---
title: "Z-Auth vs AuthMe: Minecraft Login Plugins Compared | ZCS"
description: "Compare Z-Auth and AuthMe for offline-mode Minecraft networks: proxy support, backend protection, 2FA, databases and which one to choose."
url: "https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/z-auth-vs-authme-minecraft-login-plugins"
updated: "2026-11-12T03:39:11.005822+00:00"
source: "ZCraft Studios"
---

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# Z-Auth vs AuthMe: Minecraft Login Plugins Compared

ZCraft StudiosNov 12, 2026

Compare Z-Auth and AuthMe for offline-mode Minecraft networks: proxy support, backend protection, 2FA, databases and which one to choose.

## In this guide

- [Why login plugins exist](#why-login-plugins-exist)
- [Side by side](#side-by-side)
- [When to choose Z-Auth](#when-to-choose-z-auth)
- [When to choose AuthMe](#when-to-choose-authme)
- [Security checklist for either plugin](#security-checklist-for-either-plugin)
- [Test before you choose](#test-before-you-choose)
- [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
- [Related reading](#related-reading)

**Quick answer:** both add `/login` and `/register` for offline-mode servers. **AuthMe** is the long-established login plugin that runs on game servers. **Z-Auth** is a newer, free, **proxy-first** plugin for **Velocity and BungeeCord** that handles login at the proxy and adds **backend guard modules** for Paper, Spigot, Purpur and Folia, with session login and optional 2FA. Choose by your setup, and test both.

_Disclosure: ZCraft Studios makes Z-Auth, which is free. Information about AuthMe comes from its public pages and may change, so confirm there. Last checked November 2026._

![ZCraft Z-Auth proxy authentication plugin preview](https://esrjajilhtjdleheettk.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/product-images/mtbtctaa-image_2026-08-27_214532480.png)

_Z-Auth, the free ZCraft authentication plugin for Velocity and BungeeCord._

**[Get Z-Auth (free)](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/products/z-auth-modern-authentication-plugin)**

## Why login plugins exist

Offline-mode servers do not verify accounts with Mojang, so anyone can join with any username. A login plugin makes each player register a password, so nobody can impersonate someone else. Online-mode servers verify accounts and do not need one. See [Cracked, Whitelisted or Premium-Only Server Auth](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-authentication-methods).

## Side by side

| Z-Auth             | AuthMe                                                                  |                                                               |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Cost               | Free, with source and setup docs included                               | Free and open source                                          |
| Where it runs      | Core on the Velocity or BungeeCord proxy, guard modules on each backend | On the game servers, with proxy setups needing extra bridging |
| Backend protection | Backend guard so unauthenticated players cannot touch survival worlds   | Handled by the plugin on each server                          |
| Commands           | /login, /register, admin commands                                       | /login, /register, admin commands                             |
| Session login      | Skip re-authentication on IP-based reconnect                            | Sessions supported. Check its docs                            |
| 2FA                | Authenticator app 2FA, optional                                         | Check the AuthMe docs for current options                     |
| Databases          | SQLite, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL                                      | Several options. Check its docs                               |
| Best for           | Offline-mode networks behind a proxy                                    | Single servers and established setups                         |

## When to choose Z-Auth

- You run a **Velocity or BungeeCord network** and want login handled in one place.
- You want players to be unable to reach backend worlds without authenticating, even if they connect to a backend directly.
- You want optional authenticator 2FA.
- You prefer PostgreSQL, MariaDB or MySQL as well as SQLite.

See [Velocity Network Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/velocity-proxy-network-setup) and [Velocity Modern Forwarding Checklist](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/velocity-modern-forwarding-setup-checklist).

## When to choose AuthMe

- You run a **single server** and want a long-established plugin.
- You already use it and have it working.
- You need a feature it offers that Z-Auth does not. Check both feature lists.

See [AuthMe and Offline-Mode Authentication Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/authme-offline-mode-authentication-setup).

## Security checklist for either plugin

1. **Firewall backends** so players can only join through the proxy. See [Firewall Hardening](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-firewall-hardening).
2. **Use strong password rules** and limit login attempts.
3. **Protect the database.** Use a private network and a dedicated user. See [SQLite vs MySQL](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-plugin-database-sqlite-vs-mysql).
4. **Back up** the account database. See [Backup Strategy](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-backup-strategy).
5. **Plan for bots.** See [Join Spam Defense](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-antibot-join-spam-defense).
6. **Tell players** how to reset passwords and how staff verify identity.
7. **Never expose** RCON or database ports. See [RCON Security](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-rcon-security-guide).

## Test before you choose

1. Install each on a staging copy. See [Staging Environment Guide](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-staging-environment-guide).
2. Register and log in with two accounts.
3. Try to join a backend directly, and confirm it is blocked.
4. Test reconnects and session login.
5. Test 2FA if you use it.
6. Restart and confirm accounts persist.
7. Check performance with [spark](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/how-to-read-spark-profiler-minecraft).

## Frequently asked questions

**Do I need a login plugin on an online-mode server?** No. Mojang verifies accounts.

**Is Z-Auth free?** Yes, with source and setup docs included.

**Does Z-Auth work on Velocity?** Yes, and on BungeeCord. It needs a Velocity or BungeeCord proxy.

**Which backends does it support?** Spigot, Paper, Purpur and Folia, with a guard module on each backend.

**Is AuthMe still good?** It is a long-established option, especially for single servers.

**Can I use both?** Use one login plugin per network, so they do not conflict.

## Related reading

- [Best Minecraft Moderation Tools and Plugins (2026)](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/best-minecraft-moderation-tools-plugins-2026)
- [Join Spam and Bot Attacks](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-server-antibot-join-spam-defense)
- [Hypixel-Style Network Setup](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/hypixel-style-network-setup-lobby-minigames)

## Continue reading

- [EliteSpawner vs AxSpawners: Virtual Spawner Plugins Compared](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/elitespawner-vs-axspawners-virtual-spawner-plugins)
- [Best Spawner Plugins for Minecraft (2026): Compared](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/best-spawner-plugins-minecraft-compared)
- [Best Minecraft Server Hosting in 2026: Providers Compared](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/best-minecraft-server-hosting-2026)
- [WorldGuard vs GriefPrevention: Land Protection Compared](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/worldguard-vs-griefprevention-comparison)

[ Previous guide How to Make a Minecraft Bedrock Server (BDS and Geyser)](https://www.zcraftstudios.com/blog/minecraft-bedrock-server-setup-bds-geyser)

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