Quick Verdict: Both Shockbyte and Apex Hosting are solid picks for Minecraft hosting, but they excel in different areas. Shockbyte wins on budget pricing and simplicity, while Apex Hosting offers better mod support and a more polished panel. If neither fully fits your needs, DoomHosting offers AMD Ryzen 9 hardware at competitive prices.
Overview
Choosing between Shockbyte and Apex Hosting is one of the most common decisions Minecraft server owners face. Both have been around for years and serve hundreds of thousands of players, but they take different approaches to game server hosting.
Shockbyte is known for affordable plans and a straightforward setup process. They target budget-conscious server owners who want to get online quickly without fuss.
Apex Hosting positions itself as a premium option with a custom-built control panel, extensive mod support, and a wider game selection. They charge more but deliver additional features.
Pricing Comparison
| Plan | Shockbyte | Apex Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| 2 GB RAM | ~$2.50/mo | ~$7.49/mo |
| 4 GB RAM | ~$5.00/mo | ~$14.99/mo |
| 6 GB RAM | ~$7.50/mo | ~$22.49/mo |
| 8 GB RAM | ~$10.00/mo | ~$29.99/mo |
| 16 GB RAM | ~$20.00/mo | ~$59.99/mo |
Winner: Shockbyte. The price difference is significant — Shockbyte is roughly 60-70% cheaper across all tiers. If budget matters, this is hard to ignore.
However, Apex often runs promotions and includes a free domain with most plans, which adds some value.
Performance & Hardware
Shockbyte
- Uses a mix of Intel Xeon and AMD processors
- SSD storage on all plans
- Locations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia
- Allocates shared CPU resources
Apex Hosting
- Primarily Intel Xeon processors
- SSD storage standard
- 16+ server locations worldwide
- Dedicated resources on higher plans
Real-world performance between the two is fairly similar for small to medium servers (under 30 players). For larger servers or heavy modpacks, Apex's dedicated resource options give it an edge.
Neither provider uses the latest-generation hardware like AMD Ryzen 9, which is where newer hosts have an advantage in raw single-thread performance — the metric that matters most for Minecraft.
Features Comparison
| Feature | Shockbyte | Apex Hosting |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Control Panel | No (Multicraft) | Yes (custom panel) |
| One-Click Modpack Install | Yes | Yes (more options) |
| Automatic Backups | Yes | Yes |
| Free Subdomain | Yes | Yes + free domain |
| DDoS Protection | Basic | Included |
| Server Splitting | No | Yes (higher plans) |
| FTP Access | Yes | Yes |
| MySQL Database | Yes | Yes |
Winner: Apex Hosting. Their custom panel is more intuitive than Multicraft, and features like server splitting and the broader modpack library make daily management easier.
Customer Support
Shockbyte offers 24/7 ticket support and live chat. Response times typically range from 30 minutes to a few hours. Their knowledge base covers the basics but isn't as deep.
Apex Hosting also offers 24/7 support via tickets and live chat. They're generally faster to respond (often under 15 minutes) and have a more comprehensive knowledge base with detailed tutorials.
Winner: Apex Hosting. Faster response times and better documentation give Apex the edge here, though Shockbyte's support is still adequate for most issues.
DDoS Protection & Uptime
Both providers include DDoS protection, though the specifics differ. Shockbyte's protection is more basic, while Apex includes more robust mitigation.
Uptime is comparable — both advertise 99.9%+ uptime and generally deliver on that promise, with occasional hiccups during peak hours.
Ease of Use
Shockbyte uses the standard Multicraft panel. If you've hosted a server before, you know exactly what to expect. It's functional but dated.
Apex Hosting built their own panel, which is more modern and beginner-friendly. Installing modpacks, managing plugins, and configuring server settings is noticeably smoother.
Winner: Apex Hosting. The custom panel is a genuine improvement over Multicraft for daily server management.
The Verdict: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Shockbyte if:
- Budget is your primary concern
- You're running a small vanilla or lightly modded server
- You don't need advanced panel features
Choose Apex Hosting if:
- You want a polished, modern control panel
- You're running heavy modpacks (FTB, ATM, etc.)
- Faster support matters to you
- You don't mind paying 2-3x more
Both are legitimate providers with years of track record. The right choice depends on your priorities.
Looking for a Better Alternative?
If you want modern hardware without the premium price tag, DoomHosting is worth a look. Every server runs on AMD Ryzen 9 7950X processors with NVMe SSD storage, which means significantly better single-thread performance than what either Shockbyte or Apex offers.
Other highlights:
- Instant setup — your server is live in under 60 seconds
- Free DDoS protection on every plan
- 24/7 support via live chat and Discord
- Full mod and plugin support with easy installation
- Servers hosted in Europe with low latency
Check out DoomHosting's Minecraft plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shockbyte good for Minecraft?
Yes, Shockbyte is a solid budget option for small to medium Minecraft servers. They've been around for years and deliver reliable hosting at very competitive prices. For large or heavily modded servers, you may want more powerful hardware.
Is Apex Hosting worth the extra cost?
For many players, yes. The custom panel, faster support, and better mod management justify the price premium — especially if you're running modpacks. If you're just hosting a small vanilla server, the extra cost may not be necessary.
Can I switch between Shockbyte and Apex Hosting?
Yes, you can migrate your server between providers. Both support FTP access, so you can download your world files and upload them to a new host. Some hosts like DoomHosting also offer free migration assistance.
Which has better Minecraft performance?
For vanilla servers under 20 players, performance is similar. For larger servers or modded setups, Apex tends to perform slightly better due to dedicated resource options. For the best raw performance, look for hosts using AMD Ryzen 9 hardware.
Do Shockbyte and Apex support Bedrock Edition?
Both support Java Edition natively. Bedrock Edition support varies — check with each provider for current availability and pricing.