Minecraft Launcher vs X 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.

X Minecraft Launcher (XMCL) is a free, open-source launcher for managing Minecraft game resources and separate game instances. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Users can manage modpacks, resource packs, mods, shader packs, and other resources, with instances covering Forge, Fabric, Quilt, NeoForge, OptiFine, and LabyMod; Bedrock support is experimental. Its marketplace gathers modpacks and projects from Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB. The launcher can import modpacks, manage Java runtimes, and update automatically. Mod tools include dependency inspection and custom groups. Account options include Microsoft, offline, Ely.by, and LittleSkin authentication. World tools let users preview saves, select, copy, or delete chunks, and view structures in 3D. Users can export modpacks and local server files from the launcher. Telemetry is off by default and is processed only if enabled in settings. XMCL says it does not handle Microsoft account passwords, credentials, or session tokens. It is an independent project and is not an official Minecraft product or associated with Mojang or Microsoft.