Paper vs Purpur vs Spigot: Which Minecraft Server Software Should You Choose?
Compare Paper, Purpur, and Spigot Minecraft server software. Learn which one offers the best performance, customization, and plugin compatibility in 2026.
Paper vs Purpur vs Spigot (2026)
Choosing the right server software is one of the most important decisions when creating a Minecraft server.
This guide compares Paper, Purpur, and Spigot.
Spigot
Spigot is one of the oldest optimized Minecraft server software projects.
Pros:
- Stable
- Plugin Support
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Limited customization
- Slower than newer forks
Paper
Paper is based on Spigot and offers major performance improvements.
Benefits include:
- Better TPS
- Faster chunk loading
- More optimization
- Better API
- Large plugin ecosystem
Most public servers use Paper.
Purpur
Purpur is based on Paper.
It adds:
- Hundreds of gameplay options
- Better configuration
- Mob customization
- Gameplay tweaks
- More permissions
Perfect for SMP servers.
Performance Comparison
| Software | Performance | Features | Plugins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spigot | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Paper | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Purpur | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Spigot if:
- You want simplicity.
Choose Paper if:
- You want the best performance.
Choose Purpur if:
- You want maximum customization without sacrificing performance.
Which Does RepublicNodes Recommend?
For almost every public Minecraft server, Purpur provides the best balance between performance and customization.
It works perfectly with popular plugins while giving administrators greater control over gameplay.
Conclusion
All three server software options are excellent.
However, Paper and Purpur have become the preferred choice for most modern Minecraft communities because of their excellent optimization and extensive feature sets.
Running any of these on high-frequency AMD EPYC CPUs with NVMe SSD storage ensures smooth gameplay and low latency for players.