Each answer stands on its own, so skip to whichever one you came for. Anything said about SunRealms or AkumaMC comes from the servers themselves.
Getting started
Is an SMP server the same as a survival server?
Nearly. Every SMP is a survival server played with other people, and the word also suggests a shared, community feel rather than a minigame lobby. SunRealms (web.sunrealms.net) offers classic survival as one of its six realms.
What is a good SMP server for beginners?
SunRealms is a good place to start: its Survival realm is classic Minecraft survival, so single-player knowledge carries over, and help comes through Discord tickets. Join at web.sunrealms.net (Bedrock port 19132).
Do SMP servers cost money to join?
Most public SMPs are free to join, and SunRealms and AkumaMC both are. Each says everything in its store can also be earned in game. Join SunRealms at web.sunrealms.net or AkumaMC at web.akumamc.net, with Bedrock on port 19132.
Do I need mods to join an SMP?
Not for Survival on SunRealms or AkumaMC. Survival is the normal game, so Java and Bedrock players join it with nothing extra at web.sunrealms.net or web.akumamc.net. For Cobblemon, each server's Discord has the join instructions.
Devices and versions
Which Minecraft versions can join SunRealms?
SunRealms accepts Java Edition from 1.8 through 26.3, plus Bedrock Edition, with crossplay between the two. Java players add web.sunrealms.net; Bedrock players add the same address with port 19132.
Can I play on a Mac?
Yes, with Java Edition, which runs on macOS. Add web.sunrealms.net in Multiplayer on any version from 1.8 to 26.3. For AkumaMC, add web.akumamc.net instead.
Do I need to enter a port on Java?
No. Java players only type the address, web.sunrealms.net or web.akumamc.net. Port 19132 is for Bedrock Edition, which asks for it in a separate box on the Add Server screen.
How do I join from an Xbox, PlayStation or Switch?
Consoles run Bedrock Edition, which SunRealms (web.sunrealms.net) and AkumaMC (web.akumamc.net) both support on port 19132. Console versions of Minecraft have no Add Server button, though, so each server's Discord has the current console steps.
Fair play and help
Is there PvP on SunRealms and AkumaMC?
Yes. SunRealms has a PvP arena with kits and lifesteal in every realm, and AkumaMC runs its own arena with kits and lifesteal. Join SunRealms at web.sunrealms.net or AkumaMC at web.akumamc.net, with Bedrock on port 19132.
How do I report a cheater or get help?
On SunRealms, support runs through tickets on its Discord (discord.gg/sunrealms), and strict anti-cheat covers every realm. AkumaMC also runs strict anti-cheat and takes questions on its Discord at discord.gg/akumamc.
Where are the servers located?
SunRealms and AkumaMC both have servers in North America and Europe, so players on either side of the Atlantic have one close by. Each still uses a single address: web.sunrealms.net and web.akumamc.net.
SunRealms and AkumaMC
What's the difference between SunRealms and AkumaMC?
SunRealms runs six realms, usually has 500–1,000 players online and 18,000+ on Discord, and its Gens realm is on its 30th season. AkumaMC began as an OP Prison server, has been running since 2019 and runs seven gamemodes, including RNG, with usually 1,000+ online and 55,000+ on Discord. SunRealms is web.sunrealms.net; AkumaMC is web.akumamc.net.
How often do SunRealms and AkumaMC start a new season?
Every six weeks on both. On SunRealms each realm gets its own map and economy, and store ranks and Sunbits carry over from one season to the next. Join SunRealms at web.sunrealms.net or AkumaMC at web.akumamc.net.
Do SunRealms and AkumaMC have Cobblemon?
Yes. SunRealms and AkumaMC each run a Cobblemon realm, where you catch, train and battle Pokémon-style creatures with the Cobblemon mod. Each server's Discord has the current join instructions: discord.gg/sunrealms and discord.gg/akumamc.
Not covered here? The crossplay guide has device-by-device steps, and How to pick an SMP server covers what to check before you settle in.