Minecraft costs $20 to $27 depending on which version and device you buy

Minecraft: Java Edition costs $27 on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. Minecraft: Bedrock Edition costs $20 on Windows 10 and Windows 11. If you own a console like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, Bedrock Edition also costs $20. The price is a one-time purchase—you buy it once and own it permanently, with no monthly subscription required.

The difference between Java and Bedrock matters if you plan to play with friends or use mods. Java Edition lets you install community-made modifications and play on custom servers, but only other Java players can join your world. Bedrock Edition works across Windows, console, and mobile devices, so you can play together on different platforms, but modding is more limited.

You can also play Minecraft free through a web browser using Minecraft Classic, an older version with fewer features. Some schools use Minecraft: Education Edition, which is free for teachers and students with a school account.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft: Java Edition costs $27 and runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers.
  • Minecraft: Bedrock Edition costs $20 on Windows 10, Windows 11, and all major consoles.
  • Java Edition supports community mods and custom servers but only works with other Java players.
  • Bedrock Edition works across Windows, console, and mobile, letting you play with friends on different devices.
  • Minecraft Classic is free to play in a web browser, though it has fewer features than paid versions.

Java Edition vs. Bedrock Edition: What the $7 difference means

Java Edition is the original Minecraft, released in 2009. It has the largest modding community and the most active custom servers. If you want to install texture packs, shader mods, or play on servers built by other players, Java is the standard choice. The downside is that Java Edition only works on computers—Windows, Mac, and Linux—and you can only play with other Java players.

Bedrock Edition launched in 2017 and is designed to work across multiple devices. You can start a world on your Windows computer, continue it on your Nintendo Switch, and play with a friend on their Xbox. Bedrock also supports add-ons (similar to mods, but more limited), and the game receives updates more frequently. If cross-platform play matters to you, Bedrock is the better choice despite having a smaller modding scene.

Where to buy Minecraft on your computer

For Java Edition, buy directly from the official Minecraft website at minecraft.net. You create a Mojang account, pay $27, and read the launcher. The launcher manages your game files and updates automatically.

For Bedrock Edition on Windows 10 or 11, you can buy it from the Microsoft Store app on your computer. The price is $20. If you have a Game Pass for PC subscription (which costs $10 per month or $120 per year), Minecraft: Bedrock Edition is included at no extra cost—you can read it when ready without paying the $20 upfront.

Never buy Minecraft from third-party resellers or key sites. The only official sources are the Minecraft website (for Java) and the Microsoft Store (for Bedrock on Windows). Buying from anywhere else risks account theft or a key that stops working.

Game Pass: An alternative if you play multiple games

Microsoft Game Pass for PC is a subscription service that includes Minecraft: Bedrock Edition along with hundreds of other games. A monthly subscription costs $10, or you can pay $120 for a year. If you plan to play other games like Forza, Halo, or Starfield, Game Pass may save you money compared to buying games individually.

The catch is that Game Pass is a subscription—you pay every month or year to keep playing. If you cancel, you lose access to Minecraft and all other games on the service. For Minecraft alone, buying it outright for $20 is cheaper than Game Pass unless you plan to use the service for less than two months.

Free and discounted ways to play

Minecraft Classic is a free, browser-based version of the game available at minecraft.net/play. It is the original 2009 version with basic building and survival features. You do not need to read anything—just open the link and start playing. The downside is that it is much simpler than modern Minecraft and does not have the depth of the paid versions.

Some schools and libraries offer free access to Minecraft: Education Edition, which is designed for classroom use. If you are a student or teacher, ask your school if they have a license.

Occasionally, Minecraft goes on sale during major shopping events like Black Friday or holiday sales, though discounts are rare and usually small (5 to 10 percent off). Signing up for the official Minecraft newsletter may notify you of sales, but do not expect frequent price drops.

What you get after you buy

Once you purchase Minecraft, you own the game permanently. You can read it as many times as you want on any computer using your account. You do not pay monthly fees or need to renew your license. Updates and new features are free—Minecraft has received major updates every few months for over a decade at no extra cost.

The only optional cost is the Minecraft Marketplace, where you can buy cosmetic items like skins, worlds, and texture packs created by other players. These cost between $2 and $20 each, but they are purely cosmetic and not required to play. You can also find free skins and texture packs online without spending extra money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft on my Mac with Java Edition?

Yes. Java Edition costs $27 and runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux. read the launcher from minecraft.net, sign in with your Mojang account, and install. Mac users need at least macOS 10.13 and 2 GB of free storage.

Is Minecraft free on Windows 11?

No, but it is included free with Game Pass for PC ($10 per month). If you do not have Game Pass, Bedrock Edition costs $20 from the Microsoft Store. Java Edition costs $27 from minecraft.net.

Can I play Java Edition with my friend who has Bedrock?

No. Java and Bedrock are separate games and cannot connect to each other. You both need the same version to play together. If you want to play cross-platform (different devices), you both need Bedrock Edition.

Do I have to pay every month to keep playing Minecraft?

No. Once you buy Minecraft (Java or Bedrock), it is yours permanently. You pay once and own it forever. Game Pass is optional and only needed if you want access to other games in the subscription service.

What is the cheapest way to play Minecraft on a computer?

Minecraft Classic is free in your web browser at minecraft.net/play. If you want the full game, Bedrock Edition is $20 (or free with Game Pass), and Java Edition is $27. Bedrock is the cheaper paid option.