I found this Minecraft hosting thing called MaximusHost and it has a pay for what you use setup. You buy credits and it charges you based on the server resources.
It is super cheap when the server is off and most of the cost is when it is running. They even say a small or moderate server that only runs on weekends can be around 2 to 5 dollars a month.
You can set schedules to start and stop the server by itself so weekend only servers are easy. It also gives you full console access and full access to your server files. You can share access with friends too.
It supports Minecraft Java and Bedrock and it can use Geyser so people can crossplay. Right now it is on one dedicated US East server but they said it can scale up as more people use it.
New users get 1000 free credits to try it. There is also a referral thing where the new person gets 1000 credits and the person who referred them gets 2000 credits.
Pay Only When Your Server Runs
HARDCORE SMP WITH TRUE PERMA DEATH
Ultimate Hardcore is a Hardcore SMP where dying is the end. There are no resets and no revives so you only get one real shot.
The world is massive and PvP is on. Raiding and griefing are allowed everywhere so you have to watch your back all the time.
It stays close to vanilla but uses a few plugins to make hardcore feel better. I saw stuff like player heads Simple Voice Chat and detailed stat tracking.
The coolest part is the history. Players form alliances and take land then they eventually die and it all gets left behind for the next people. Nothing is scripted it is all made by the players.
It runs on version 1.21.11 and it is built for people who want the hardest survival vibe.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPFresh Semi Vanilla SMP Starting Soon
I found a small semi vanilla SMP that is in testing right now
The server is not fully started yet and it looks like the real start is planned for about a week
It sounds like a chill survival place meant for a smaller group so you can get in early and be there when it beginsGG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPSMP Earth Survival On The Whole Planet
builder friendly survivalcommunity-driven worldCross-Platform PlayGlobal sandbox serverlong-term world
I found a server called SMP Earth and it is a survival world that uses a map of the entire planet. You can build and explore across the Earth and travel through continents and countries like it is all in one big world.
It feels like a big journey server where you try to expand and conquer new places. It supports both Java and Bedrock and it is listed on version 1.21.11.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPDawnforge Semi Vanilla SMP Crossplay
classic survival playCommunity build nightsCommunity town buildsDaily player activityplayer-run projects
Dawnforge is a vanilla survival SMP that feels like it is built around people who actually like playing together. The server is growing and it usually has over 20 active players daily so it does not feel empty.
It runs on 1.21.8 and it supports Java and Bedrock crossplay. The community is said to be friendly and mature and they try to keep it non toxic.
Players do community builds and there are daily events. It also says there is no pay to win and there are no resets coming soon so it is meant for long term survival.
Staff and players are described as helpful and welcoming so it sounds like a good place if you want a chill home server.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IPMOSHPIT SMP Chaos Vanilla Survival
MOSHPIT SMP is a survival server that tries to keep the vanilla vibe but still feel exciting. It is open now and the owner is asking people to join and give feedback so the community can grow.
There are no land claims so you can build anywhere and you can also raid anywhere. It supports both Java and Bedrock players so friends on different versions can play together.
It has player shops plus an auction house and duels if you want a fast way to make money. There are custom enchants that are meant to be balanced like 3×3 drills and lifesteal.
The world has custom terrain that still looks like Minecraft. The server is tested to run fine even on low end PCs.
PvE gets harder the farther out you go and there are random world events every 30 minutes. Some events help and some mess with you and some are just weird. The server is still being worked on and changed based on what players actually want and they are also looking for people to help.GG.MINEWIND.NET New Server IP