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Best Minimap Mods for Minecraft: Xaero’s Minimap vs JourneyMap

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A good minimap mod can completely change how you explore Minecraft. Two of the most popular options are Xaero’s Minimap and JourneyMap. Below, we’ll compare their key features, highlight the pros and cons of each, and show you some useful add‑ons to improve your mapping experience—all in a clear, easy‑to‑read format.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature Xaero’s Minimap JourneyMap
Map Types Minimap + cave mode Minimap + fullscreen + web-map
Waypoints In‑game, color-coded Export/import, visible in all map modes
Entity Radar Color-coded dots/icons Configurable names & types
Performance Lightweight, great for low-end PCs Feature-rich, may impact performance
Customization Shapes, colors, scale, UI placement Dual presets, cave/day/night grids
Server Support Client-side (optional server install) Client+server version, admin controls

Xaero’s Minimap

  • Performance-friendly: runs smoothly even in mod-heavy setups.
  • Clean and customizable: choose circle or square, drag anywhere, tweak appearance.
  • Cave mode included: enable underground mapping without extra mods.

JourneyMap

  • Three map modes: minimap, fullscreen, and web interface for remote mapping.
  • Advanced waypoint system: import/export, organized labels for better navigation.
  • Highly customizable: dual map presets, toggle cave/day/night visuals, adjustable grids and entity names.
  • Server-side control: admins can restrict features for fair play or gameplay balance.

Recommended Add-ons

  • For Xaero’s Minimap:
    • Xaero’s World Map — fullscreen mapping and teleport-friendly UI.
    • XaeroPlus — performance boost, waypoint enhancements, compatibility with Baritone and Waystones.
  • For JourneyMap:
    • JourneyMap Integration — sync waystones, chunk claims, and REI waypoints with map.
    • Server tools — options to limit cave mode, entity radar, or webmap access on multiplayer servers

Comparative Full-screen map

Xaero’s Minimap and JourneyMap Full-screen maps

Comparative MiniMap

Xaero’s Minimap and JourneyMap minimap


Final Take

If you want a fast, no‑frills minimap that stays out of your way and works well even on slower PCs, Xaero’s Minimap with XaeroPlus and World Map is a great choice.

If you prefer detailed mapping, remote web access, powerful waypoint handling, and don’t mind a bit more resource usage, JourneyMap offers unmatched versatility—especially with its integration tools.