Paper vs Spigot vs Fabric vs Forge - Which Minecraft Server Type Should You Use in 2026?

Choosing the right server software is one of the most important decisions you'll make when setting up a Minecraft server. The software you pick determines what features are available, whether you can use plugins or mods, and how well your server performs.

This guide covers the five main server types: Paper, Spigot, Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge.

Quick Comparison

Server Type	Best For	Plugin Support	Mod Support	Performance
Paper	Most plugin servers	Full Bukkit/Spigot support	None	Excellent
Spigot	Legacy plugins, technical servers	Full Bukkit support	None	Good
Fabric	Lightweight modding	Limited (via Cardboard)	Yes	Excellent
Forge	Large modpacks	None	Yes (largest library)	Moderate
NeoForge	Modern Forge modding	None	Yes	Moderate

Paper - The Modern Standard for Plugin Servers

Paper

Paper is a high-performance fork of Spigot that has become the default choice for plugin-based servers. It includes hundreds of performance optimizations and bug fixes while maintaining full compatibility with Bukkit and Spigot plugins.

Key Features

Performance optimizations: Paper servers typically use 15-25% less RAM than Spigot servers. Switching from Spigot to Paper can improve TPS by 20-50% on busy servers. For more optimization tips, see our complete lag fix guide.
Full plugin compatibility: All Bukkit and Spigot plugins work on Paper.
Vanilla bug fixes: Patches exploits and bugs that exist in vanilla Minecraft.
Active development: Regular updates and a large community.
Extended API: Provides additional APIs that plugin developers can use for better functionality.

When to Use Paper

Running an SMP (Survival Multiplayer) server
Hosting minigames or a server network
Running any plugin-based server where performance matters
When you want the most stable, well-supported option

Potential Drawbacks

Paper patches certain vanilla mechanics that some players consider features: TNT duplication, sand duplication, bedrock breaking, and similar exploits. If you run a technical Minecraft server where players rely on these mechanics, Paper's default behavior may cause issues. These patches can be disabled in Paper's configuration files.

Download: PaperMC

Spigot - The Original Plugin Server

Spigot

Spigot was the standard plugin server software for years and remains a solid choice. It's a fork of CraftBukkit with performance improvements and additional features.

Key Features

Established ecosystem: The original modern plugin server with extensive documentation.
Bukkit compatibility: Full support for the Bukkit plugin API.
Closer to vanilla: Makes fewer changes to vanilla game mechanics than Paper.
Legacy plugin support: Better backwards compatibility with older plugins.

When to Use Spigot

Running a technical Minecraft server that relies on vanilla mechanics
Using very old plugins that have Paper compatibility issues
When you need behavior that's closer to vanilla Minecraft

Spigot vs Paper

For most servers, Paper is the better choice. It does everything Spigot does with better performance. The main reason to choose Spigot is specific compatibility requirements or preference for vanilla-like behavior.

Download: SpigotMC BuildTools

Fabric - Lightweight Modern Modding

Fabric

Fabric is a lightweight, modular mod loader that emerged in 2018 as a modern alternative to Forge. It's designed for fast updates and minimal overhead.

Key Features

Fast updates: Fabric typically updates to new Minecraft versions within hours of release.
Lightweight: Minimal base installation with modular components. Loads faster and uses fewer resources than Forge.
Performance mods: Home to popular optimization mods like Sodium, Lithium, and Starlight.
Modern architecture: Clean API that's easier for developers to work with.
Client and server support: Works for both client-side mods and server-side modding.

When to Use Fabric

Running performance-focused modded servers
Using lightweight mod setups
Playing technical Minecraft with quality-of-life mods
When fast updates to new Minecraft versions are important

Fabric and Plugins

Fabric doesn't natively support Bukkit/Spigot plugins. Projects like Cardboard attempt to bridge this gap, but compatibility isn't guaranteed. If you need both mods and plugins, consider choosing one ecosystem or exploring hybrid solutions.

