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Head-to-head · Minecraft Server Software

Pumpkin vs Sponge

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Pumpkin #1 in Minecraft Server Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Pumpkin
Sponge #5 in Minecraft Server Software 8.3/10 Open source ✓ 2 of 4 features Visit Sponge

Pumpkin leads on 1 check, Sponge on 1, and 3 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 planonly Pumpkin
  • Most featuresPumpkin · 3 of 4

Pumpkin scores higher on our rubric for minecraft server software: 9.4 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #5.

On edition support, Pumpkin gives you Both where Sponge offers Java. On extension model, Sponge gives you Plugins_and_mods where Pumpkin offers Plugins. Pumpkin offers java–bedrock cross-play; Sponge doesn't. Sponge offers mod loader support; Pumpkin doesn't.

Pumpkin is the better fit for cross-platform Java and Bedrock servers. Sponge is the better fit for java servers using plugins and mods.

  • Pumpkin fits best

    Cross-platform Java and Bedrock servers

  • Sponge fits best

    Java servers using plugins and mods

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 Pumpkin 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Sponge 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.3
Ranking #1 in Minecraft Server Software #5 in Minecraft Server Software
Best for Cross-platform Java and Bedrock servers Java servers using plugins and mods
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Open source
Free plan ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Self-hosted Self-hosted
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Pumpkin 3/4 · Sponge 2/4
Java–Bedrock cross-play ✓ (best) —
Mod loader support — ✓ (best)
Plugin API ✓ ✓
RCON support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Edition support Both Java
Extension model Plugins Plugins_and_mods
Server platforms Multi_platform Multi_platform
Our review
Pros
  • 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
  • Supports standalone, Forge, and NeoForge server implementations
  • Combines plugin development with permissions and server administration
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with self-hosted deployment
Cons
  • Still in early development and not officially released
  • Does not support a mod loader
  • May require technical self-hosting and plugin setup
  • Supports Minecraft: Java Edition rather than crossplay
  • Requires self-hosted server deployment
  • Support is provided through community resources and documentation
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 →

Sponge is an open-source server platform and plugin development framework for Minecraft: Java Edition. It is designed for server owners and Java developers who want configurable, self-hosted servers with extension support. SpongeAPI…

Read the review →
  1. PumpkinMinecraft Server Software 9.4Free plan
  2. SpongeMinecraft Server Software 8.3Open source

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

  • Sponge — where it wins

    • Supports standalone, Forge, and NeoForge server implementations
    • Combines plugin development with permissions and server administration
    • Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux with self-hosted deployment

    Where it doesn't

    • Supports Minecraft: Java Edition rather than crossplay
    • Requires self-hosted server deployment
    • Support is provided through community resources and documentation

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