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Java vs Bedrock Servers

The real differences between hosting Java and Bedrock Edition — and how to let both play together on one server with Geyser crossplay.

Minecraft comes in two editions, and the one you host determines who can join, what add-ons you can run, and how the server behaves. Java Edition is the PC-only original; Bedrock Edition runs on phones, tablets, consoles, and Windows. This page explains the differences that matter when you are hosting a server — and how to bridge the two so everyone can play together.

What each edition is

Java Edition runs only on Windows, macOS, and Linux computers. It is the modding powerhouse: Forge, Fabric, and the huge plugin ecosystem (Paper, Spigot, Bukkit) all target Java. If you want mods, big modpacks, or advanced plugins, you host Java.

Bedrock Edition is the cross-device version bundled on mobile, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10/11. It is optimized for console and touch, supports native crossplay between those devices, but does not run Java mods or plugins — customization is done through behavior packs, resource packs, and add-ons.

Key differences for server hosts

The practical differences that affect your server choice:

Mods & plugins: Java has Forge/Fabric mods and Paper/Spigot plugins; Bedrock has add-ons and packs, plus PocketMine-MP for plugin-style extensions.
Default port: Java uses TCP 25565; Bedrock uses UDP 19132.
Players: Java is PC-only; Bedrock reaches console and mobile players who cannot run Java at all.
Performance: Bedrock is generally lighter, but Java's Paper builds are highly optimizable for large populations.
Accounts: Java uses Microsoft/Java accounts in online-mode; Bedrock players authenticate through their platform.

Can Java and Bedrock players play together?

Yes — this is one of the most searched questions in Minecraft hosting, and the answer is that you can bridge the two. Natively the editions cannot join each other's servers, but a proxy plugin makes it work. The standard solution is Geyser, paired with Floodgate.

Geyser runs on a Java server (Paper or Spigot) and translates the Bedrock network protocol into Java, so Bedrock players on phones and consoles can connect to your Java world as if it were a Bedrock server. Floodgate lets those Bedrock players join without needing a separate Java account. The result is a single server where PC, mobile, and console players share the same world.

How to set up Geyser crossplay

At a high level:

Host a Java server running Paper or Spigot.
Add the Geyser plugin to the plugins folder and restart.
Add Floodgate so Bedrock players can join without a Java account.
Share the Bedrock connection details (IP and UDP port) with your mobile and console friends, and the normal Java IP with PC players.

Which edition should you host?

Host Java if you want mods, modpacks, or the deepest plugin ecosystem — and use Geyser if you also want Bedrock players to join. Host Bedrock if your group is mostly on phones and consoles and you do not need Java mods. On FluxCraft you choose Java or Bedrock at deploy time, and either way your server is live in under 30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Java and Bedrock players play on the same server?

Yes. Run a Java server with the Geyser plugin (and Floodgate) and Bedrock players on mobile, console, and Windows can join your Java world without a Java account.

What is Geyser?

Geyser is a proxy plugin that translates the Bedrock network protocol to Java, allowing Bedrock Edition players to connect to a Java Edition server. Floodgate is its companion that removes the Java-account requirement.

Should I host a Java or Bedrock server?

Host Java for mods, modpacks, and advanced plugins (optionally add Geyser for crossplay). Host Bedrock if your players are mainly on phones and consoles and you do not need Java mods.

Do Java and Bedrock use the same port?

No. Java Edition defaults to TCP port 25565 and Bedrock Edition to UDP port 19132.

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