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Allay review

Free#20 of 25 in Minecraft Server Software

A free, developer-friendly Bedrock server runtime for Windows and Linux.

6.7/10Editor score
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Allay is open-source server software for Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, written from scratch in Java. It is aimed at server operators and developers who want a self-hosted Bedrock runtime with room for custom extensions. The software runs on Windows and Linux, supports multiple Bedrock versions, and uses a plugin model built around the JVM. That combination makes it particularly relevant for teams and individuals comfortable with Java-based development.

Allay is free to use as open-source software, with no paid tiers described. Installation can follow two paths: AllayLauncher handles installation and updating, while a manual option uses the project's shaded JAR release. Running Allay requires Java 21, so operators need an environment that supports that runtime before deployment. The available installation choices suit both users who want a guided launcher and those who prefer direct control over the server artifact.

The main differentiator is its developer-facing extension model. Allay provides a documented plugin API, and plugins can be written in Java, Kotlin, Scala, or other JVM languages. This gives Bedrock server developers a familiar route to customization without limiting extensions to one JVM language. The trade-off is a narrower platform focus: Allay targets Bedrock servers and does not provide crossplay support. Choose it for a free, customizable Bedrock server with JVM plugin development; choose another option if Java Edition hosting or crossplay is central to the project.

Allay pros and cons

  • Where it wins
    • Supports Java, Kotlin, Scala, and other JVM-language plugins
    • Includes multi-version support and a documented plugin API
    • Free, open source, and available for Windows and Linux
  • Where it doesn't
    • Supports Minecraft: Bedrock Edition rather than Java Edition
    • Does not provide crossplay support
    • Requires the Java 21 runtime

Allay fact sheet, pricing and score →

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