PolyMC vs Refract

PolyMC is a free, open-source Minecraft launcher for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It manages multiple accounts, mods, and separate instances, with each instance keeping its own folder for mods, resource packs, settings, and other files. The launcher supports Forge, Fabric, LiteLoader, and Quilt, plus modpack installation from CurseForge, Technic, FTB, FTB Legacy, and Modrinth. Individual mods can be installed from CurseForge and Modrinth for the selected loader and game version. PolyMC also manages worlds, resource packs, shader packs, and Java runtimes, and provides logs plus a way to stop Minecraft after crashes or freezes. Users can customize the instance window and theme. The project says its Qt-based launcher remains light on system resources. PolyMC is licensed under GPL-3, while its logo and related assets use CC BY-SA 4.0. The current macOS build supports Apple Silicon; Intel users need the legacy universal build.

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.