Minecraft Realms and Realms Plus, the private servers that allow Minecraft players to create their own multiplayer servers, are still witnessing a large number of players even after 12 years since their release.
This article compares both, examines the features, price, supported devices, and more details, to provide an in-depth answer to whether they are worth it or not. Without further ado, let’s get started.
What are Minecraft Realms?
As a beginner-friendly explanation, let’s start with the Minecraft server. Independent players and businesses can own private Minecraft servers where chosen players can play together. They can set up the servers on a computer using the Mojang software or through a dedicated hosting provider.
In 2013, Mojang announced its own server hosting service for the games. Named “Minecraft Realms,” it was released in 2016, enabling players to run server multiplayer games without depending on external servers. In December 2019, Minecraft Realms Plus, the server service with additional features, was released.
With Realms, you can create a private world and invite 100+ friends into it. You can change the design of the world anytime, and it will be active even if you are not online, and you can have various small extra benefits.
Major Features of Minecraft Realms and Realms Plus
While Realms mainly targets a small bunch of private players, Realms Plus is apt for a larger community. Also, the Realms are available in Bedrock and Java editions. Only the Realms of the same edition allow cross-play. Let’s get into the details.
Minecraft Bedrock Realms
You can only play with up to 2 friends at the same time. It supports consoles such as Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, and also mobile devices with Android and iOS systems, and Windows 10 or above.
Minecraft Bedrock Realms Plus
It allows 10 players to play simultaneously and supports the same devices as the Bedrock Realms. Other than the number of players, there is no difference from the Realms.
Minecraft Java Edition Realms
There is no difference in gameplay and features from the Bedrock Realms Plus. But it is available only on PC, and it supports cross-platform play between Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Minecraft Realms and Realms Plus – Current Market Price
From the release dates, the prices of Minecraft Realms and Realms Plus have remained the same. The monthly subscription rates are given below.
- Minecraft Realms Bedrock – 3.99 USD
- Minecraft Realms Plus Bedrock – 7.99 USD
- Minecraft Realms Java Edition – 7.99 USD
In-Depth Comparison of Minecraft Realms and Realms Plus
The table below provides detailed insights into Bedrock Realms, Realms Plus, and Java Edition.
| Features | Bedrock Realms | Bedrock Realms Plus | Java Edition Realms |
| Players | You + 2 | You + 10 | You + 10 |
| Invites | 100+ Players | 100+ Players | 100+ Players |
| Personal server 24/7 available | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Friends play for free | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Free Backups | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Supports Minecraft Marketplace | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Includes three world slots | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Includes Marketplace Pass Content | ✔ | 150+ Marketplace packs | ✖ |
| Supports user-created content | ✔ | ✔ | free community content available |
| Cross-platform Play | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Access to Realms Stories | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
How to Create & Manage a Minecraft Realm?
The guide below details all the steps involved in creating and managing your Realm or Realm Plus in a beginner-friendly way.
Set up a Microsoft Account
To play Minecraft, first you need a Microsoft account. You can sign in with the same account on all devices, and it makes your purchases and access to Realms easier.
- Open Minecraft and tap “Sign In.”
- Enter your email address and password, which should contain uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Now, enter your birthdate and finish the sign-up process.
- Check your email and verify.
- You can sign in with the account on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Windows, Xbox, and Android.
Buy & Set Up the Realm
If it is your first time, you can request a free trial of Minecraft Realms Plus for 30 days. The instructions to purchase and set up the Realm are given below.
- Open Minecraft and tap “PLAY.” Now choose “CREATE NEW WORLD.”
- After selecting the world settings, tap “CREATE ON REALMS.”
- This will give you two options: ADD A 10-PLAYER REALM (Realm Plus) or ADD A 2-PLAYER REALM (Basic Premium Realm).
- Choose an option and tap “I AGREE” after reading the Terms & Conditions.
- If “Free Trial” is visible, tap it and enjoy your free period. Otherwise, choose “SUBSCRIBE NOW” and finish the purchase.
Invite Players to the Realm
If the players have already set up their account, you can invite them to your server from the MEMBERS area. Detailed steps are given below.
- Open Minecraft and choose “PLAY.”
- Near the Realm you want to invite a friend to, select the “EDIT” option.
- Access “MEMBERS” and tap “INVITE” near your friend’s tag. Or, enter your friend’s gamertag into the space provided. Then press Enter and invite.
- If you are not friends, tap “FIND FRIENDS” and invite the account through gamertag.
Join Other Realms
You can play on your friend’s premium server without purchasing any Realms. For that, you need an invitation from your friend. If you have set up the Minecraft account and necessary consoles, just open your Minecraft and access “INVITES” to see the invitation. Tap the “ACCEPT” button to join the Realm.
Up Next: How to Make and Use Bundles: A Complete Guide to Minecraft
Final Thoughts: Are Realms and Realms Plus Worthy in 2025?
According to the latest insights, more than 169 million people played Minecraft this month, making it one of the most vibrant gaming networks ever. As a game that remains a widely popular phenomenon among veteran gamers and novice players, both the premium Realms are worthy if you wish to host and engage with personal multiplayer servers.
Considering that the price of Realms hasn’t yet increased from the release date, it is a good purchase option. However, do access the free trial and engage with other Realms before finalizing the purchase.