Minecraft Java Edition costs $26.99 and Minecraft Bedrock Edition costs $19.99

Minecraft has two separate versions for PC, and they cost different amounts. Minecraft Java Edition is the original version that runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It costs $26.99 as a one-time purchase. Minecraft Bedrock Edition is the newer cross-platform version that works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It costs $19.99 as a one-time purchase.

Both versions give you the same core game—you can build, explore, and survive in an infinite world. The main difference is that Bedrock Edition lets you play with people on phones, tablets, and consoles, while Java Edition is PC-only but has more mods and customization options. You buy each version separately; owning one does not give you the other.

These are the official prices from the Minecraft launcher and Microsoft Store. You do not need a subscription to play either version after you buy it—you pay once and own the game forever. Multiplayer servers and realms (optional hosted worlds) cost extra, but basic multiplayer with friends is free.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft Java Edition costs $26.99 and Minecraft Bedrock Edition costs $19.99, each as a one-time purchase with no subscription required.
  • Java Edition is for PC only and supports mods; Bedrock Edition works across Windows, phones, tablets, and consoles so you can play with friends on different devices.
  • You buy each version separately—owning Java Edition does not include Bedrock Edition or vice versa.
  • Both versions let you play multiplayer with friends for free after purchase; paid realms are optional if you want a hosted world.
  • You can read a free demo of either version before buying to test it on your computer.

Where to buy Minecraft on Windows

You can buy Minecraft Java Edition directly from the official Minecraft launcher at minecraft.net. Go to the launcher, click "Minecraft Java Edition," and follow the purchase steps. You will need a Microsoft account to buy and play. After you pay, the game downloads to your computer and you can start playing right away.

Minecraft Bedrock Edition is sold through the Microsoft Store on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Search for "Minecraft" in the Microsoft Store app, select the Bedrock Edition listing, and buy it there. Like Java Edition, you need a Microsoft account. The game installs automatically after purchase.

Both versions occasionally go on sale during major shopping events, but the standard prices remain $26.99 for Java and $19.99 for Bedrock. You can also buy gift codes for either version from third-party retailers, though the price is the same.

What you get with each version

Minecraft Java Edition includes the full game with access to the official launcher, multiplayer servers, and the ability to install mods that change gameplay, add new blocks, or overhaul mechanics. Java players can also run their own servers or join community-run servers. The game runs on older and newer computers, though it requires more setup if you want to use mods.

Minecraft Bedrock Edition includes the full game optimized to run smoothly on modern Windows computers. It has built-in cross-play, so you can join worlds with friends on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, phones, and tablets. Bedrock Edition does not support traditional mods, but it has a marketplace where creators sell maps, skins, and texture packs. Performance is generally better on lower-end hardware.

Both versions receive regular updates with new blocks, mobs, and features. Java Edition updates come from Mojang Studios; Bedrock Edition updates come from Microsoft. Neither version requires a paid subscription to play after purchase.

Free trial and demo options

Before you buy, you can read a free demo of Minecraft Java Edition or Bedrock Edition to test it on your computer. The demo gives you 100 in-game minutes (about 5 real-world minutes per game day) to explore and build. It is a good way to check whether your computer runs the game smoothly and whether you like the controls and interface.

To read the Java Edition demo, go to minecraft.net, click "read," and select the demo option. For Bedrock Edition, search "Minecraft" in the Microsoft Store and select the free trial. Both demos are the full game with a time limit, not a stripped-down version.

If your computer struggles with the demo, you may want to lower the graphics settings or check your system requirements before buying. Minecraft Java Edition needs at least 2 GB of RAM; Bedrock Edition needs at least 1 GB of RAM on Windows.

Multiplayer and realm costs

Playing multiplayer with friends is free in both versions after you buy the game. In Java Edition, you can join any public server or create a private world that friends can join for no extra cost. In Bedrock Edition, you can create a world and invite friends to play together, or join servers run by other players.

If you want a world that stays online even when you are not playing, both versions offer paid options. Java Edition has Realms, which costs about $8 per month and hosts a world for up to 10 players. Bedrock Edition also has Realms at the same price. These are optional—you do not need them to play multiplayer.

Some players prefer to run their own server software instead of using Realms. This is free but requires more technical knowledge and a computer that stays on. Most casual players use Realms or join public servers instead.

System requirements and performance

Minecraft Java Edition runs on Windows 7 and newer, but it needs at least 2 GB of RAM and a processor from the last 10 years. It uses more CPU power than Bedrock Edition, so older computers may run it slowly. You can lower graphics settings to improve performance on weaker hardware.

Minecraft Bedrock Edition requires Windows 10 or Windows 11 and at least 1 GB of RAM. It is optimized for modern hardware and generally runs faster than Java Edition on the same computer. If you have a newer gaming PC, either version will run smoothly at high settings.

You can check your computer's specs by right-clicking "This PC" on Windows, selecting "Properties," and looking at the processor and RAM listed. If you are unsure whether your computer will run the game, read the free demo first—it uses the same engine as the full version.

Java Edition vs. Bedrock Edition: which should you buy

Choose Java Edition if you want mods, prefer playing on PC only, or like the original Minecraft experience. Java has the largest modding community, and thousands of mods add new gameplay, weapons, magic systems, and more. Java players also tend to prefer the vanilla (unmodded) game's feel and mechanics.

Choose Bedrock Edition if you want to play with friends on phones, tablets, consoles, or other devices, or if you have an older computer that struggles with Java Edition. Bedrock runs faster on most hardware and is simpler to set up. If you already own Minecraft on a phone or console and want to continue on PC, Bedrock is the better choice because you can play together.

You can own both versions if you want—they are separate purchases. Many players buy Java Edition for mods and Bedrock Edition for cross-play with console friends. There is no discount for buying both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft for free on PC?

No, you must buy either Java Edition ($26.99) or Bedrock Edition ($19.99) to play the full game. Both versions offer a free demo with a 100-minute time limit so you can test the game before buying. Some third-party games like Minetest are free and similar to Minecraft, but they are not the official game.

Do I need to pay a monthly subscription to play Minecraft?

No. You pay once for the game and own it forever. Realms (optional hosted worlds) cost about $8 per month if you want a world that stays online, but basic multiplayer with friends is free after you buy the game.

Will my purchase of Java Edition work on Bedrock Edition?

No. Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are separate games with separate purchases. If you buy Java Edition, you only own Java Edition. You would need to buy Bedrock Edition separately if you want to play that version or play with console and mobile friends.

Can I refund Minecraft if I buy it and don't like it?

Microsoft and Mojang Studios allow refunds within 48 hours of purchase if you have played less than 2 hours. After that window, refunds are not available. The free demo lets you test the game before buying, so you can avoid a purchase you will regret.

Is Minecraft cheaper on other platforms like console or mobile?

Bedrock Edition costs $19.99 on Windows, and the same version costs $19.99 on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation. Mobile versions (iOS and Android) cost $6.99 to $7.99. Java Edition is PC-only. Prices vary by platform, but Bedrock is generally the cheapest way to own Minecraft across multiple devices.