Each Minecraft version plays differently: combat, available blocks and mobs, plugins and modpacks. Here is how 1.16 and 1.20 compare, and which servers accept them.
Criterion
Minecraft 1.16
Minecraft 1.20
Combat
Attack cooldown and shield
Attack cooldown and shield
Content
Nether Update: netherite, new Nether biomes, piglins
What is the difference between Minecraft 1.16 and 1.20?
1.16 : combat : attack cooldown and shield ; content : nether Update: netherite, new Nether biomes, piglins ; plugins and mods : many classic modpacks (Forge, Fabric) ; performance : medium. 1.20 : combat : attack cooldown and shield ; content : trails & Tales: archaeology, cherry groves, camels, armor trims ; plugins and mods : lots of up-to-date plugins (Paper) ; performance : more demanding than older versions.
Should I play 1.16 or 1.20?
Choose 1.16 if you want a proven modpack or a survival server on a stable version. Choose 1.20 if you want a recent and very common version, ideal for survival and semi-RP.
Can I join a 1.16 server with 1.20?
Only if the server accepts several versions (ViaVersion plugin). 2 listed server(s) accept both 1.16 and 1.20.