Spectra Launcher vs Thendrask 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.

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.