Cliff review
A free, open-source panel for importing, operating, and exposing Minecraft Java servers.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Cliff is a free, open-source, self-hosted web dashboard for managing Minecraft Java servers on personal hardware. It is aimed at users who want to create or import servers, control their lifecycle, manage files and players, and access console output from a web interface. Supported server software includes Vanilla, Paper, Purpur, Folia, Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge. Installations are available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, and the product runs as a single binary without a cloud subscription or external database.
Its strongest area is operational coverage for a self-hosted panel. Cliff can create servers from supported types and versions, or import existing server folders and ZIP archives. Start, stop, restart, clone, rename, and delete controls are paired with live console log streaming and command input. Mod and plugin installation is connected to Modrinth, while manual and scheduled snapshots, web-based file editing, uploads, and deletion cover routine server maintenance. Player administration includes operators, whitelists, and bans.
Cliff also connects to playit.gg for public access tunnels, giving users a straightforward path from local server management to external access. The trade-off is that setup and administration remain tied to personal hardware and self-hosting rather than a hosted control service. Its scope is specifically Minecraft Java server management, so it is a focused choice rather than a general game-server panel. Choose Cliff if free, open-source control, server imports, Modrinth support, snapshots, and simple tunnels matter most. Choose another option if you need hosted infrastructure or support beyond the listed Minecraft Java ecosystem.
Cliff pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Imports existing server folders or ZIP archives
- Supports Modrinth, snapshots, file management, and player administration
- Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS with playit.gg tunnels
- Where it doesn't
- Requires self-hosting on personal hardware
- Supports Minecraft Java servers rather than other editions
- Uses playit.gg for public access tunnels
Cliff fact sheet, pricing and score →
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