Minecraft comes in two editions. Java Edition is the original version for computers running Windows, macOS and Linux, and it is the one that supports mods. Bedrock Edition runs on consoles, phones, Chromebooks and Windows, and lets you play with people on all of those devices. On PC you do not even have to choose: the only version sold is the Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC bundle, which gives you both. Below are the differences, the pricing situation and which edition to pick. Everything applies to Java 26.3 and Bedrock 26.52 (the Wilderness Bound drop, September 2026).
Java vs Bedrock at a glance
The table follows the official edition comparison on minecraft.net. The editions mainly differ in where and with whom you play, and in what you can add to the game.
| Feature | Java Edition | Bedrock Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, mobile, Chromebook, Windows |
| Crossplay | only between Windows, Mac and Linux | across every Bedrock device |
| Mods | yes | no, Add-Ons instead |
| Marketplace and Marketplace Pass | no | yes |
| Custom skins | upload from anywhere | skin packs from the Marketplace |
| Split screen | no | consoles only, up to 4 players |
| Realms | Realms for Java | Realms and Realms Plus |
| Own server and LAN | yes | yes |
| Official featured servers | no | yes |
| Achievements | no | yes, Survival only |
| Ray tracing | no | yes |
| Parental controls via Microsoft account | no | yes |
| Older game versions | any version in the launcher | current version only |
| Test versions | snapshots | Minecraft Preview, Android beta |
The achievements row refers to Xbox and console achievements, which Java does not have. Java has its own advancements instead: 126 goals across five tabs, saved per world and available in any game mode, as the official wiki describes. They do not count towards your Xbox profile.
Which devices you can play on
Java Edition only runs on computers: Windows, macOS and Linux. Bedrock is on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS phones, Chromebooks and Windows. On a console or a phone, you always play Bedrock.
Java lets you launch any older version of the game from the launcher. That is handy when a mod targets a specific version or you want to go back to an old world. Bedrock only runs the current version, or the Minecraft Preview app (Windows, Xbox, iOS) and the Android beta. Java has snapshots instead. Test versions and experimental features can damage your world, so make a backup first.
For the full breakdown of consoles, phones and who can play with whom, see our guide to crossplay and platforms.
Java and Bedrock players cannot play together
This is the difference that matters most. Java players only play with Java players and Bedrock players only with Bedrock. Each edition has its own servers and its own Realms. Java worlds are also not compatible with Bedrock, so you cannot simply move them between editions.
On PC the fix is easy: launch the edition your friends use. If they are on consoles or phones, start Bedrock. If they run a modded Java server, start Java. Both editions launch from the same Minecraft Launcher.
Mods, Add-Ons and the Marketplace
Mods are Java only. You need a mod loader (Fabric, Forge or NeoForge) and every mod has to match your game version. The whole process is in our guide on installing Minecraft mods. Java also lets you upload your own skin from anywhere.
Bedrock has no mods. Instead it offers Add-Ons, texture and skin packs and whole worlds in the Minecraft Marketplace. Some of it is paid, and a Marketplace Pass subscription opens up a catalogue. Bedrock also has its own graphics mode, Vibrant Visuals, with directional light and volumetric fog. Java does not have it yet; it is planned.
PC requirements
Java is heavier on hardware, while Bedrock runs more smoothly on weaker devices. The official requirements on minecraft.net look like this:
- Java, minimum: Windows 10 64-bit, Windows on ARM, macOS 12 or newer or 64-bit Linux; 8 GB RAM with a dedicated GPU or 12 GB with integrated graphics; a CPU such as an Intel Core i3-10100, AMD Ryzen 3 3100 or Apple M1. The target is 1080p at 30 FPS.
- Java, recommended: 16 GB RAM and an Intel Core i5-12400, AMD Ryzen 5 5600 or Apple M2 Pro.
- Bedrock, minimum: Windows 10 (build 19041 or newer) and 4 GB RAM.
What Minecraft costs
Since 7 June 2022 the only PC version on sale is Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC. You get both editions for one price, and anyone who already owned one of them received the other for free. Check the current price for your country in the Microsoft Store or on the official minecraft.net store page, which also lists the edition comparison and system requirements.
The same bundle is included in PC Game Pass on Windows 10 and 11, so subscribers do not have to buy it. You always need a Microsoft account to play, whether it is Java, Bedrock or Realms.
Marketplace content is paid for with Minecoins, except on PlayStation, where you use Tokens. Tokens only work there, and Minecoins from other platforms cannot be spent on PlayStation.
Which edition to buy
- You play on a Windows PC: buy the Java & Bedrock bundle and pick the edition based on your friends.
- Your friends play on consoles or phones: play Bedrock, otherwise you will never meet.
- You want mods, shaders or older versions: play Java.
- You are on a Mac or Linux: play Java, it officially runs there.
- You are buying for a younger child: Mojang leans towards Bedrock because of the curated Marketplace and moderation through Xbox services. More in our parents guide.
- You want to try before you buy: the official trial and other options are in Minecraft for free.
Playing with friends: Realms and servers
Both editions support Realms, your own server, community servers and LAN play. A Realm always belongs to one edition, though: a Java Realm is for Java players on Windows, Mac and Linux, a Bedrock Realm for Bedrock players on every device. Bedrock also has official featured servers and the Realms Plus subscription. Older articles claim that Realms is Java only and Realms Plus Bedrock only; that is no longer true. If you want to host one yourself, follow our server setup guide.
Join our Discord to find people for both Java and Bedrock and get help choosing an edition: GamersTogether Discord.
How Minecraft fares with critics and whether it is worth it, we cover in our Minecraft review.
FAQ
No. Java only plays with Java and Bedrock only with Bedrock, and each edition has its own servers and Realms. On PC, simply launch the edition your friends use.
Yes. Since 7 June 2022 the only PC version on sale is Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC, which includes both editions and launches them from the same launcher.
Check the Microsoft Store or minecraft.net for your local price. The Java & Bedrock bundle is also part of PC Game Pass on Windows 10 and 11.
No. Java worlds are not compatible with Bedrock, so you cannot simply move them between editions. Decide which edition you want to keep playing your world in.
Mojang leans towards Bedrock for younger players. It has a curated Marketplace, online moderation through Xbox services and parental controls through a Microsoft account. Java is more open and third-party content may be unsuitable.
Information verified on 19 October 2026. More guides are waiting in our Minecraft section.