuses on server performance, gameplay and mechanics consistency, and extensibility… 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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Paper — where it wins
- Performance optimizations for chunks, lighting, hoppers, and entities
- Bukkit, Spigot, and Paper API compatibility with plugin support
- RCON, configurable worlds, runnable JARs, and migration support
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted software requires server administration
- Supports Java Edition rather than a hosted multi-edition service
- Does not provide built-in mod loader support
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
- Paper9.2/10 · Free plan
A free, self-hosted Java server with strong performance work and plugin compatibility.
Visit PaperMCFull verdict → - Minecraft Forge8.0/10 · Free plan
A free, self-hosted Forge stack for established Java modded servers.
Try Minecraft ForgeFull verdict →
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All minecraft server software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update