Paper vs Spigot vs Fabric vs Forge vs NeoForge - Which Is Best for Your Minecraft Server?

For most Minecraft servers, Paper is the best choice due to its superior performance, extensive plugin support, and active development. Use Fabric for lightweight modding with performance focus, Forge or NeoForge for large modpacks, and Spigot only if a specific plugin requires it.

Each server software serves different needs. This guide breaks down when to use each one and why.

Quick Recommendation

Overview of Each Platform

Paper

What it is: A high-performance fork of Spigot with extensive optimizations and bug fixes.

Best for: Most plugin-based servers, SMPs, minigames, networks.

Paper is the most popular server software for good reason. It includes hundreds of performance patches, fixes vanilla bugs, and maintains full compatibility with Bukkit and Spigot plugins.

Spigot

What it is: A modified Minecraft server that adds plugin support through the Bukkit API.

Best for: Servers that specifically need Spigot-only plugins (rare).

Spigot was once the standard, but Paper has largely replaced it. There's little reason to choose Spigot over Paper unless a specific plugin has compatibility issues with Paper.

Fabric

What it is: A lightweight, modular mod loader focused on performance and simplicity.

Best for: Performance-focused modding, technical Minecraft, lightweight mod setups.

Fabric loads faster, uses less resources, and supports many optimization mods. It's popular for both client-side performance mods and server-side modding.

Forge

What it is: The original and most established Minecraft mod loader.

Best for: Large modpacks, established mod ecosystems, legacy mod support.

Forge has the largest mod library and supports complex, content-heavy modpacks. Most major modpacks (All The Mods, RLCraft, etc.) use Forge.

NeoForge

What it is: A community fork of Forge created in 2023 after a leadership dispute.

Best for: Newer modpacks choosing to adopt NeoForge, forward-looking projects.

NeoForge aims to modernize Forge's architecture while maintaining mod compatibility. Many mod developers are transitioning to NeoForge for new projects.

Paper: The Performance King

Paper dominates the plugin-based server space for several reasons.

Performance Advantages

Paper includes optimizations that Spigot doesn't:

• Async chunk loading - Chunks load without blocking the main thread
• Entity activation ranges - Entities far from players use less CPU
• Optimized mob AI - Smarter pathfinding calculations
• Reduced memory usage - Better garbage collection handling
• Anti-xray - Built-in ore obfuscation without plugins

Switching from Spigot to Paper alone can improve TPS by 20-50% on busy servers.

Plugin Compatibility

Paper runs all Bukkit and Spigot plugins. The API is backwards compatible, so your existing plugins work without changes. Paper also adds its own API extensions for developers who want additional features.

Configuration Options

Paper exposes more configuration options than Spigot, letting you fine-tune:

• Entity activation ranges
• Mob spawn limits and behaviors
• Chunk loading behavior
• Anti-cheat settings
• Gameplay tweaks (some controversial vanilla behavior changes)

When to Choose Paper

• Running an SMP with plugins
• Hosting minigames or a network
• Want best possible performance for plugin servers
• Need maximum stability and community support
• Don't require mods (Forge/Fabric content)

Forks of Paper

Paper itself has forks with additional features:

• Purpur - Extra configuration options, fun features, experimental optimizations
• Pufferfish - Focused purely on performance
• Airplane (discontinued) - Performance patches now merged into other forks

For most servers, Paper or Purpur are the best choices.

Spigot: The Legacy Option

Spigot was revolutionary when it launched, adding plugin support to Minecraft servers. Today, it's largely been superseded by Paper.

Why Spigot Still Exists

• Some very old plugins only work on Spigot
• BuildTools compilation process is familiar to long-time admins
• Minimal changes from vanilla behavior (Paper changes some mechanics)

Why Paper is Usually Better

• All Spigot plugins work on Paper
• Paper includes Spigot's patches plus hundreds more
• Better performance in every measurable way
• More active development and faster updates
• Larger community for support

When to Choose Spigot

• A specific plugin explicitly requires Spigot (very rare)
• You need vanilla-exact behavior that Paper modifies
• You're following an old tutorial that specifies Spigot

In 2025, there's almost no practical reason to choose Spigot over Paper.

