Head-to-head · Minecraft Server Software
Pumpkin vs Cuberite
Pumpkin leads on 1 check, Cuberite on 0, 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 scorePumpkin · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresPumpkin · 3 of 4
Pumpkin scores higher on our rubric for minecraft server software: 9.4 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #4.
On edition support, Pumpkin gives you Both where Cuberite offers Java. Pumpkin offers java–bedrock cross-play; Cuberite doesn't.
Pumpkin is the better fit for cross-platform Java and Bedrock servers. Cuberite is the better fit for mature cross-platform Java servers.
- Pumpkin fits best
Cross-platform Java and Bedrock servers
- Cuberite fits best
Mature cross-platform Java servers
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Side by side
| Feature | Pumpkin 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Cuberite 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #1 in Minecraft Server Software | #4 in Minecraft Server Software |
| Best for | Cross-platform Java and Bedrock servers | Mature cross-platform Java servers |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs | Email, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business |
| Features Pumpkin 3/4 · Cuberite 2/4 | ||
| Java–Bedrock cross-play | ✓ (best) | — |
| Mod loader support | — | Not checked yet |
| Plugin API | ✓ | ✓ |
| RCON support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Edition support | Both | Java |
| Extension model | Plugins | Plugins |
| Server platforms | Multi_platform | Multi_platform |
| Our review | ||
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| Our verdict | Pumpkin is an open-source Minecraft server written in Rust for self-hosted deployments. It is designed for operators who want Minecraft Java Edition and Bedrock Edition players to join the same world without requiring Java or an external… Read the review → |
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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Pumpkin — where it wins
- Supports Java and Bedrock players in the same world
- Includes plugins, RCON, proxy forwarding, and multiple world formats
- Runs across Windows, macOS, Linux, Docker, and Nix/NixOS
Where it doesn't
- Still in early development and not officially released
- Does not support a mod loader
- May require technical self-hosting and plugin setup
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
- Pumpkin9.4/10 · Free plan
A broad, free server option for cross-play worlds, plugins, and self-hosted deployment.
Visit PumpkinFull verdict → - Cuberite8.5/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source choice for configurable, self-hosted Java servers.
Visit CuberiteFull verdict →
More comparisons
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- Pumpkin vs Fabric
- Pumpkin vs Minecraft Forge
- Paper vs Cuberite
- Arclight vs Cuberite
All minecraft server software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update