📋 Table of Contents
What is Minecraft Bedrock Edition
Bedrock Edition is the multi-platform version of Minecraft developed by Mojang Studios, Xbox Game Studios, and SkyBox Labs. It grew out of Pocket Edition, the original mobile-only build of the game.
Since 2017, Mojang has merged nearly every platform build into one shared Bedrock codebase. That update was called Better Together, and it is why an Android player, a Switch player, and a Windows player can now join the same world.
On most storefronts, Bedrock Edition is simply listed as "Minecraft," with no subtitle. The name "Bedrock Edition" is mainly used by the community and by Mojang in technical articles to separate it from Java Edition.
Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Every Platform
Minecraft Bedrock Edition on PC
Minecraft Bedrock Edition PC is available through the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and 11. It is a separate purchase from Java Edition unless you buy the combined Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition bundle, which includes both on one license.
Playing Bedrock Edition on PC gives you the same cross-play access as console and mobile, plus support for the Marketplace and Realms. If you want mods instead, Java Edition is the better PC choice, since Bedrock does not support traditional mod tools.
Minecraft Bedrock Edition on Mobile
Minecraft Bedrock Edition mobile is available for Android through the Google Play Store and for iOS through the Apple App Store. It is the same game as the PC and console versions, just optimized for touch controls.
Mobile is usually the cheapest way to get Bedrock Edition, priced around $7 in most regions. It still supports full cross-play with PC, console, and Nintendo Switch players.
Minecraft Bedrock Edition on PS5
Minecraft Bedrock Edition PS5 launched as a native release in 2026, bringing improved load times and resolution over the older PS4 version running through backward compatibility. PS5 players get the same cross-play access as every other Bedrock platform.
If you already own Bedrock Edition on PS4, the PS5 upgrade is typically available at no extra cost through the PlayStation Store.
Minecraft survival adventure scene showing a player and wolf overlooking a village, castle, river, forest, and sunset landscape with Build, Explore, Survive text.
All Supported Platforms
Bedrock Edition runs on more devices than any other version of Minecraft:
- Android and iOS
- Windows 10 and 11
- Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X
- PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
- Nintendo Switch and Switch 2
- Fire TV and Amazon Fire tablets
All of these platforms can play together in the same multiplayer world through cross-play, as long as each player owns Bedrock Edition on their device.
Minecraft Bedrock Edition Price
Pricing depends on the platform, and it changes from time to time, so treat these as approximate figures rather than fixed prices.
| Platform | Approximate Price |
|---|---|
| Android and iOS | $6.99 to $7.99 |
| Xbox and PlayStation | $19.99 to $29.99 |
| Windows | $26.99 to $29.99 |
| Nintendo Switch | $29.99 |
The Windows version is sometimes bundled as Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition, which includes both editions for one price, currently around $39.99. Always check the storefront for your region before buying, since regional pricing can differ from the US figures above.
Minecraft Bedrock Edition Latest Version
The current stable release of Bedrock Edition is version 26.40. Recent updates in this release included boats needing fewer hits to break, minecart pathing fixes, accessibility improvements, and technical upgrades for content creators using the editor tools.
Mobile builds on the Google Play Store show a slightly different version number format, closer to 1.26.50.x, since Android packages follow their own internal numbering even when they match the same content update. If you are checking your installed version, look at the number shown inside the app itself rather than relying on any single third-party source.
Bedrock Edition typically receives new content within a few weeks of Java Edition's matching update, though exact timing can vary by platform due to certification requirements from each app store.
Minecraft End dimension adventure scene with a diamond-armored player, Endermen, End City, floating islands, and Ender Dragons.
How to Download Minecraft Bedrock
Minecraft Bedrock download is only available through official stores, since it is a paid app on every platform:
- Minecraft Bedrock Edition PC download: Microsoft Store on Windows 10 or 11
- Minecraft Bedrock Edition Android: Google Play Store, listed as "Minecraft"
- iOS: Apple App Store
- Xbox: Xbox Store
- PlayStation: PlayStation Store
- Nintendo Switch: Nintendo eShop
Buying through the official store means you get automatic updates, access to Realms, and full support for cross-play and the Marketplace. Downloading APK files from third-party sites for a paid game like this is not something we recommend, both for security reasons and because it is not an authorized way to get the app.
Minecraft Bedrock Edition Downloadable Content
Bedrock Edition downloadable content comes through the in-game Marketplace instead of community mods. You can buy skin packs, texture packs, and full pre-built worlds, ranging from about $1 to $10 or more per item.
DLC bought on one platform carries over to any other platform tied to the same Microsoft account, so a skin pack purchased on mobile also works on Xbox or PC.
Minecraft Bedrock Edition vs Java Edition
These are the two biggest differences players run into:
| Feature | Bedrock Edition | Java Edition |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Support | Android, iOS, PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Fire TV | Windows, Mac, Linux only |
| Mod Support | Marketplace add-ons only | Full community mod support (Forge / Fabric) |
| Cross-Play Multiplayer | All platforms play together | PC-only unless bundled with Bedrock |
| Technical Features First | Bedrock gets updates shortly after | Java gets snapshots first |
| Mobile / Console Play | Yes | No |
| Realms Support | Yes | Yes (separate Java Realms) |
| Price (PC) | $26.99 – $29.99 | $29.99 |
✅ Choose Bedrock If…
- You want to play with friends across different devices
- You are on console (Xbox, PlayStation) or mobile
- Cross-platform multiplayer is your priority
- You want Realms access from any device
🔷 Choose Java If…
- Mods and shader packs are important to you
- You prefer PC-only community servers
- You want access to the latest snapshots first
- You are a technical redstone / command player
Neither edition is strictly better. Bedrock is the right choice if you want to play with friends across different devices or you are on console or mobile. Java is the right choice if mods and PC-only multiplayer matter more to you.
Minecraft Education Edition
Minecraft Education Edition is a separate product built for classrooms, based on the Bedrock codebase. It adds teacher tools, coding lessons, and curriculum-aligned worlds, and it is sold through school or institutional licenses rather than a standard consumer purchase.
If you are looking for the regular game to play with friends, Minecraft Education Edition is not the right product. It is designed specifically for schools and structured learning environments.
Minecraft player sitting beside a wolf on a grassy hill overlooking a village, river, mountains, forests, and sunset landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
Minecraft Bedrock Edition is the version to get if cross-platform play matters to you, whether that means playing with friends on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or mobile all in the same world. Buy it through your platform's official store, keep it updated, and check back here whenever a new version drops.
Looking for the free modded alternative instead? See our full Minecraft Mod APK guide for Android, our iOS guide, or our PC emulator setup guide.