Minecraft Launchers

Vanilla Launcher

This is the default launcher downloadable at Minecraft.net
The vanilla launcher is a first party application. It is free, but may not be compatible with all custom mods. With this launcher being created and maintained by Microsoft, it will be the most trusted and secure and up to date launcher available. Some third party launchers could introduce vulnerabilities that could compromise your account and or PC.

MultiMC

MultiMC is an alternative launcher for Minecraft downloadable at multimc.org
This launcher allows you to have multiple, neatly separated instances of Minecraft. Each instance is grouped with its own mods, resource packs, and saves.
Features include:

  • Manage multiple isolated instances of Minecraft, keeping them clean.
  • Drill into the details – see the logs, mods and everything else easily.
  • No surprises – MultiMC aims to stay predictable and do what you tell it to do.
  • Fine control over Java settings and runtimes. Each instance has settings overrides that you can enable on top of the global settings.
  • MultiMC game logs come with extra information that helps diagnose problems, and they are color coded.
  • Support for running old versions the way they were released, instead of relying on compatibility hacks.
  • Kill Minecraft easily if it crashes / freezes.
  • MultiMC is extremely lightweight, enabling it to run in the background and keeping an eye on the game even on ancient machines where every megabyte of memory matters.
  • Easy installation of common mod loaders – Forge, Fabric, Quilt and LiteLoader.
  • Minecraft world and resource/texture pack management.
  • Import and export of Minecraft instances to share them with anyone.
  • Import modpacks from various platforms – Modrinth, CurseForge and FTB (via import from FTB App), Technic, ATLauncher and FTB legacy. The more, the merrier.

Curseforge

Curseforge launcher is a multi program launcher that handles mods for more than just minecraft. Download the app at curseforge.com
It is very popular and supports mods for over 80 games. With this company size and popularity comes a higher level of both supported mods and account security. Curseforge is also one of the easiest launchers for creating your own modpacks. Downsides to such a large client is a higher resource usage on your PC’s resources along with possible bloatware and ads with the accompanied programs like Overwolf. Curseforge also does not support mods for Modrinth or Quilt.

GDLauncher

GDLauncher is a simple, yet powerful Minecraft custom launcher with a strong focus on the user experience downloadable from gdlauncher.com
Good overall option and can make downloading client side mods easy with a built-in compatibility checker and corrector. However, this does not support Modrinth and has some built in ads.

Prism Launcher

Prism Launcher is a very trim lightweight launcher downloadable at prismlauncher.org
Prism Launcher is a custom launcher for Minecraft that was forked from MultiMC. It allows the creation, and management of multiple installations of the game, or “instances” rather, each having their own separate mods, resource packs, settings, and more. While originally being forked over packaging/redistribution concerns, Prism Launcher brings new and exciting features developed by the community for the community. Furthermore, Prism Launcher is still just as true to its roots as ever in providing a project that vows to never bring hostility to those looking to fork, redistribute, or repackage, so long as the terms of our license are respected.
Features include:

  • Managing multiple, isolated instances of Minecraft.
  • Easy installation of mod loaders, such as Forge, Fabric, LiteLoader and Quilt.
  • Manage your worlds, resource packs, and shader packs in just a few clicks.
  • Install modpacks from many platforms such as CurseForge, Technic, FTB, FTB Legacy and Modrinth.
  • Install individual mods from CurseForge and Modrinth, automatically tailored to match your loader and game version.
  • Kill Minecraft easily in the event of a crash or freeze.
  • Access all your logs easily.
  • Built using Qt technologies, allowing the launcher to be both very performant and light on system resources.
  • And much, much more.

ATLauncher

ATLauncher is a simple and easy to use Minecraft Launcher which contains 155 modpacks for you to choose from, as well as the ability to browse and install packs from other platforms including CurseForge, Modrinth and Technic. Downloadable at atlauncher.com
The ATLauncher is very similar to Prism launcher, however ATLauncher has a much better automated installation process for installing mods and packs. This launcher also has built-in compatibility checking and will help prevent you from installing incompatible mods.