If you want a good server, and you can afford it, you should buy one instead of getting a "free" method, which only works for a small amount of people.
I really do recommend https://aternos.org/en/ it's a good minecraft server hosting, you can get to choose the version, install plugins, and even load in mods! I really do recommend it! I have played before with a friend, anyways, I wish you the best to you!