Head-to-head · Minecraft Server Software
Paper vs Mohist
Paper leads on 0 checks, Mohist on 1, and 3 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 scorePaper · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
Paper scores higher on our rubric for minecraft server software: 9.2 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #6.
On extension model, Mohist gives you Plugins_and_mods where Paper offers Plugins. Mohist offers mod loader support; Paper doesn't.
Paper is the better fit for most Java server operators. Mohist is the better fit for forge servers combining mods and plugins.
- Paper fits best
Most Java server operators
- Mohist fits best
Forge servers combining mods and plugins
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Side by side
| Feature | Paper 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Mohist 8.2/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.2 |
| Ranking | #2 in Minecraft Server Software | #6 in Minecraft Server Software |
| Best for | Most Java server operators | Forge servers combining mods and plugins |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Windows, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features Paper 2/4 · Mohist 2/4 | ||
| Java–Bedrock cross-play | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Mod loader support | — | ✓ (best) |
| Plugin API | ✓ | ✓ |
| RCON support | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Edition support | Java | Java |
| Extension model | Plugins | Plugins_and_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 → |
Mohist is a self-hosted Minecraft Java server implementation for operators who need Forge mods and Bukkit or Spigot plugins in the same server environment. It combines the Minecraft Forge mod loader with Bukkit and Spigot server APIs,… 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
Mohist — where it wins
- Runs Forge mods with Bukkit and Spigot plugins together
- Includes world-management and mod/plugin inspection commands
- Supports Windows, Linux, and self-hosted deployments
Where it doesn't
- The core is end-of-life and updates are paused
- Java Edition only, with Java-based installation
- Requires self-hosting and server configuration
- Paper9.2/10 · Free plan
A free, self-hosted Java server with strong performance work and plugin compatibility.
Visit PaperMCFull verdict → - Mohist8.2/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source Java server for combining Forge mods with Bukkit or Spigot plugins.
Visit MohistFull 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






