Minecraft Hosting Services

Aternos vs Nodecraft

A side-by-side comparison of Aternos and Nodecraft for Minecraft servers, from the prices and features each host publishes. Updated November 2026.

Aternos — Visit
Nodecraft 7.0 Visit

The short answer

Aternos is a good fit for playing with a few friends for free. Nodecraft is a good fit for players who host several different games.

Key differences

  • Aternos has no per-GB price to compare (it’s mainly a free host); Nodecraft costs $2.98 per GB.
  • Only Aternos has a free plan.

Side by side

FeatureAternosNodecraft
Our score Free host 7.0 / 10
Price per GB Free $2.98
Starting price $0 $5.96/mo
4 GB server — $11.92
8 GB server — $23.84
Free plan Yes No
Locations Not stated 27
Regions Not stated North America, Europe, Asia, Australia & NZ
Bedrock Yes + crossplay Yes
Modpacks Yes Yes
Free backups Not stated Not stated
DDoS protection Not stated Yes
Root access No No
24/7 support Not stated No
Refund window Not stated 7 days
Control panel Aternos panel NodePanel
Hardware Not stated Not stated

Highlighted cells are better on that line. Prices are estimated from each host’s price per GB; confirm exact plans on their sites.

Aternos

Good:

  • Completely free
  • Java and Bedrock, with Geyser crossplay
  • Modpacks and plugins

Watch out for:

  • Queue to start the server
  • Not online 24/7
  • Lag with many players

Checked on Aternos’s site on 11 November 2026.

Nodecraft

Good:

  • Most server locations of the hosts we compare
  • Swap between dozens of games on one plan
  • 7-day refund and a free trial

Watch out for:

  • Human support isn’t 24/7
  • Trial needs phone verification

Checked on Nodecraft’s site on 11 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is Aternos or Nodecraft better for Minecraft?
Aternos is a good fit for playing with a few friends for free. Nodecraft is a good fit for players who host several different games.

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