Best for: Public mini-games / Skyblock RAM: 1 GB (Free) True 24/7? ❌ NO (Sleeps after 10 minutes)
MineHut is owned by a large network. Their free tier is tiny (1GB), but their network is massive. The server sleeps, but the network lobby stays up, meaning join times are fast (10 seconds).
Pros:
Cons:
Verdict: Fun for chaotic public servers, but terrible for a private survival world.
Best For: Tech-savvy users who want true 24/7 hosting with zero lag.
This is the only option on this list that offers true, unrestricted 24/7 hosting for free, but there is a massive catch: It is difficult to set up. Oracle offers an "Always Free" cloud tier that includes Ampere instances. If you manage to snag one of these ARM instances, you can host a Minecraft server with incredible performance (often better than cheap paid hosts).
Basic setup steps:
Tips to fit resource limits:
Uptime: True 24/7 forever | Slots: Unlimited (hardware permitting) | Mods: Yes (anything Linux runs)
This isn’t a Minecraft host—it’s a cloud computing giant giving away 4 ARM cores and 24 GB of RAM for life. You manually install Minecraft server software via command line. It’s 100% free, no hibernation, no queues.
Pros:
Cons:
Best for: Tech-savvy players wanting a powerful, truly free 24/7 server.
Move to a paid host (starting at $3–5/month) if you experience: Best Free Minecraft Server Hosting 24 7 UPD
Budget paid alternatives: PebbleHost ($3/month for 1 GB), BisectHosting ($4.50/month with code “free” for 25% off), or Oracle Cloud (free, but complex).
Minecraft Java uses TCP primarily, but Bedrock uses UDP. If you are hosting a Bedrock server for Xbox/Mobile, ensure your free host supports UDP proxying. Out of the list above, only Oracle Cloud and Aternos support Bedrock UDP correctly.
Aternos remains the most popular free host, and for good reason. It offers unlimited player slots, full modpack support (CurseForge, FTB, Tekkit), and a simple interface. However, its servers do not run 24/7. They shut down after 5–15 minutes of inactivity. To restart, you or a friend must visit the Aternos website and click “Start.” In practice, if you have a small group spread across time zones, someone can always restart it—but it’s not truly always-on.
Verdict: Best for groups who don’t mind manual restarts. Not true 24/7.
While "Free 24/7 Hosting" is often a marketing hook, services like FalixNodes and Oracle Cloud come closest to delivering on that promise without a price tag. For most players, Aternos remains the reliable standard for playing with friends without opening your wallet.
Finding a truly "24/7" free Minecraft server is tricky because most free providers automatically shut down servers when no players are active to save resources. However, several top-rated services for 2026 offer high uptime, generous RAM, and easy ways to restart your server instantly. Top Free Minecraft Server Hosting (Updated 2026)
FalixNodes: Currently considered the most powerful free option, offering 4GB of RAM and high-end CPUs like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. While it has an activity-based shutdown, players can restart it anytime using a simple "Start Server" tool without needing dashboard access. Best for: Public mini-games / Skyblock RAM: 1
OuiHeberg: A standout in 2026 for offering up to 8GB of RAM and 2 vCores for free. It features no ads, no time limits, and a monthly activity check to keep the server running indefinitely.
Oracle Cloud (Always Free): This is the gold standard for tech-savvy users. It provides a dedicated virtual machine with up to 24GB of RAM and 4 ARM cores for free. It is truly 24/7 as long as you maintain minimal activity to prevent idle reclamation by Oracle.
FreeMcServer.net: A reliable choice for smaller groups, providing 1.7GB to 4GB of RAM. It uses a credit system where you can earn upgrades to keep your server online or boost performance.
Aternos: The classic beginner choice. It is incredibly easy to set up with one-click modpack installs. However, it often has long queues during peak hours and will shut down as soon as the last player leaves. Quick Comparison Table CPU Performance
Top Free Minecraft Server Hosting Options:
Features to Consider:
Limitations of Free Hosting:
When choosing a free Minecraft server hosting option, consider your server's specific needs and the limitations of each host. Keep in mind that upgrading to a paid plan may be necessary as your server grows.
Would you like more information on any of these options or help with setting up a Minecraft server?