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Glowstone

Free#18 of 25 in Minecraft Server Software

Glowstone: A plugin-friendly Java server for self-hosted hubs, minigames, and creative worlds. Ranked #18 of 25 in Minecraft Server Software by our editors (6.9/10); pricing: Open source; best for java servers needing broad plugin compatibility.

6.9/10Editor score

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Glowstone6.9 Visit Glowstone

At a glance

Editor score
6.9 / 10
Pricing
Open source
Best for
Java servers needing broad plugin compatibility
Paid from
Free
Edition support
Java
Facts checked
21 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Supports Bukkit, Spigot, Paper, and Sponge integrations
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Includes Glowkit, YAML configuration, and RCON support
Where it doesn't
- Supports Minecraft: Java Edition rather than other editions
- The project is not feature-complete
- Some production survival servers may not be ready for it

Our verdict on Glowstone

Glowstone is an open-source Minecraft server written in Java for Minecraft: Java Edition. It provides a standalone server executable for self-hosting and is aimed at server owners and developers building lobbies, hubs, minigames, and creative servers. Its multi-platform support covers Windows, GNU/Linux, and macOS, while its plugin model gives Java server operators a familiar extension path.

Compatibility is the central strength. Glowstone supports native Bukkit plugins, along with compatibility for plugins built against the Spigot and Paper APIs. Bukkit2Sponge support extends its integration range, and the Glowkit developer API provides a Bukkit-compatible foundation for creating extensions. Server administration is handled through YAML-based configuration and an RCON server implementation, giving operators both file-based settings and remote administration capabilities.

Glowstone is a better fit for Java developers and server owners who value an open-source server with a broad plugin ecosystem and control over self-hosting. Its MIT-licensed codebase also makes the project relevant for teams that want to inspect or adapt the software. The main qualification is project maturity: the published project notes that its latest stable release is 2021.7.0, that it is not feature-complete, and that it is not ready for some production survival servers. Choose Glowstone for compatible hubs, minigames, creative servers, and development-focused projects; consider another server implementation when feature completeness is essential for a production survival environment.

Your product? Our editors can test Glowstone in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Glowstone pricing

Plans Open sourceFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on glowstone.net

Glowstone fact sheet

Free plan	Not verified
Paid from	Free
Edition support	Java
Extension model	Plugins
Java–Bedrock cross-play	Not verified
Mod loader support	Not verified
Plugin API	Yes
RCON support	Yes
Server platforms	Multi_platform
Deployment	Self-hosted
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Community, Docs
Built for	Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate)
Integrations	4 integrations: Bukkit API, Spigot API, Paper API, Sponge
Pricing	Open source
Website	glowstone.net
Facts checked	21 Sep 2026

Glowstone integrations

Glowstone lists 4 integrations on its own site.

Bukkit API
Spigot API
Paper API
Sponge

Alternatives to Glowstone

See all Glowstone alternatives →

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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Glowstone 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.

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Featured on iTechGuides

Glowstone is listed in our Minecraft Server Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update