Bedrock or Java? What exactly is the difference between the two?
Java, on the version you can visit more servers and install more mods and clients (LabyMod, Badlion Client). It's just better
I think the Java version is better.
The Bedrock version is the same as Minecraft PE.
Basically, these are two almost different games that are based and developed on two different systems.
The Java edition is the - if you will - the original version, which has been available on the market since 2009. The Bedrock Edition, on the other hand, was originally known as the Pocket Edition which was developed for Android and iOS, but since - I believe - 2011-2015 it has also been further developed for consoles and later also for Windows 10 and is now known as Bedrock.
I definitely prefer the Java version even if it is much more unstable than the Bedrock version, because you are not so restricted there and Java has a lot more to offer. Unrestricted server use, mods, shaders and texture packages and a MUCH better world generation. The only thing I envy the Bedrock players is the render distance because it works much better there, but that's about it. What you like more is of course up to you.
However, the developer studio of both versions (Mojang) recently mentioned that it will not stay that way for long in the future and that Minecraft Java and Bedrock will be one and the same game.
Java Edition:
PC only (Windows, Mac, Linux); easy installation of custom mods, resource packs, shaders, addons or maps; Java Edition is a program, not an app; Minecraft Launcher with all also outdated versions; There are many more servers; File storage of worlds in normal file folders (possibly also in ZIP); the Java Edition was the original very first version of Minecraft (2009)
Bedrock Edition:
Available on all devices (mobile, console, PC); official marketplace with 0 chances of viruses; Mods, worlds & co. Is only available for a fee in the Marketplace; no launcher; only the latest version; no shaders but ray tracing (at least RTX 2060 as graphics card); World inspiration is worse; Bedrock Edition is an app and not a program; complete server list in multiplayer mode (Mineplax, The Hive, Lifeboat…); Storage of the worlds in MC-World format; Bedrock Edition was founded by Microsoft in 2016 and Mojang's whole Minecraft was bought by Microsoft
Those were the big differences.
I clearly recommend them to you
Java Edition
Anyone who only bought the Bedrock Edition for their PC has regretted it later. All YouTubers who play Minecraft play the Java Edition. And almost everyone who plays Minecraft on the PC.
The Bedrock Edition offers "Cross-Play", which means you can play with people who have Minecraft on another console (e.g. Mobile phone, PS5 or Switch). It is, so to speak, the Pocket Edition for the PC. You have to buy all extensions (texture packages, mods, etc.) and cards built by other users in the marketplace for real money.
The Java Edition is the original. It doesn't offer cross-play, so you can only play with people who also have the Java Edition. For the Java Edition there's a huge selection of texture packages (so your blocks will look different), mods (extensions for the game) and maps built by other users on the Internet. There are even entire modification packages (Modpacks), which then feels like a completely new game - so it is a huge added value compared to the Bedrock Edition. There are also shaders that insert shadows, water animation, etc. Into the game, which makes it look super realistic. In contrast to the Bedrock Edition, mods, shaders, textures and maps are free of charge. Another advantage of this edition is that you can also play older versions of Minecraft, right up to the first versions from 2009. There's also a larger community for the Java Edition, because almost everyone plays it on the PC, and consequently more servers, more guides, more players, etc.
As you can see, the Java Edition is clearly the better choice.
