Cactus MC Launcher vs X Minecraft Launcher

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.

X Minecraft Launcher (XMCL) is a free, open-source launcher for managing Minecraft game resources and separate game instances. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Users can manage modpacks, resource packs, mods, shader packs, and other resources, with instances covering Forge, Fabric, Quilt, NeoForge, OptiFine, and LabyMod; Bedrock support is experimental. Its marketplace gathers modpacks and projects from Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB. The launcher can import modpacks, manage Java runtimes, and update automatically. Mod tools include dependency inspection and custom groups. Account options include Microsoft, offline, Ely.by, and LittleSkin authentication. World tools let users preview saves, select, copy, or delete chunks, and view structures in 3D. Users can export modpacks and local server files from the launcher. Telemetry is off by default and is processed only if enabled in settings. XMCL says it does not handle Microsoft account passwords, credentials, or session tokens. It is an independent project and is not an official Minecraft product or associated with Mojang or Microsoft.