If you want a server that feels closer to a paid experience, FalixNodes is a top contender. It offers "Standard" plans for free that are genuinely powerful compared to competitors.
When free isn’t enough — low-cost upgrades to consider Best Free Minecraft Server Hosting 24 7 UPD
Server.pro’s free tier only gives you 1 GB of RAM and a 2-hour runtime limit. Why is it on this list? Their free plan supports GeyserMC (Java + Bedrock together). If your friends play on iPhones, PS5, or Xbox, Server.pro is the only free host that handles this reliably. If you want a server that feels closer