Cactus MC Launcher vs MultiMC

Cactus MC Launcher is a free desktop launcher for managing Minecraft instances, modpacks, and dedicated servers on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports separate instances, Java runtime management, automatic updates, and a built-in modpack catalog. The launcher works with mods, resource packs, shaders, and modpacks from Modrinth and CurseForge. Available loaders include Vanilla, Fabric, Quilt, Forge, and NeoForge. Instances can be grouped by version and loader, with custom icons and cover art. Server tools include a live console, world management, ops and whitelist controls, and one-command sharing. The interface can be customized with backgrounds, gradients, decor, a movable dock, and toggleable click sounds. Cactus MC Launcher is built with Tauri and Rust, contains no ads, and does not track users. It is made by Ladvace and released under AGPL-3.0; the download page lists version 1.5.1. The project provides a GitHub link and a Discord community link. It is not an official Minecraft product and is not associated with Mojang or Microsoft.

MultiMC is an alternative launcher for Minecraft that keeps multiple game instances separate. Each instance can have its own mods, resource packs, and saves, and users can import or export instances for sharing. It imports modpacks from Modrinth, CurseForge, FTB, Technic, ATLauncher, and FTB legacy, and includes a built-in modpack catalog. MultiMC also manages worlds and resource or texture packs, with controls for Java settings and runtimes. Color-coded logs provide extra diagnostic information, and users can stop Minecraft if it crashes or freezes. Automatic updates are supported. Downloads are available for Windows, macOS 10.13 or newer, and Linux distributions; Linux installations require Qt5 and may need distribution-specific packages. Designed to run in the background, including on older machines, MultiMC is free to use. A listed Patreon support option is priced on request; supporters get an app credit mention and a Discord role.