Minecraft Realms vs. Dedicated Server Hosting

If you play Minecraft Java Edition, Microsoft heavily markets "Minecraft Realms" directly inside the game client. It’s portrayed as the easiest way to play with friends. But is a Realm better than renting a dedicated server from a host like EnderGrid?

The Convenience of Realms

Realms wins on one front: extreme simplicity. Because it's baked into the Minecraft client, there are no IP addresses to copy, no ports to forward, and no control panels to navigate. You buy a Realm, click invite, and your friends join. It is designed for parents setting up a safe space for their kids, or casual players who want zero technical involvement.

The Limitations of Realms

The simplicity comes at a massive cost to functionality. Minecraft Realms limits you to pure Vanilla Minecraft. You cannot install server-side plugins like EssentialsX for teleporting, you cannot run economy systems, and you cannot install major forge/fabric Modpacks (like FTB or SkyFactory). Furthermore, Realms heavily limits render distances to preserve resources on Microsoft servers, which can make the game feel claustrophobic.

Player Limits and Pricing

A standard Realm costs about $7.99 USD a month and strictly limits you to 10 players online at the exact same time. If an 11th friend tries to join, they are locked out.

With a dedicated server from EnderGrid, you set your own player limits based on the hardware you purchase. Our plans often give you far more processing power and RAM for a similar price point, allowing dozens of concurrent players.

Mods and Plugins Power Dedicated Hosts

Using a host like EnderGrid allows you to use paper or modded server jars. Want to run an Earth map with Geyser to allow Bedrock players to join your Java server? You can do that. Want to play RLcraft? You can do that. Realms blocks all of this functionality.

Conclusion

If you literally just want 3 friends playing Vanilla survival and have zero desire to ever tweak a setting, Realms is fine. If you want performance, plugins, modpacks, customized worlds, and higher player limits, standard server hosting leaves Realms in the dust.