LuckPerms vs PermissionsEx vs GroupManager
Compare LuckPerms, PermissionsEx, and GroupManager for Minecraft permissions management. Covers features, storage, web editor, performance, and migration paths.
Permissions plugins control who can do what on your server. LuckPerms, PermissionsEx (PEX), and GroupManager are the three names you will encounter most often. In 2026 the landscape has shifted heavily in favor of LuckPerms, but legacy servers still run PEX or GroupManager. This luckperms vs permissionsex comparison helps you understand why, and whether migration is worth it.
Current status of each plugin
LuckPerms is actively maintained, receives regular updates, and supports Paper, Spigot, Fabric, Forge, Velocity, BungeeCord, and Sponge. PermissionsEx 1.x is abandoned; PermissionsEx 2.0 was rewritten but development stalled and it never reached stable release. GroupManager was originally part of the Essentials suite and has not been updated for modern server software. If you are starting a new server, LuckPerms is the only actively supported choice.
Feature comparison table
| Feature | LuckPerms | PermissionsEx 1.x | GroupManager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active development | Yes (2024+) | No (abandoned) | No (abandoned) |
| Web editor | Yes (browser-based) | No | No |
| Storage backends | YAML, JSON, H2, MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, MongoDB | YAML, MySQL | YAML only |
| Verbose / debug mode | Yes (real-time permission checks) | Limited | No |
| Contexts (per-world, per-server) | Full context system | Per-world via mirrors | Per-world via mirroring |
| Velocity / BungeeCord | Native support | No | No |
| Weight / priority system | Numeric weight per group | Rank ladder | Inheritance chain |
| Temporary permissions | Built-in with expiry | No | No |
| PlaceholderAPI integration | Yes | Community expansion | No |
Why LuckPerms dominates
The web editor alone is a major reason. You run /lp editor, get a URL, open it in your browser, drag groups and permissions around visually, then save. Changes sync instantly. No YAML editing, no typos, no restarts. The verbose mode (/lp verbose) streams every permission check in real time, which makes debugging trivial. When a plugin denies an action, you see exactly which node was checked and whether it was granted or denied. PEX and GroupManager have nothing comparable.
Storage and networks
LuckPerms supports MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, and MongoDB for multi-server networks. You run one database, and permissions sync across every server on your BungeeCord or Velocity proxy. PEX 1.x supports MySQL but the implementation is less reliable under load. GroupManager is YAML-only, which means manual file copying between servers. For any network setup, luckperms vs permissionsex is not even close.
Migration from PEX or GroupManager
LuckPerms ships with built-in migration commands. Run /lp migration permissionsex or /lp migration groupmanager and it imports all groups, users, and inheritance trees automatically. The process takes seconds for most servers. After migration, remove the old plugin jar and test with verbose mode to confirm everything transferred correctly. For a full setup walkthrough, see our LuckPerms guide (Minecraft LuckPerms Permissions Guide).
Should you still use PEX or GroupManager?
No. Both plugins are unmaintained and do not receive security patches or compatibility updates. Running abandoned permission plugins on a public server is a liability. If your server currently runs PEX or GroupManager, migrate to LuckPerms. The migration tool makes it painless, and you gain the web editor, verbose debugging, temporary permissions, and proxy support in return.
Conclusion
LuckPerms is the standard. The luckperms vs permissionsex debate ended when PEX development stopped. GroupManager is in the same position. Migrate, learn the web editor, and pair LuckPerms with EssentialsX (How to Set Up EssentialsX) for a solid server foundation.
See these plugins in action: Astroworld MC, IP play.astroworldmc.com, Java + Bedrock.