papermc-docker vs GeyserMC

A side-by-side comparison of two self-hosted game servers options — licensing, setup difficulty, resource needs, and what each one replaces.

Not the right match-up?
Featurepapermc-dockerGeyserMC
CategoryGame ServersGame Servers
LicenseApache-2.0MIT
LanguageShellJava
Setup difficultyEasyMedium
Min. RAM1,024 MB256 MB
Deploymentdocker, kubernetesdocker, bare-metal, binary
GitHub stars★ 14,076★ 5,734
First released20142019
ReplacesMinecraft RealmsMinecraft cross-play workarounds

Why pick each one

Choose papermc-docker if…

  • Extremely easy Minecraft hosting
  • Excellent documentation
papermc-docker details

Choose GeyserMC if…

  • Enables cross-play
  • Works as plugin or proxy
GeyserMC details

Frequently asked questions

Is papermc-docker or GeyserMC better?

papermc-docker is the stronger all-round pick: it has both the larger community and the simpler easy setup. Consider GeyserMC if its specific feature set fits your needs better.

Are papermc-docker and GeyserMC free and open-source?

Yes. papermc-docker is licensed under Apache-2.0 and GeyserMC under MIT. Both can be self-hosted at no software cost.

Can I run papermc-docker and GeyserMC with Docker?

papermc-docker: yes. GeyserMC: yes.

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