Vex review
A control-focused Velocity proxy with routing, health checks, security controls, and observability.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Vex pros and cons
- 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
Vex fact sheet, pricing and score →
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