What is a free Minecraft server?
A Minecraft server lets you and your friends play together in the same world, from any computer. Instead of playing single-player or relying on someone's home internet connection, you run the game on a server — a computer that is always online, always accepting connections, and always keeping your world safe.
Normally, renting a Minecraft server costs £3–£10 per month. playfree.uk removes that cost entirely. You sign up, hit Start, and your server is online — no invoice, no trial period.
What do you get on the free plan?
How does a 45-minute session work?
When you click Start, a dedicated Minecraft server boots just for you. The session timer runs for 45 minutes. When it nears the end, you can renew with a single click and keep playing — your world is never reset. The session model lets us offer free hosting by freeing up resources from inactive servers.
If nobody is online for 15 minutes, the server automatically pauses to save resources. The next time you connect, it resumes where you left off.
Your own Minecraft server address
Every playfree.uk account gets a permanent subdomain based on your username:yourname.play.playfree.uk. You share this address with friends and they add it to Minecraft's server list — no IP address or port number required. We handle the DNS automatically using Cloudflare SRV records.
Can I upgrade to get longer sessions?
Yes. The Premium plan gives you 75-minute sessions and 3 GB RAM. The Pro plan gives you 90-minute sessions, 4 GB RAM, and up to 3 servers running simultaneously. Both upgrades are one-time payments — no recurring subscription.
View Premium & Pro →Frequently asked questions
Do I need to install anything?
No. The server runs on our infrastructure. You only need the Minecraft Java Edition client on your own computer.
Is my world deleted when the session ends?
No. Your world is saved on disk and stays there permanently. Only the server process stops — your builds are always safe.
How many friends can join?
Up to 20 players can be online simultaneously on the free tier.
Which Minecraft versions are supported?
We support Minecraft Java Edition. You can select the version from your server settings panel.
Is it really free? What is the catch?
There is no catch. Sessions are 45 minutes long, which frees up server resources when servers are idle. We monetise through optional upgrades and non-intrusive ads on the free tier.
Ready to start?
Create your free account and have a Minecraft server online in under 60 seconds.
Create free server