Minecraft Java Edition costs $26.99 on Windows and Mac

Minecraft: Java Edition is the original version of the game. You buy it once, own it forever, and play on your computer without a subscription. The price is $26.99 USD on both Windows and Mac. You read it from the official Minecraft launcher after purchase.

Minecraft Bedrock Edition costs $19.99 USD on Windows 10 and Windows 11. This is a different version of the game — faster, with cross-platform play, and designed to work on phones, tablets, and consoles as well as computers. If you own an Xbox Game Pass subscription, Bedrock Edition is included at no extra cost.

The price you pay depends on which version you want and which operating system you use. Java Edition is more expensive but has been the standard for over a decade. Bedrock Edition is cheaper upfront and connects you to players on other devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Minecraft Java Edition costs $26.99 and runs on Windows and Mac computers after a one-time purchase.
  • Minecraft Bedrock Edition costs $19.99 on Windows 10 and Windows 11, and is included free with Xbox Game Pass.
  • Java Edition has larger modding communities and more customization; Bedrock Edition plays with mobile and console players.
  • Both versions let you play offline after you read them, with no monthly fees once you own the game.

Java Edition vs. Bedrock Edition: Which one to buy

Java Edition is the version most players have used since 2011. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. The modding community is enormous — you can read thousands of mods that change gameplay, add new blocks, or overhaul the entire world. If you want to customize Minecraft heavily, Java is the standard choice.

Bedrock Edition is newer and designed for speed and cross-play. You can play with friends on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, iPhone, iPad, and Android. The game runs faster on lower-end computers. Bedrock has fewer mods available, but Microsoft releases official add-ons and marketplace content regularly.

If you already own Java Edition, you do not need to buy Bedrock. They are separate games. Choose Java if you want mods and a larger community. Choose Bedrock if you want to play with friends on phones or consoles, or if your computer is older and needs better performance.

How to buy Minecraft on your computer

Go to minecraft.net and click the read button. You will see options for Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Select the one you want and the operating system you use (Windows or Mac).

For Java Edition, you will be taken to the Minecraft launcher page. Create a Microsoft account or sign in if you already have one. Add the game to your cart, complete the payment, and the launcher will read automatically. Once installed, you can launch the game and start playing.

For Bedrock Edition on Windows, the game is sold through the Microsoft Store. Search for "Minecraft" in the Store app on Windows 10 or 11, click Buy, and the game downloads to your computer. You sign in with your Microsoft account to play.

Mac users can only buy Java Edition directly. Bedrock Edition is not available for Mac computers.

What happens after you pay

You own the game permanently. There is no monthly subscription, no rent, and no expiration date. You can play offline without logging in every time, though you do need to log in once to verify your purchase.

Updates come automatically and are free. Minecraft receives new blocks, creatures, and features regularly. You do not pay extra for these updates — they roll out to everyone who owns the game.

If you buy Java Edition, you can install it on multiple computers using the same Microsoft account. You can only play on one computer at a time, but you can move between devices. Bedrock Edition works the same way.

Discounts and sales

Minecraft rarely goes on sale. The price has stayed at $26.99 for Java Edition and $19.99 for Bedrock Edition for years. Microsoft does not run frequent promotions on the base game.

The cheapest way to play Bedrock Edition is through Xbox Game Pass for PC, which costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. If you plan to play Minecraft for more than two months, Game Pass breaks even with the purchase price. Game Pass also includes hundreds of other games.

Java Edition has no subscription option. You pay once and own it.

Hidden costs: skins, capes, and marketplace content

The base game has no hidden costs. You can play the entire game with no additional spending. However, both versions offer optional cosmetics and content you can buy.

Skins change how your character looks. Capes are cosmetic items that hang from your back. Minecraft Realms is a subscription service that lets you host a world for up to 10 friends to play together — it costs $7.99 per month.

The Bedrock Edition marketplace sells maps, skins, and texture packs created by the community. These range from free to $20. None of this content is required to play the game. Java Edition does not have a marketplace — mods and skins are downloaded free from community sites.

System requirements and performance

Java Edition requires Java to be installed on your computer. The installer handles this automatically, but you need at least 2 GB of RAM to run the game smoothly. Most computers made in the last ten years meet this requirement.

Bedrock Edition is lighter and runs on older hardware. It needs Windows 10 or Windows 11 and about 1 GB of free disk space. It performs better on low-end computers than Java Edition does.

Both versions run on Mac, but only Java Edition is available for Mac. Mac users cannot buy Bedrock Edition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Minecraft on my computer without buying it?

No. You must purchase Java Edition or Bedrock Edition to play the full game on a computer. Minecraft offers a free trial version that lasts 100 minutes, but you cannot continue playing after that without buying the game.

If I buy Java Edition, can I also play Bedrock Edition without paying again?

No. Java Edition and Bedrock Edition are separate games with separate purchases. Buying one does not give you access to the other. However, if you own Java Edition and buy Game Pass, you get Bedrock Edition included in the subscription.

Do I need to pay monthly to keep playing after I buy Minecraft?

No. Once you buy Java Edition or Bedrock Edition, you own the game forever. There are no monthly fees. Updates and new features are free. The only optional subscription is Minecraft Realms, which costs $7.99 per month if you want to host a world for friends.

Is Minecraft cheaper on Mac or Windows?

Mac users can only buy Java Edition at $26.99. Windows users can buy Java Edition at $26.99 or Bedrock Edition at $19.99. If you use Windows, Bedrock is the cheaper option. If you use Mac, you have only one choice.

What is the difference between buying Minecraft and Game Pass?

Buying Bedrock Edition costs $19.99 one time. Game Pass costs $9.99 per month and includes Bedrock Edition plus hundreds of other games. If you play Minecraft for more than two months, Game Pass breaks even. If you only want Minecraft, buying it outright is cheaper long-term.