Minecraft Hosting Services

Aternos vs ScalaCube

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

Aternos — Visit
ScalaCube 5.8 Visit

The short answer

Aternos is a good fit for playing with a few friends for free. ScalaCube is a good fit for running a free test server before paying.

Key differences

  • Aternos has no per-GB price to compare (it’s mainly a free host); ScalaCube costs $2.67 per GB.

Side by side

FeatureAternosScalaCube
Our score Free host 5.8 / 10
Price per GB Free $2.67
Starting price $0 $2.00/mo
4 GB server — $10.68
8 GB server — $21.36
Free plan Yes Yes
Locations Not stated 14
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 Not stated
Refund window Not stated No refunds
Control panel Aternos panel ScalaCube game panel
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.

ScalaCube

Good:

  • Free plan to try things out
  • 14 locations, including India and Australia
  • BungeeCord and Spigot networks supported

Watch out for:

  • No refunds
  • The cheapest 768 MB plan is too small for most servers

Checked on ScalaCube’s site on 11 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is Aternos or ScalaCube better for Minecraft?
Aternos is a good fit for playing with a few friends for free. ScalaCube is a good fit for running a free test server before paying.

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