The account itself is free: Minecraft uses a Microsoft account, which costs nothing to create, and what you pay for is the game license attached to it. As of November 2026, Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC lists at $29.99 in the US, the Xbox version at $19.99 and the iOS and Android apps at $6.99, so the real Minecraft account cost depends on where you play. Bundles, Realms and Marketplace purchases can add to that, and the sections below show what each one includes.
We checked these prices against the Xbox and Microsoft Store listings, Apple's App Store, Google Play and Minecraft.net in November 2026. Prices are in US dollars and can change with sales, so treat them as a snapshot.
The Account Is Free, the Game Is Not
Minecraft.net describes Microsoft accounts as free to set up and use on any Minecraft device, and since 25 July 2022 every player needs one to play any version of the game. Creating the account takes a few minutes: an email address, a password of at least eight characters using two of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers and symbols, your country and date of birth, a verification code, and finally a gamertag and avatar.
So when someone asks how much a Minecraft account costs, the honest answer has two parts. The login is free. The game license you buy and attach to that login is where the money goes, and its price depends on the platform. Signing in without a license still works: Minecraft.net says the launcher then offers the time-limited demo or the option to buy.
Console and handheld players get the same deal. Minecraft.net's Realms account page says that on devices like PlayStation and Nintendo Switch you can sign in to Minecraft with a free Microsoft account, though the platform's own subscription is still needed for online play. The Microsoft account is what carries your Marketplace purchases and Realms between devices.
Younger players have an extra step but no extra cost. Minecraft.net notes that players under 13 need a parent's permission to finish setting up a Microsoft account, and child accounts are created free from a parent's Microsoft family group.
Official Prices by Platform in November 2026
These are the standard listed prices we found on each official storefront. Sales and regional pricing will move them, so check the store before buying.
| Version | Where | Listed price |
|---|---|---|
| Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC | Xbox / Microsoft Store | $29.99 |
| Java & Bedrock Edition Deluxe Collection | Xbox / Microsoft Store | from $39.99 |
| Java & Bedrock Edition Ultimate Collection | Xbox / Microsoft Store | from $49.99 |
| Minecraft (Xbox) | Microsoft Store catalog | $19.99 |
| Minecraft (iPhone and iPad) | Apple App Store | $6.99 |
| Minecraft (Android) | Google Play | $6.99 |
The PC edition is the best value for anyone with a Windows computer, because it includes both games. Minecraft.net's comparison article says owning one edition entitles you to the other, and its account guide states that if you own Bedrock you automatically own Java and vice versa. Our Java vs Bedrock comparison explains what each edition actually gives you before you commit.
Console and mobile copies are Bedrock Edition. For PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, check the price in those platforms' own stores, since the Minecraft EULA says purchases made through platforms that do not require a Microsoft account follow those platforms' terms.
What the Deluxe and Ultimate Collections Add
The higher-priced PC bundles include the same two games plus Marketplace content. The difference is mostly cosmetics and Minecoins, the Bedrock Marketplace currency.
- Deluxe Collection: the Xbox listing shows it adding items such as Celebration Food, Plenty of Blocks 2.0, Rescue Dogs, Mutts, Nether Portal Wings, a Pig Pal Hat, a Three Villagers Coat and 700 Minecoins.
- Ultimate Collection: the listing adds Decocraft, a Weapons + Tools Add-On, an Exploding Creeper Coat and a Jockey Fan Hat among its extras, with 1000 Minecoins.
Whether these are worth it depends on whether you will use Bedrock's Marketplace. Minecoins work on Windows, Xbox, mobile and Switch, but the official store page notes that PlayStation 5 uses its own Tokens instead, and Minecoins cannot be spent on PlayStation. A PC-only Java player gets little from the extra content, since the Marketplace is a Bedrock feature.
A simple rule: buy the standard edition first. You can always buy Minecoins or individual packs later if you find yourself using the Marketplace, but you cannot get money back for bundle items you never open.
Ongoing Costs: Realms, Marketplace and Online Play
The purchase price is a one-time cost, but a few optional extras are subscriptions or top-ups.
- Realms: Mojang's private servers are paid subscriptions. The App Store's in-app purchase list for Minecraft shows a Realms monthly subscription for you plus 2 friends at $3.99 and Realms Plus for 10 friends at $7.99.
- Marketplace Pass: the official store page describes it as premium, curated community-made content for one monthly price.
- Console online play: Minecraft.net notes that online play on consoles typically needs the platform's subscription, such as PlayStation Plus or Nintendo Switch Online, while on PC you only need an internet connection.
