Choosing between Realms and hosting on your own computer? In this comparison you will learn how they differ for setup, mods, cost, and availability. We will finish with clear reasons to pick each path.

Setup experience

Realms is very straightforward. You pay, create a world, and invite friends. It is built for quick vanilla play.

Local hosting with SquidServers is also simple. Open the app, let it check your Java, choose Vanilla, Paper, or Modpack, create or import a world, set memory, then launch. You get control and it costs nothing.

Mod support and freedom

If you want full control over loaders, plugins, and modpacks, local hosting wins. SquidServers is built to handle both modded and vanilla. Realms keeps things light and close to vanilla.

Cost and control

Realms has a monthly cost and limits. SquidServers is free and your files live on your machine. You control versions, mods, and settings.

Always on availability

Realms is online all the time. A local server is online when your PC is on. For most friend groups who play together, that is enough.

Quick recommendation

Pick SquidServers if you want free, flexible, mod friendly play.
Pick Realms if you want always on vanilla and do not mind paying.