Refract vs Vermeil
Refract
refractmc.netVermeil
vermeillauncher.appSide by side
| Figure | Refract | Vermeil |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Minecraft Launchers | 8.9 (#5) | 8.1 (#28) |
| Automatic updates | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in modpack catalog | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Java runtime management | Yes | Yes |
| Mod Discovery | Users can browse compatible content inside the launcher. | It searches Modrinth and CurseForge for mods, resource packs, shaders, and datapacks, with one-click dependency resolution. |
| Mod loader support | multiple | multiple |
| Modpack import | both | both |
| Separate instances | Yes | Yes |
Plans
In their own words
Refract
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.
Vermeil
Vermeil has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.