ViaProxy review
A free, open-source proxy for bridging Minecraft versions across self-hosted networks.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ViaProxy is a self-hosted Minecraft proxy for server owners and communities that need clients from different eras to connect to the same network. It translates connections across Release, Beta, Alpha, Classic, snapshot, April Fools, Combat Test 8c, and Bedrock versions, with support spanning Windows, macOS, and Linux. Player-oriented GUI configuration sits alongside YAML configuration for server owners, CLI operation with command help, online-mode connectivity, player transfers, cookies, Minecraft Realms connectivity, and a plugin API. The project is open source and available as a free plan, with Docker image distribution for deployment.
Its main strength is protocol coverage and ecosystem fit. ViaProxy can operate as a standalone proxy and integrate with Geyser, ViaVersion, ViaBackwards, ViaRewind, ViaLegacy, ViaBedrock, and Simple Voice Chat. That makes it suitable for networks combining modern Java servers with older releases or legacy clients, while also providing a path to Bedrock connectivity. The published compatibility range includes Release 1.0.0-26.3, Beta b1.0-b1.8.1, Alpha a1.0.15-a1.2.6, Classic c0.0.15-c0.30, and Bedrock 1.26.45 marked WIP.
The trade-off is operational responsibility. ViaProxy is self-hosted, so server owners handle deployment and configuration rather than using a hosted proxy service. Bedrock support also needs careful qualification: it is marked WIP and requires the Geyser plugin on the client side. Choose ViaProxy if version bridging, legacy compatibility, Docker distribution, and extensibility matter more than a managed setup. It is less suitable for operators seeking a hosted service or a fully mature Bedrock path without additional components.
ViaProxy pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Translates Release, Beta, Alpha, Classic, snapshot, and Bedrock versions
- Supports GUI, YAML, CLI, Docker, plugins, and network administration
- Connects with Geyser, ViaVersion family tools, Realms, and Simple Voice Chat
- Where it doesn't
- Bedrock support is marked WIP
- Requires self-hosted deployment and server administration
- Bedrock connectivity requires Geyser on the client side
ViaProxy fact sheet, pricing and score →
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