Minecraft Launcher vs PolyMC

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.

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.