Minecraft Launcher vs Onyx Launcher

Minecraft Launcher is a free PC hub for accessing Minecraft games, downloading versions, reaching multiplayer servers, managing profiles, and getting mod support. It brings Java and Bedrock editions together on PC, though the games can also be launched without it. Players can use the latest versions and try snapshots, create one-click Quick Play shortcuts to favorite worlds, manage Java skins, and access account information. Settings include language and accessibility options, and the Launcher also shows Minecraft news and promotions. Installation is available through the Microsoft Store or the Minecraft download page. On Windows, installing from Minecraft.net still requires signing into the Microsoft Store with the account intended for the Launcher. A Microsoft account is required to play all Minecraft versions. The free Java and Bedrock trial includes the core Survival experience and about 100 minutes of in-game play, with duration varying slightly by device. It supports offline play and LAN multiplayer, but online multiplayer servers are disabled. Java Edition cross-play is limited to Windows, Mac, and Linux, while Bedrock supports cross-play across Windows, consoles, and mobile.

Onyx Launcher is a free, open-source desktop Minecraft launcher for Windows and Linux. It manages separate instances, imports modpacks and supports Fabric, NeoForge, Forge, Quilt and Vanilla. A built-in Modrinth catalog lets users browse, install and update mods and modpacks, while automatic updates and Java runtime management are included. Onyx can detect, download and isolate Eclipse Temurin Java 8, 17 or 21 as needed. Diagnostic features measure in-game FPS, average frame times and stutters, analyze logs, track memory and garbage-collection pauses, and use Crash Bisect to look for conflicting mods through controlled launches. World Guard creates safety snapshots before risky operations and supports rollbacks. Ghost Mode unloads the launcher window, WebContents and GPU processes from memory when Minecraft starts. Microsoft sign-in uses OAuth Device Flow, and offline mode with custom skins is available. Windows builds are currently unsigned; published SHA-256 checksums can be checked. The MIT-licensed project says it is independent of Microsoft, Mojang Studios and Modrinth.