ATLauncher vs Shard Launcher
ATLauncher
atlauncher.comShard Launcher
shard.thomas.mdSide by side
| Figure | ATLauncher | Shard Launcher |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Minecraft Launchers | 8.7 (#8) | 8.7 (#9) |
| Accounts | The launcher supports Mojang and Microsoft accounts, including Xbox Game Pass subscribers, and lets users use multiple accounts from one installation. | Shard uses Microsoft OAuth and supports adding and switching between multiple Microsoft accounts. |
| Downloads | The download page lists Windows, OSX, and Linux downloads, plus a Jar download. | The download guide lists desktop app installers for macOS, Windows, and Linux, plus CLI downloads for macOS, Windows, and Linux. |
| Mod loader support | multiple | multiple |
| Modpack import | both | file |
| Privacy | The privacy policy says launcher usage data excludes personal information such as IP addresses and fine-grained location, and does not collect instance, server, or account names. | The maker says Shard has no telemetry and does not require a launcher account. |
| Security | The website cookie policy identifies an XSRF-TOKEN cookie used to help prevent cross-site request forgery attacks. | The account guide says access and refresh tokens are stored in ~/.shard/accounts.json and refreshed automatically when needed. |
| Separate instances | Yes | Yes |
| Support | Users can seek help through Discord support channels or the website contact form, which says ATLauncher will respond within 24 hours when a response is deemed necessary. | The FAQ directs users with unanswered questions to open an issue on GitHub. |
Plans
In their own words
ATLauncher
ATLauncher is a Minecraft launcher for browsing, downloading and installing modpacks. Its catalog includes packs from ATLauncher, CurseForge, Modrinth and Technic, and it supports multiple mod loaders and pack imports. Users can maintain separate instances so a new installation does not affect an existing one; the launcher automatically selects the Java version for a pack.
The launcher supports multiple accounts, including Mojang and Microsoft accounts and Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Instance management can install mods, maps and resource packs from CurseForge and Modrinth. It also offers one-click save backups and tools to create and run servers for ATLauncher modpacks. ATLauncher is free and has downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux, as well as a Jar download. Playing modpacks requires a purchased Minecraft account. The site no longer accepts submissions for its own pack platform and recommends Modrinth or CurseForge for sharing packs. For help, users can turn to Discord; contact form requests needing a response are answered within 24 hours.
Shard Launcher
Shard Launcher has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.