Cactus MC Launcher vs PolyMC

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.

PolyMC is a free, open-source Minecraft launcher for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It manages multiple accounts, mods, and separate instances, with each instance keeping its own folder for mods, resource packs, settings, and other files. The launcher supports Forge, Fabric, LiteLoader, and Quilt, plus modpack installation from CurseForge, Technic, FTB, FTB Legacy, and Modrinth. Individual mods can be installed from CurseForge and Modrinth for the selected loader and game version. PolyMC also manages worlds, resource packs, shader packs, and Java runtimes, and provides logs plus a way to stop Minecraft after crashes or freezes. Users can customize the instance window and theme. The project says its Qt-based launcher remains light on system resources. PolyMC is licensed under GPL-3, while its logo and related assets use CC BY-SA 4.0. The current macOS build supports Apple Silicon; Intel users need the legacy universal build.