Vex

At a glance

• Editor score
  8.1 / 10
• Pricing
  Open source
• Best for
  Operators needing observability and controls
• Paid from
  Free
• Proxy compatibility
  Velocity
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Backend pools with health probing and automatic transitions
  • Prometheus metrics, JSON logging, and an administrative HTTP API
  • Anti-bot controls, authentication modes, and hot reloads

• Where it doesn't

  • Supports Minecraft versions 1.20 through 1.21.11
  • The plugin SDK is alpha and written for Rust dynamic libraries
  • Redis-backed clustering is experimental and documentation is in progress

Our verdict on Vex

Vex is a self-hosted Minecraft server proxy written in Rust for operators running Minecraft networks. Its core role is to route players across backend servers while providing network administration tools, player transfer, Velocity modern forwarding, and multiple authentication modes: online, offline, and automatic. The product is a fit for teams that want an open-source proxy with direct operational controls rather than a narrow routing layer. It is deployed as a self-hosted service and exposes an API-oriented administrative surface.

Operational visibility is one of Vex’s clearest strengths. Backend pools support health probing and state transitions, while Prometheus metrics and JSON logging provide structured signals for monitoring workflows. Redis and Grafana are listed integrations, and the administrative HTTP API can support network-management processes. Anti-bot attack mode and reputation controls add a security-focused layer, while hot configuration and plugin reloads can reduce the need for routine restarts. These features suit operators who need to inspect backend health, track proxy behavior, and adjust configuration during ongoing network administration.

The main trade-off is maturity and scope. Vex supports Minecraft protocol versions 1.20 through 1.21.11, so networks outside that range should choose a proxy with broader version coverage. Its Rust dynamic-library plugin SDK is alpha, and Redis-backed clustering is experimental; those capabilities are better suited to teams comfortable with evolving infrastructure. Choose Vex if open-source ownership, observability, backend controls, and anti-bot features are priorities. Choose an alternative if you need a mature plugin ecosystem, established clustering, or support for versions beyond its documented range.

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

Vex pricing

Vex fact sheet

Vex integrations

Vex lists 3 integrations on its own site.

• Redis
• Prometheus
• Grafana

Alternatives to Vex

• VelocityA free, open-source proxy for routing players across multi-server Minecraft networks.9.4
• BungeeCordA free, open-source choice for routing players across connected Minecraft servers.9.2
• GateA self-hosted proxy for cross-play networks, flexible routing, and API-driven administration.9.0

See all Vex alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Vex is listed in our Minecraft Server Proxy 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