CKAN vs Modrinth
CKAN
github.comModrinth
modrinth.comSide by side
| Figure | CKAN | Modrinth |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $4.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 8 |
| Spec score · Mod managers | 8.8 (#4) | 9.5 (#1) |
| Spec score · Game Mod Managers | 8.8 (#5) | 9.5 (#1) |
| Integrations | The project lists connections on Internet Archive, Coveralls, NuGet, Crowdin, and Docker Hub. | Modrinth says its open source API enables launcher integrations, including ATLauncher, MultiMC, and Prism Launcher. |
| Notable limitation | On macOS 10.15 and later, the console interface is the default because the Mono GUI depends on a 32-bit WinForms application. | The Modrinth App is currently in public beta for Windows, macOS, and Linux. |
| Purpose | CKAN is a repository of Kerbal Space Program mod metadata and tools for finding, installing, and managing mods. | Modrinth hosts user created Minecraft: Java Edition mods, plugins, data packs, shaders, resource packs, and modpacks. |
| Support | The project directs users to troubleshooting documentation, GitHub issues, and its Discord server for help with the client. | Modrinth directs support requests to its Help Center and lists [email protected] for technical support and feedback. |
Plans
Modrinth
- Modrinth+$4.99 a month
- Modrinth platformFree
- Modrinth platformFree
- Customized Hosting$5 a month
- Hosting customized plan$5 a month
- Hosting Small$10 a month
- Hosting Medium$15 a month
- Hosting Large$20 a month
In their own words
CKAN
CKAN helps Kerbal Space Program players find, install, and manage mods through a client connected to an online registry. Users can refresh the registry and search by mod name, identifier, author, or relationships. CKAN uses mod metadata to select mods for the game version, install dependencies, and identify conflicts or incompatibilities. By default, a mod must be marked compatible with the exact game version; users can choose additional compatible versions, and an All filter can display incompatible mods. The client provides graphical, console, and command-line interfaces. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with installation options for several Linux distributions. The executable can manage game installations from any folder; placing it in a game folder supports portable use. Mod authors can contribute or correct metadata. CKAN is open source and MIT-licensed, and is free. On macOS 10.15 and later, the console interface is the default because the graphical interface depends on a 32-bit WinForms application in Mono.
Modrinth
Modrinth hosts user-created projects for Minecraft: Java Edition, including mods, plugins, data packs, shaders, resource packs, and modpacks. Search and filters help visitors find projects, including by game version. The open-source Modrinth App is a desktop launcher for installing, removing, and updating mods, and sharing modpacks. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, though it is currently in public beta and Linux versions may have issues on some systems and configurations. Modrinth’s open API supports launcher integrations including ATLauncher, MultiMC, and Prism Launcher. Creators can manage team roles and permissions, receive ad revenue, and review page-view, download, and revenue reports. Modrinth Hosting supports Minecraft Java versions back to 1.2.5 and loaders including Fabric, Quilt, Forge, NeoForge, Paper, and Purpur, subject to version support. A free offer provides a 3 GB server for five days for US servers, with no credit card required. The platform has a free plan; Modrinth+ costs $4.99 a month, and customized hosting plans start at $5 a month.