Overview

Modrinth brings together a catalogue for Minecraft: Java Edition projects, a desktop launcher, creator tools and server hosting. It is most compelling as a free place to find and publish community-made content; its launcher is still in public beta, and hosting requires a separate budget.

Key features

Finding compatible projects

Search and filters, including game-version filters, help players narrow a large field of mods, plugins, data packs, shaders, resource packs and modpacks. Dependency information can help avoid missing prerequisites, while collections and download tracking support ongoing discovery. Support for Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt suits players using those loader families, but Modrinth’s focus is specifically Minecraft: Java Edition.

Launcher and integrations

The open-source Modrinth App installs, removes and updates mods, and supports sharing modpacks. That covers the recurring work of maintaining a modded setup, though a public beta is a meaningful caveat for players who want a settled launcher. The app runs on Windows, macOS and Linux; Linux builds may have issues on some systems and configurations. Modrinth’s open-source API also enables integrations with ATLauncher, MultiMC and Prism Launcher, useful for players who prefer those launchers.

Creator and developer tools

Creators can manage team roles and permissions, receive ad revenue, and review page-view, download and revenue reports. Minotaur, a Gradle plugin, automates publishing artifacts to Modrinth, which makes the platform more useful to developers who already build with Gradle.

Server hosting

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 US server offer provides 3 GB for five days without a credit card, a practical short trial rather than a lasting free hosting tier.

Pricing

The core platform is free for hosting user-created Minecraft: Java Edition projects. Modrinth+ costs 4.99 USD per month, billed $4.99/mo; annual billing saves 16%. It adds ad-free browsing, creator support and a profile badge, so it suits regular users who want to support creators, but it does not add launcher or hosting capacity.

Hosting has a customized plan starting at $5 / month for customized server specifications. Fixed plans are billed quarterly: Small costs $10 / month for 4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage and 2 shared CPUs (bursts up to 4); Medium costs $15 / month for 6 GB RAM, 48 GB storage and 3 shared CPUs (bursts up to 6); Large costs $20 / month for 8 GB RAM, 64 GB storage and 4 shared CPUs (bursts up to 8). All three fixed plans are out of stock, so they are not a dependable choice for someone who needs one of those configurations now.

Platforms

The project platform is available on the web, and the app runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. The API supports integrations, while the Linux app’s potential system-specific issues make it a less certain fit for Linux users than the web catalogue. The app’s public-beta status applies across Windows, macOS and Linux.

Who it's for

Modrinth is a strong fit for Minecraft Java players who want version-aware project discovery and a free catalogue, as well as creators seeking publishing, team and audience tools. It is less suitable for players seeking mods beyond Minecraft Java or anyone who needs a fully mature desktop launcher. Server owners should weigh the hosting specification and quarterly billing against their requirements, and note that the listed fixed plans are out of stock.

Pros and cons

Pros: Free project hosting and game-version filters make it useful for discovery without a subscription.
Pros: The open-source app handles installing, uninstalling and updating mods, with modpack sharing and integrations for other launchers.
Pros: Creator role controls, revenue reporting and Gradle publishing tools support both teams and developers.
Cons: The app is in public beta, and Linux versions may have issues on some configurations.
Cons: Fixed hosting plans are out of stock, and the free hosting offer lasts only five days and is limited to US servers.
Cons: Modrinth’s project catalogue targets Minecraft: Java Edition rather than mods for games generally.

Alternatives

Choose CurseForge if its web catalogue of free Minecraft mods and modpacks is a better fit; its free plan includes web catalog access. Choose Vortex if you want a free, open-source Windows mod manager. Mod Organizer 2 is another free, open-source option for Windows 10 1809+ or Windows 11, but not Windows Store or Game Pass versions. Corkscrew is a free, open-source option for Linux and macOS. Modrix is a free option for Windows, Linux and macOS. Limo is a free, open-source Linux option. HumanitZ Mod Manager is a free portable desktop app for managing HumanitZ mods on Linux and Windows. G3M is a free option for Windows, macOS and Linux.

For broader comparisons, browse Game Mod Managers, Minecraft Mod Browsers or Minecraft Launchers.

Verdict

Choose Modrinth if Minecraft Java project discovery and creator publishing matter more than a polished, all-purpose mod manager: its free catalogue, compatibility filters and creator tools make a coherent home for that work. Look elsewhere if you need a mature launcher immediately, a general game-mod platform, or fixed hosting capacity that is actually in stock.

	Modrinth	Needle
Free plan	Yes	No
Free trial	Yes	No
Paid from	$4.99/mo	—
Open source	No	No
Platforms	api, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows	Linux
Free plan	Yes	—
Paid from	$4.99/mo	—

Modrinth vs Needle

Modrinth

Needle