MultiMC vs Refract

MultiMC is an alternative launcher for Minecraft that keeps multiple game instances separate. Each instance can have its own mods, resource packs, and saves, and users can import or export instances for sharing. It imports modpacks from Modrinth, CurseForge, FTB, Technic, ATLauncher, and FTB legacy, and includes a built-in modpack catalog. MultiMC also manages worlds and resource or texture packs, with controls for Java settings and runtimes. Color-coded logs provide extra diagnostic information, and users can stop Minecraft if it crashes or freezes. Automatic updates are supported. Downloads are available for Windows, macOS 10.13 or newer, and Linux distributions; Linux installations require Qt5 and may need distribution-specific packages. Designed to run in the background, including on older machines, MultiMC is free to use. A listed Patreon support option is priced on request; supporters get an app credit mention and a Discord role.

Refract is a free launcher for organizing Minecraft modpacks on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports modpacks from Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB, with a built-in catalog for finding compatible content. Multiple mod loaders are supported, and modpack import is available through both listed methods. Each pack runs in a separate instance, with its mods, resource packs, worlds, settings, and launch options kept apart. The launcher can install dependencies, update individual mods in place, manage Java runtimes, and apply automatic updates; worlds are preserved during updates. Existing libraries can be imported without mixing files or damaging saves. Users can choose themes, accent colors, sidebar layouts, Java versions, memory limits, and launch behavior. Refract is licensed under GNU GPL v3.0, and its application and website are developed in public. The project uses Tauri and Rust for its native shell. Discord supports player help and project discussions, while GitHub is used for bug reports, change proposals, and code contributions.