Minecraft Realms vs Aternos vs JetRift for friends
Choose Realms for simple same-edition invitations, Aternos for a free choice of server software, or JetRift for a small Java-and-Bedrock group that wants wake-on-join. Check the limits below before moving an existing world.
We build JetRift. This is our product comparison, not an independent review. Official competitor sources were checked on 3 November 2026. Subscription prices and service limits can change.
| Requirement | Realms | Aternos | JetRift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Paid subscription; edition and plan determine price | Free, funded by ads | Free, no ads or card; three servers per account |
| Java + Bedrock in one world | No: separate editions | Java server with Geyser/Floodgate setup | Included, exact supported releases |
| Play while owner is offline | Yes, invited players | Yes; share Start access or use supported Dawn autostart | Yes; joining wakes an idle world |
| Empty server | Marketed as always online; simulation rules still apply | Stops when unused | Sleeps after about two minutes; no ticks while asleep |
| Java mods / Paper plugins | No custom Java server software | Supported software choices and catalog installs | No Forge, Fabric, Paper or Spigot; JetRift catalog only |
| Consoles | Bedrock invitations supported | Custom-server workaround needed | No direct console setup supported |
| Backups | Built-in backups and world download options | Google Drive backup connection and world downloads | World downloads and optional Google Drive backups |
When Realms is the easier choice
If everyone has the same edition and you want an invitation flow, Realms removes much of the server administration. Friends can join without the owner being in the game. Console groups can use a Bedrock Realm without configuring a custom server address.
Check the plan’s simultaneous-player limit and current price on Minecraft’s site. A Java Realm cannot include an Android player using Bedrock. Realms is also a poor fit for a group that depends on a Forge modpack or custom Paper server plugins.
When Aternos fits better
Aternos offers Java and Bedrock server software, including Java mod and plugin options. For Java-and-Bedrock play, its official guide describes Geyser plus Floodgate. Bedrock updates may require updating Geyser, and Java client mods are a separate compatibility problem.
You can give a trusted friend Start permission without sharing your password. Aternos also documents automatic startup when joining through its Dawn launcher, controlled by an autostart setting. This is different from assuming every ordinary Java or Bedrock client wakes the server. Empty servers stop and a busy-time queue can affect startup.
When JetRift fits better
JetRift accepts Java 26.3 and Bedrock 26.60 in the same world. A normal join wakes an idle world, and friends do not need JetRift accounts to play. This suits a few friends who want vanilla-style sessions without coordinating who presses Start.
Our engine is Butternut, not Mojang’s server or Paper. JetRift is early access; mechanics can differ and support is limited to the listed versions. It does not load existing Forge/Fabric mods or Paper/Spigot plugins. Capacity is shared and finite. Auto-wake does not mean your world runs continuously while empty.
Already have a world?
Let the world’s dependencies decide. A modded world may lose content on an engine without those mods. Back up the original and test a copy on the new host, including the Nether, End and player inventories. See the Aternos-to-JetRift migration guide before uploading anything important.
Use the hosting chooser · Understand owner-offline access