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SPECIFICTION
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Minecraft Launcher vs Portal Launcher

Minecraft Launcher

minecraft.net

Portal Launcher

github.com

Side by side

FigureMinecraft LauncherPortal Launcher
Price fromFreeFree
Free planYesYes
Free trialYes—
Open source——
WindowsYesYes
macOSYesYes
LinuxYesYes
iOSYes—
AndroidYes—
Plans published11
Spec score · Minecraft Launchers8.6 (#12)8.4 (#20)
Automatic updatesYesYes
Free planYesYes
PurposeThe Launcher is a PC hub for accessing Minecraft games, downloading game versions, accessing multiplayer servers, managing profiles, and getting mod support.Portal Launcher is an open-source Minecraft launcher for sharing and automatically syncing modpacks with friends.
Separate instancesYesYes
SupportThe Launcher page links to Minecraft Help Center articles for installation, Quick Play, sign-in connection errors, and Launcher crashes.The project directs bug reports and suggestions to its GitHub issue tracker.

Plans

Minecraft Launcher

  • Minecraft LauncherFree

Minecraft Launcher pricing →

Portal Launcher

  • FreeFree

Portal Launcher pricing →

In their own words

Minecraft 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.

Visit minecraft.net

Portal Launcher

Portal Launcher has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.

Visit github.com