Crafty Controller
Crafty Controller: A polished, free control panel with broad core tools for Java and Bedrock servers. Ranked #2 of 26 in Minecraft Server Control Panels by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free users wanting a polished general panel.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree users wanting a polished general panel
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Scheduled backupsYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports Minecraft Java and Bedrock server management
- Includes backups, schedules, roles, and crash recovery
- Free, open source, and accessible through web and mobile apps
Where it doesn't
- Does not provide panel-level SFTP access
- Requires self-hosting and administration
- No verified integrations are listed
Our verdict on Crafty Controller
Crafty Controller is a free, open-source Minecraft server launcher and management panel from Arcadia Technology. It runs as a self-hosted web application for administrators managing Minecraft Java, Bedrock, JAR-based, Forge, or NeoForge servers. Users can create or import servers from ZIP archives, start and stop them, manage players, run commands, edit files, and configure permissions. Crafty supports Linux, Windows, macOS, Docker, and UnRAID, while its progressive web app provides mobile access through supported devices.
Its strongest area is core server administration. The web-based file manager supports editing, uploading, downloading, renaming, and organizing files. Backup tools cover creation, retention, compression, download, and restore, while scheduled tasks support basic, cron, and chained schedules. Role-based permissions can govern servers, files, backups, schedules, commands, and players. Crash detection, automatic startup, and server executable updates add useful operational coverage for owners who want routine maintenance handled from one dashboard.
Crafty Controller is a strong fit for users who want broad Minecraft management without a subscription or paid tier structure. Its free and open-source model suits self-hosters comfortable running and maintaining their own panel. The main tradeoff is ecosystem breadth: SFTP is not provided as a panel feature, and verified integrations are not listed. Choose Crafty for a general-purpose control panel covering Java and Bedrock, imports, files, backups, schedules, roles, and recovery. Users prioritizing SFTP access or established integrations should consider a different panel.
Your product? Our editors can test Crafty Controller in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Crafty Controller pricing
Crafty Controller fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported operating systems | Both |
| Server software support | Minecraft Java, Minecraft Bedrock, JAR-based Minecraft servers, Bedrock executables, Forge, NeoForge |
| Scheduled backups | Yes |
| Web file manager | Yes |
| SFTP access | No |
| Multi-user roles | Yes |
| Server import | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | craftycontrol.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Crafty Controller
- MulticraftA capable Minecraft control panel for personal owners and commercial hosting providers.7.9
- MineOS.netA free, broad control panel for multi-user Java and Bedrock server hosting.7.8
- MinepanelA capable open-source panel for self-hosters who want API-driven Minecraft management.7.7
See all Crafty Controller alternatives →
Crafty Controller vs the competition
- Crafty Controller vs Multicraft
- Crafty Controller vs MineOS.net
- Crafty Controller vs Minepanel
- Crafty Controller vs VoxelDash
- Crafty Controller vs Minecraft Server Manager
- Crafty Controller vs Kubek
Compare Crafty Controller with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Crafty Controller is ranked in 2 of our directories.
Used Crafty Controller? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Crafty Controller for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Crafty Controller is listed in our Minecraft Server Control Panels directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/crafty-controller/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/crafty-controller.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Last updated · How we research and update