Fabric: Lightweight and Modern

Fabric takes a different approach than Forge—minimal base installation with modular components.

Design Philosophy

Fabric is built around:

• Lightweight core - Fast startup, low overhead
• Modular architecture - Only load what you need
• Frequent updates - Often available on snapshot versions
• Performance focus - Many optimization mods available

Popular Fabric Mods

Performance Mods:

• Lithium (server optimization)
• Starlight (lighting engine rewrite)
• FerriteCore (memory usage reduction)
• Krypton (network optimization)

Content Mods:

• Create (now available on Fabric)
• Origins
• Sodium/Iris (client-side rendering)

Server-Side Fabric

Fabric works well for servers because:

• Performance mods dramatically improve TPS
• Many mods are server-side only (players don't need them)
• Lighter resource usage than Forge
• Quick updates for new Minecraft versions

Fabric + Plugins?

Fabric doesn't natively support Bukkit/Spigot plugins. However, projects like Cardboard attempt to bridge this gap, though compatibility isn't guaranteed.

If you need both mods and plugins, consider running a hybrid setup or choosing between the two ecosystems.

When to Choose Fabric

• Want maximum performance with mods
• Running a technical Minecraft server
• Need quick updates for new versions
• Using lightweight or optimization-focused mods
• Don't need traditional Bukkit plugins

Forge: The Mod Powerhouse

Forge has been the dominant mod loader since 2011. Its maturity means the largest mod library and most complex modpacks.

Strengths of Forge

• Massive mod library - Most mods are written for Forge
• Complex mod support - Handles interconnected mods well
• Established ecosystem - Extensive documentation and community
• Modpack support - Major packs like All The Mods, RLCraft use Forge

Forge's Challenges

• Slower updates - Takes longer to update for new Minecraft versions
• Higher resource usage - More overhead than Fabric
• Longer startup times - Loading many mods takes time
• Legacy code - Some architecture decisions show their age

Popular Forge Modpacks

• All The Mods series
• RLCraft
• SkyFactory
• FTB packs
• Pixelmon
• Create (original Forge version)

When to Choose Forge

• Running an established Forge modpack
• Need specific mods only available on Forge
• Want the largest possible mod selection
• Players are familiar with Forge installation

NeoForge: The Future of Forge?

NeoForge emerged in 2023 when the Forge community split over leadership and direction. It aims to modernize Forge while maintaining compatibility.

What NeoForge Changes

• Modernized codebase - Cleaning up technical debt
• New team leadership - Different governance structure
• Faster development - More responsive to community needs
• Gradual API changes - Working toward cleaner mod development

Compatibility with Forge Mods

Many Forge mods work on NeoForge with minimal changes. However:

• Not all Forge mods are compatible
• Some require porting by the mod developer
• Compatibility improves over time as mods update

The Forge/NeoForge Split

The community is still navigating this split:

• Some mod developers have moved to NeoForge
• Some maintain both Forge and NeoForge versions
• Some stick exclusively with original Forge
• New mods increasingly target NeoForge

When to Choose NeoForge

• Running newer modpacks that use NeoForge
• Want to support the NeoForge project direction
• Mods you need have NeoForge versions
• Starting a new modded server (check mod availability)

Performance Comparison

Real-world performance varies by configuration, but general expectations:

Notes:

• Fabric with optimization mods often beats Paper for raw performance
• Forge/NeoForge performance depends heavily on installed mods
• Paper's TPS stability comes from its anti-lag optimizations

Plugin vs Mod Ecosystems

Understanding the difference helps you choose:

Plugins (Paper/Spigot)

• Run server-side only
• Players join without installing anything
• Focus on server management, economy, permissions, minigames
• Easier for players (no client setup)
• Examples: EssentialsX, LuckPerms, WorldGuard

Mods (Fabric/Forge/NeoForge)

• Usually require client + server installation
• Add new content (blocks, items, mobs, dimensions)
• Can dramatically change gameplay
• Requires players to install matching mods
• Examples: Create, Mekanism, Biomes O' Plenty

Hybrid Options

Some solutions try to bridge both worlds:

• Sponge - Forge server with plugin API (less popular now)
• Cardboard - Fabric with Bukkit plugin compatibility (experimental)
• Mohist/Magma - Forge + Bukkit hybrid (compatibility issues common)

Hybrids often have stability and compatibility issues. Choosing one ecosystem usually works better than trying to combine them.