Download: Fabric

Forge - The Original Mod Loader

Forge

Forge is the original Minecraft mod loader, established in 2011. It has the largest mod library and supports the most complex modpacks.

Key Features

Largest mod library: Most existing Minecraft mods are built for Forge.
Complex modpacks: Supports content-heavy modpacks like RLCraft, All The Mods, and SkyFactory.
Mature ecosystem: Extensive documentation and community resources.
Cross-mod compatibility: API designed to help multiple mods work together.

When to Use Forge

Running established modpacks (RLCraft, ATM9, SkyFactory, etc.)
Using mods that are only available for Forge
When you need access to the largest mod selection

Important Note About Mods

Unlike plugins, mods require changes on the client side. Players must install the same mods as the server to connect. This means you can join any plugin server from a vanilla client, but Forge servers require a modified client with matching mods.

Download: Minecraft Forge

NeoForge - The Modern Forge Fork

NeoForge

NeoForge is a community fork of Forge created in 2023 after a leadership dispute within the Forge project. It aims to modernize Forge's architecture while maintaining compatibility with existing mods.

Key Features

Modernized architecture: Ongoing work to improve Forge's codebase.
Community-driven: Developed by former Forge team members and contributors.
Mod compatibility: Maintains compatibility with most Forge mods (varies by version).
Active development: Regular updates and improvements.

When to Use NeoForge

Starting a new modded server project
When mod developers you follow have switched to NeoForge
For access to mods that are NeoForge-exclusive

NeoForge vs Forge

The choice between Forge and NeoForge often depends on the mods you want to use. Check whether your target mods support Forge, NeoForge, or both before deciding. Many mod developers are transitioning to NeoForge for new projects, but Forge still has a larger established library.

Download: NeoForge

Plugins vs Mods: Understanding the Difference

A common source of confusion is the difference between plugins and mods. They're not interchangeable terms.

Plugins (Paper, Spigot)

Run on the server only - players don't need to install anything
Limited to server-side features: commands, permissions, economy, protection
Cannot add new blocks, items, or change game mechanics fundamentally
Players connect with a vanilla Minecraft client
Examples: WorldGuard, EssentialsX, LuckPerms

Mods (Fabric, Forge, NeoForge)

Require installation on both server and client
Can add entirely new content: blocks, items, dimensions, mobs, mechanics
Transform the game fundamentally
Players need a modded client with matching mods to connect
Examples: Create, Twilight Forest, Applied Energistics

In short: Use plugins when you want server management tools without requiring players to modify their game. Use mods when you want to transform gameplay with new content.

Hybrid Solutions

Some projects attempt to combine plugins and mods:

Cardboard (Fabric): Allows running Bukkit plugins on Fabric servers. Compatibility varies.
Mohist (Forge): Hybrid Forge + Bukkit server. Can run both mods and plugins.
Arclight (Forge/NeoForge): Another hybrid server option.

Hybrid servers can be useful but often have compatibility issues. For the most stable experience, choose either a plugin-based or mod-based approach.

Making Your Decision

Choose Paper if:

You want plugins without mods
Performance is a priority
You're running an SMP, minigame server, or network
You want the most stable, well-supported option

Choose Spigot if:

You need vanilla-like behavior (duplication glitches, etc.)
You're using legacy plugins with Paper compatibility issues

Choose Fabric if:

You want lightweight mods with fast version updates
Performance optimization mods are a priority
You prefer a modern, minimal mod loader

Choose Forge if:

You're running an established modpack
You need access to the largest mod library
The mods you want are Forge-only

Choose NeoForge if:

You're starting a new modded project
Your target mods have moved to NeoForge
You want the modernized Forge experience

Conclusion

There's no universally "best" server software - the right choice depends on your goals. For most plugin-based servers, Paper is the standard. For modded gameplay, choose between Fabric and Forge based on the mods you want to use.

ChunkPod supports Paper, Spigot, Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge. Learn more.

Have questions about choosing server software? Join our Discord and ask the community!