An Aternos alternative for when your server needs to stay on
Updated
Aternos is a free way to run a Minecraft server, but it stops the server when nobody is online and installs mods only from its own library. Packyard is a paid alternative from $5 a month ($1.50 per GB of RAM): your server stays on, you can upload your own mods and modpacks, and daily backups with free restores and a permanent address are included.
Aternos and Packyard side by side
| Feature | Aternos | Packyard |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $1.50 per GB a month, from $5 (3 GB) |
| When nobody is online | Stops the server; someone has to start it again before others can join | Keeps running |
| Mods | From Aternos's library only (built from CurseForge and Modrinth); you can't upload your own | Pick a one-click pack, or upload your own mods in the panel's web file manager |
| Modpacks | One modpack at a time; you can't change the mods or configs inside it | One-click packs (Cobblemon, RLCraft, ATM10 To the Sky, Create+ and more), and you can edit the files |
Aternos facts are from our guides (adding mods on Aternos, moving from Aternos), checked 22 October 2026. Aternos is a trademark of its owner. Packyard is not affiliated with Aternos.
When Aternos is still the better pick
If your group plays a few hours a week, doesn't mind starting the server first and only needs mods from Aternos's library, Aternos is free and does the job. Packyard is for groups who want the server up whenever someone logs in, or who need their own mods or a modpack Aternos doesn't list.
Moving your world over
Download your world from Aternos (Worlds page → Download), start a Packyard server and upload the world in the panel's web file manager, or over SFTP if it's large. Step by step: how to move your Aternos world. Mods: adding mods on Aternos.
Prices
| RAM | Price per month | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 3 GB | $5 | Vanilla/Paper with friends |
| 4 GB | $6 | Light modpacks |
| 5 GB | $7.50 | Most Create packs and RLCraft |
Sizes go up to 12 GB at the same $1.50 per GB.
USD, plus applicable taxes. Monthly, no setup fee, cancel any time. If your server has a problem on our side, email billing@packyard.ca from the address you ordered with, within 72 hours of your first payment. If we can't fix it, we refund that first payment in full (see refund policy). Available in the US and Canada (not Quebec). Servers run in US West.
Compare per-GB prices: Minecraft server hosting price per GB.
FAQ
Is Packyard free like Aternos?
No. Packyard starts at $5 a month for 3 GB. If your server has a problem on our side, email billing@packyard.ca from the address you ordered with, within 72 hours of your first payment. If we can't fix it, we refund that first payment in full.
Does a Packyard server stop when nobody is online?
No. It keeps running until you stop it, so your friends can join any time.
Can I upload my own mods on Packyard?
Yes. Start a Fabric, NeoForge or Forge server and upload your mods in the panel's web file manager, or pick one of the one-click modpacks.
Can I move my Aternos world to Packyard?
Yes. Download it from Aternos's Worlds page and upload it in our panel's web file manager. The step-by-step guide is at /guides/move-from-aternos.
Why does my Aternos server keep turning off?
Aternos stops servers when nobody is online. Someone has to start it again before the others can join.
Also see: Move from Aternos, Adding mods on Aternos, Price per GB compared, Permanent server address. Back to Packyard home.
Aternos is a trademark of its owner; Packyard is not affiliated with Aternos. Packyard is not an official Minecraft product and is not affiliated with Mojang or Microsoft.