Modrinth vs Zephyr

Modrinth hosts user-created projects for Minecraft: Java Edition, including mods, plugins, data packs, shaders, resource packs, and modpacks. Search and filters help visitors find projects, including by game version. The open-source Modrinth App is a desktop launcher for installing, removing, and updating mods, and sharing modpacks. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, though it is currently in public beta and Linux versions may have issues on some systems and configurations. Modrinth’s open API supports launcher integrations including ATLauncher, MultiMC, and Prism Launcher. Creators can manage team roles and permissions, receive ad revenue, and review page-view, download, and revenue reports. 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 offer provides a 3 GB server for five days for US servers, with no credit card required. The platform has a free plan; Modrinth+ costs $4.99 a month, and customized hosting plans start at $5 a month.

Zephyr is a free desktop mod manager for browsing and installing mods, then switching between game mod profiles. It supports about 200 games out of the box and combines Thunderstore and CurseForge browsing in one search. Mods are deployed by copying them, and users can share a profile code or link so friends can reproduce a setup. Optional cloud sync requires signing in with Discord and enabling the feature. Zephyr also includes an Archipelago multiworld randomizer with Python bundled, a BepInEx configuration editor, and gamepad navigation throughout the interface. Customization includes seven themes, custom fonts and colors, and seven language options. The app is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is distributed under the GPL-3.0 license. The maker says that without sign-in, personal data stays on the device and mod metadata requests are anonymous. With cloud sync enabled, profile archives and metadata are stored with the maker's hosting provider in France. The Windows build is not code-signed and the macOS build is not notarized.