Paper vs. Spigot: Which Should You Use?
If you’re running a Minecraft server, you’ve probably heard the debate of Paper vs Spigot. Both are popular types of server software, offering different strengths for server performance and plugin compatibility.
While Spigot has long been a favorite for stability and wide spigot plugin support, Paper builds on it with extra performance enhancements and tools for deeper server customization.
Choosing between Spigot and Paper depends on what kind of own server you want to run and how much you value enhanced performance or plugin flexibility. Understanding the differences is key before deciding which fits your setup.
What Is Paper?
Paper is a fork of Spigot that focuses on enhanced performance and server customization. It offers performance improvements, additional settings, and fixes to reduce lag, while still supporting most Spigot plugins. Many server administrators choose Paper for its better performance and optimized gameplay.
What Is Spigot?
Spigot is a popular Minecraft server software built on the Bukkit project. It’s known for its reliability, strong plugin compatibility, and a more vanilla experience. Many users prefer Spigot as a lightweight and stable server type that works with nearly all Spigot plugins.
Pros And Cons Of Paper
Pros Of Paper
- Better performance with built-in performance improvements and tweaks.
- Less lag and smoother gameplay, even with many players.
- Extra settings and features for server customization.
- Compatible with most Spigot plugins.
- Active community and great support.
Cons Of Paper
- Some specific plugins may not fully support Paper.
- It can feel less like the vanilla experience if heavily customized.
Pros And Cons Of Spigot
Pros Of Spigot
- Highly stable and reliable.
- Strong plugin compatibility with the Spigot API.
- Lightweight and closer to a vanilla experience.
- Great for servers that don’t need heavy performance enhancements.
Cons Of Spigot
- Lacks many of the performance improvements and fixes that Paper offers.
- Fewer built-in features for advanced server administrators.
- Can result in more lag under heavy load compared to Paper.
Paper Vs Spigot Table Comparison
Feature | Paper | Spigot |
|---|---|---|
Server Performance | Optimized, less lag, more fixes | Stable, reliable, but less optimized |
Plugin Compatibility | Supports most Spigot plugins, and also Paper-only tweaks | Works with all Spigot plugins |
Customization & Settings | More features and advanced options | Limited customization |
Vanilla Experience | Slightly modified, less vanilla | Closer to vanilla gameplay |
Performance Enhancements | Built-in tweaks reduce lag and improve performance | Minimal tweaks, relies on plugins |
Which One Should You Use For Your Minecraft Server?
If your priority is better performance, reduced lag, and more features for server customization, then Paper is the better option.
However, if you’re aiming for a more vanilla experience with maximum plugin compatibility and reliability, Spigot may be the best choice. It’s lighter, stable, and works well for smaller servers or those that don’t need as many performance enhancements.
Still have some questions about which framework to use?
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Updated on: 18/09/2025
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