CurseForge vs Modrinth

CurseForge is a catalog for finding and downloading Minecraft mods and modpacks. Its Minecraft browse page lists Forge, Fabric, NeoForge, and Quilt, and displays more than 10,000 projects. Users can filter by game version and see dependency information, download tracking, and mod collections. The free web catalog provides access to Minecraft mods and modpacks, which the page describes as free. Premium access is available on the web and desktop client. Premium removes ads across CurseForge platforms and the desktop client, enables direct downloads without waiting delays, and includes custom themes and layout customization in the desktop experience. The monthly subscription is $2.99 per month. The annual subscription is $30.00 billed annually, listed from $35.88 with a 16% saving. Subscribers can cancel at any time and retain access through the billing cycle. Refunds are generally not offered, although exceptions may be considered individually. After Premium access ends, an account returns to free membership. CurseForge says mod authors receive 70% of subscription income.

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.