Shard Launcher vs Spectra Launcher
Shard Launcher
shard.thomas.mdSpectra Launcher
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Shard Launcher | Spectra Launcher |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Minecraft Launchers | 8.7 (#9) | 8.6 (#10) |
| Downloads | The download guide lists desktop app installers for macOS, Windows, and Linux, plus CLI downloads for macOS, Windows, and Linux. | The latest release lists Windows x64, macOS Apple Silicon and Intel, and Linux x64 AppImage and deb downloads. |
| Mod loader support | multiple | multiple |
| Modpack import | file | both |
| Privacy | The maker says Shard has no telemetry and does not require a launcher account. | The maker says Microsoft/Xbox passwords are not seen by Spectra, and accounts, settings, and instances are stored on the user's computer. |
| Purpose | Shard is a content-addressed Minecraft launcher focused on reproducibility and reducing duplicate files. | Spectra Launcher is a free desktop program for starting Minecraft and managing multiple installations. |
| Separate instances | Yes | Yes |
| Support | The FAQ directs users with unanswered questions to open an issue on GitHub. | The README directs users to the Help and troubleshooting section and says crash reports can be shared with one click for help. |
Plans
In their own words
Shard Launcher
Shard Launcher has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Spectra Launcher
Spectra Launcher is a free desktop launcher for starting Minecraft and keeping multiple installations separate. Each instance has its own Minecraft version, mods and worlds, and supports Vanilla, Fabric, Quilt, Forge and NeoForge. The launcher can browse and install mods, shaders, resource packs and modpacks from Modrinth and CurseForge, including their required dependencies. Players can sign in with Microsoft/Xbox or offline accounts; Spectra finds and installs the required Java version automatically. It also imports instances from Prism, CurseForge and the Modrinth app, and exports them as .mrpack or .zip files. Shared views collect worlds and screenshots, alongside 3D skin previews, saved skins and cape switching. Other tools include Quick Play for Minecraft 1.20+, server status with player counts and ping, live logs, crash-report sharing, optional Discord status and playtime tracking. Downloads are listed for Windows, macOS and Linux. Spectra says accounts, settings and instances stay on the user's computer, and Microsoft/Xbox passwords are not seen by the launcher.