Depending on your server’s needs, you may not want to run your server with the default vanilla software. This software is as plain as it gets. You cannot upload plugins/mods, and it doesn’t have any performance buffs, so your server will be classic Minecraft Survival (or creative). Thanks to the amazing Minecraft community, you now have a choice between softwares. I will go the following softwares: Spigot, Paper, Purpur and Magma.
Spigot
With this super simple software, your server can now run plugins! Spigot, which was built upon CraftBukkit, was one of the most popular server softwares due to its compatibility with plugins, but that popularity has since faded with time, as faster and more optimized versions of Spigot have been released. Nowadays, it is the go to for beginners due to the huge number of compatible plugins.
Paper
Paper is an upgraded version of Spigot. Not only does it allow you to use plugins, but it now brings performance tweaks and vulnerability patches that will make your server a lot faster and whole lot more secure. It is the most widely used server software, and it is incredibly easy to install and use!
Purpur
Purpur is a middle grounds between Paper and Spigot, because while it does incorporate some server speed boosting patches, it is not as fast as Paper. However, Purpur completely redesigned the way light works in Minecraft, providing a unique experience along with plugin compatibility. It is also designed for larger servers, and can support more players.
Magma (DEPRECIATED)
Magma is one of the very few server softwares that allows you to use both Forge mods and Spigot plugins at the same time. It is heavier on the server due to it running mods and not having the same level of patches that Paper introduces. A majority of the changes introduced in Paper would break Forge mods, making your server vulnerable to crashes and possibly even security issues.
Mohist
Mohist is another software that will allow you to have both plugins and mods on the same server. It is free, easy to use, and is built with Paper optimizations, to speed up and stabilize your plugins. They currently offer build for popular versions of Minecraft, like 1.7.10, 1.12.2, and 1.20.2. Please note that this software is only compatible with FORGE mods. Please see below for a Fabric version.
Banner
Banner is a new software made by the Mohist team that allows you to use FABRIC mods with spigot plugins. It has the same Paper optimizations that Mohist does. Currently, the software is only available for 1.19.4, 1.20, and 1.20.1. As of right now, it does not look like they have plans of adding backwards compatibility.
Conclusion
So, which one should you use for your server? In my personal opinion, Paper is the way to go if you don’t want mods. It is lightweight, is compatible with a majority of plugins, and is regularly updated. Even though Magma is now depreciated, it is still a good option, however, if you are looking for an actively maintained version, check out Mohist.
Now that you know what server software you want to use, why don’t you check out this guide? It will show you the basics of using your new Minecraft server!
