PolyMC vs Thendrask Launcher

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.

Thendrask Launcher is a free, open-source desktop launcher for Minecraft modpacks. Users can browse approved Modrinth and CurseForge catalogues or import MRPACK and CurseForge ZIP files. It supports separate instances and custom packs using Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, or Quilt, with dependencies installed automatically. Java runtimes are downloaded for each Minecraft release, and users can set custom Java paths. The launcher verifies required files, snapshots packs before updates, and rolls back failed updates automatically. It also supports portable backups, broken-file verification, and sanitized diagnostic bundles. Users can add friends by code to see who is online and what they are playing. Windows is available, while macOS and Linux are in public beta. The launcher is built with Electron and React and starts the official game without modifying Minecraft; it is not affiliated with Mojang or Microsoft. Modrinth and approved CurseForge are its only public provider modules. Download and use cost nothing under the MIT license; optional support tiers are $3 a month and 50.00 USD once for lifetime support.