Migration Considerations

Spigot to Paper

Difficulty: Easy

• Drop Paper jar in place of Spigot
• All plugins continue working
• May need to adjust paper.yml settings
• Essentially zero downtime

Paper to Fabric/Forge

Difficulty: Hard

• Complete ecosystem change
• Plugins don't work on mod loaders
• Need equivalent mods for functionality
• World should transfer (backup first)
• Players need client mods

Forge to NeoForge

Difficulty: Medium

• Many mods work directly
• Some require NeoForge-specific versions
• Check each mod's compatibility
• World transfers directly

Forge to Fabric (or reverse)

Difficulty: Hard

• Different mod ecosystems
• Most mods aren't cross-compatible
• Need to find equivalent mods
• World transfers but mod-added content may break

Making Your Decision

Choose Paper If:

• You want plugins without mods
• Performance and stability are priorities
• You're running an SMP, minigames, or network
• You want the largest plugin selection
• Easy setup and maintenance matter

Choose Fabric If:

• You want mods with best performance
• You play technical Minecraft
• You need quick updates for new versions
• You're using performance-focused mods
• Lightweight setup appeals to you

Choose Forge If:

• You're running established modpacks
• You need mods only available on Forge
• Maximum mod selection matters
• Your community is familiar with Forge

Choose NeoForge If:

• You're starting a new modded project
• Mods you want support NeoForge
• You prefer NeoForge's direction
• You're okay with an evolving ecosystem

Choose Spigot If:

• A specific plugin requires it (verify this first)
• You really need vanilla-exact behavior
• Otherwise, just use Paper

Looking for hosting that supports all these platforms? Check out Minecraft Server Hosting with one-click installation for Paper, Fabric, Forge, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paper better than Spigot?

Yes, for almost all use cases. Paper includes all of Spigot's features plus hundreds of performance optimizations and bug fixes. All Spigot plugins work on Paper. The only reason to use Spigot is if a specific plugin has Paper compatibility issues, which is rare.

Can I use plugins on a Forge server?

Not natively. Forge uses mods, not Bukkit/Spigot plugins. Hybrid servers like Mohist attempt to support both, but compatibility issues are common. It's generally better to choose either the plugin ecosystem (Paper) or the mod ecosystem (Forge/Fabric).

Which is better for performance, Fabric or Forge?

Fabric is lighter and faster by default. With optimization mods like Lithium, Fabric typically outperforms Forge significantly. Forge's longer startup times and higher memory usage are noticeable, especially with large modpacks.

What's the difference between Forge and NeoForge?

NeoForge is a 2023 community fork of Forge with new leadership and modernization goals. Many mods work on both, but they're diverging over time. New projects increasingly target NeoForge, while established mods often support both.

Can players join my Paper server with a vanilla client?

Yes. Paper (and Spigot) servers work with the vanilla Minecraft client. Players don't need to install anything special. This is a major advantage over mod-based servers where players need matching client mods.

Should I use Purpur instead of Paper?

Purpur is a Paper fork with extra features and configuration options. For most servers, either works well. Purpur adds some fun extras (rideable mobs, more config options) without sacrificing Paper's performance. Try Paper first, switch to Purpur if you want its specific features.

How do I choose between Fabric and Forge for a modded server?

Check which loader has the mods you want. If you're running an established modpack, use whatever it requires (usually Forge). For new projects prioritizing performance, consider Fabric. For maximum mod selection and complex interconnected mods, Forge still has the edge.

Can I switch from Forge to Fabric without losing my world?

Your world data transfers, but mod-added content may break or disappear. Blocks from Forge mods won't exist in Fabric (and vice versa). If your world heavily uses mod content, switching loaders effectively means starting fresh or losing that content.