Best Paper Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026

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Paper is a high-performance Minecraft Java server based on Spigot, aimed at server administrators running communities and multiplayer networks. It combines broad Bukkit plugin compatibility with performance improvements, configuration controls, and active modern-version support.

Developer: PaperMC Price: Free 🎯 papermc.io

🔓 Open Source Java Plugins minecraft server game server

Top 6 Paper alternatives

Cuberite

Cuberite Team

Cuberite is a lightweight, open-source Minecraft: Java Edition server written in C++ for administrators who want low resource usage and fast startup....

Pros

Lower CPU and memory usage than most Java-based servers
Lua plugin API is simpler to deploy than Java plugin ecosystems
Fast startup and compact installation

Cons

Supports fewer modern Minecraft versions than Paper or Vanilla
Much smaller plugin ecosystem than Spigot-compatible servers
Some vanilla mechanics and redstone behavior differ from Minecraft

Free

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Glowstone

Glowstone is a lightweight, open-source Minecraft server that supports plugins written in Java. It aims to provide high performance and stability while...

Free

Alternatives to Glowstone → Visit site

Mineserver

Mineserver contributors

Mineserver is an open-source Minecraft server implementation written in C++. It was designed for developers and server operators who wanted a lightweight...

Pros

C++ implementation can use fewer resources than Java-based servers
Open-source code allows custom modification and inspection
Provides a lightweight foundation for experimentation with Minecraft server internals

Cons

Development and modern-version support are substantially behind Paper and other active projects
Limited plugin, mod, and community compatibility compared with mainstream servers
Requires more technical work to deploy and maintain than established server distributions

Free

Alternatives to Mineserver → Visit site

Spigot

Spigot is a performance-optimized Minecraft server software. It allows for extensive customization and plugin support.

Free

Alternatives to Spigot → Visit site

Minecraft Forge

Minecraft Forge team

Minecraft Forge is a mod loader and modding API for Minecraft: Java Edition, primarily used by players, mod developers, and modpack creators....

Pros

Large, mature library of content and utility mods
Strong modpack support through established launchers
Broad API coverage for complex gameplay modifications

Cons

Typically uses more memory and startup time than Fabric
Mod updates can lag behind new Minecraft releases
Loader-specific mods are not automatically compatible with Fabric

Free

Alternatives to Minecraft Forge → Visit site

Purpur

PurpurMC

Purpur is a configurable Minecraft Java server fork based on Paper, designed for operators who want performance plus extensive gameplay and behavior...