- Minecoins: bought in different amounts for Marketplace skins, worlds and add-ons on Bedrock.
Realms subscriptions also differ by edition. Minecraft.net explains that Realms is the Java version and Realms Plus the Bedrock version; a Java Realms subscription includes a monthly selection of free community-made content, while Realms Plus includes access to a library of Marketplace content such as adventures, skins and maps. Both cap play at 10 players at a time, so a large friend group may need a different hosting option, and the Minecraft EULA is clear that Realms is an add-on not included with the game purchase.
Parents can keep these under control. The Microsoft Services Agreement describes family features as covering the apps, games and spending that are right for your family, and our guide to setting up a Minecraft account for a child walks through the settings that matter.
Game Pass and Ways to Try Before Buying
PC Game Pass is another way in that can make a separate purchase unnecessary. Minecraft.net's announcement of the game's arrival on the service said Windows 10 and 11 subscribers receive the Minecraft: PC Bundle, which pairs Java and Bedrock in a single launcher. The catch is that access lasts only while you keep paying for the subscription.
For a free look, the launcher's time-limited demo is offered to any signed-in Microsoft account that does not own the game, and Minecraft.net's menus include a Try Minecraft Free link as well. A demo is a good way to confirm a computer can run the game smoothly before paying, especially on older laptops where Bedrock tends to run more smoothly than Java according to the official store page.
Which Purchase Fits Your Device
The cheapest correct purchase depends on the hardware you already own. Matching the edition to the device avoids the most expensive mistake, which is buying a version you cannot run.
- Windows PC: buy Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC. One purchase covers both editions, and the Xbox listing notes Bedrock runs on Windows while Java runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.
- Mac or Linux: Java Edition is the version that runs there. The official store FAQ answers yes to whether you can download and play Java Edition on a Mac, and Java comes as part of the same PC product.
- Xbox: the console version is Bedrock and lists at $19.99. Budget for the platform's online subscription if you want to play with friends over the internet.
- Phone or tablet: the $6.99 mobile app is Bedrock Edition, which cross-plays with consoles and Windows players on Bedrock.
- Chromebook: the official store page lists Chromebook among Bedrock's platforms, and Minecraft.net's parental controls guide points Chromebook families to Google Play support for extra controls.
- A family on several devices: every player signs in with their own Microsoft account, and Minecraft.net says a child account cannot exist without an adult Microsoft account tied to it.
Before paying, ask which edition your friends use. A cheap mobile copy is no bargain if everyone you want to play with is on Java, because Java and Bedrock players cannot join each other's worlds.
Costs Outside the Game Itself
Some spending happens away from Mojang entirely. The Hypixel network runs its own store, which sells ranks from VIP to MVP++, Hypixel Gold, SkyBlock Gems, Housing+, Network Boosters and lobby Companions. Hypixel's store guide says it shows prices in a currency you choose, is based in Europe, and asks for your exact Minecraft username at checkout. Our Hypixel ranks explainer goes through what each rank is.
Capes are the opposite case: most official capes were free rewards from promotions and events rather than items you could buy, and the Minecraft Wiki notes they cannot be transferred between accounts. Our Minecraft capes guide shows which ones you can still claim at no cost.
Finally, avoid paying twice. Minecraft.net's store FAQ says you do not need to buy Minecraft again for a new computer; just sign in to the launcher with the Microsoft account you bought it on.
Buying an Established Account Instead
Some buyers compare the cost of a fresh copy with an account that already has history, capes or Hypixel progress. The store's Minecraft hub carries account listings from marketplace sellers in those categories. One thing to weigh: Microsoft's Services Agreement says users may not sell the software or transfer software licenses or rights to access the services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Minecraft account free?
The Microsoft account is free. The game itself is a paid license, starting at $6.99 on mobile in the US as of November 2026.
How much is Minecraft Java Edition?
Java is sold as part of Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC, listed at $29.99 on the Xbox store in November 2026.
Do I have to buy Java and Bedrock separately?
No. On PC one purchase includes both editions.
Is Minecraft included with Game Pass?
PC Game Pass includes the Minecraft: PC Bundle with both Java and Bedrock for as long as you are subscribed.
Do I need to buy Minecraft again on a new PC?
No. The license follows your Microsoft account, so logging in on the new machine is enough.
Is Realms included in the price?
No. The EULA describes Realms as an add-on that is not included with your purchase of Minecraft.