Suggestions appear as you type. Use the up and down arrows to choose one and Enter to open it.

This page's audience our own tag's counts — open to see them
–Visits
–Page views
–Clicks to vendors
–Time on page
–Reading now
Clicks to vendors, by tool
  • –
Top countries
  • –
Devices
  • –

– · visits, page views and clicks counted by our own tag, which counts more than our checked analytics; every figure rounded down · how we count

Head-to-head · Minecraft Launchers

Refract vs ATLauncher

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Refract #3 in Minecraft Launchers 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Refract
ATLauncher #9 in Minecraft Launchers 8.6/10 Free · open source (GPL-3.0) Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit ATLauncher

Refract leads on 0 checks, ATLauncher on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreRefract · 9.2/10
  • Free planboth
  • Most featuresRefract · 4 of 4

Refract scores higher on our rubric for minecraft launchers: 9.2 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #9.

Refract is the better fit for users migrating from other launchers. ATLauncher is the better fit for modpack and server management.

  • Refract fits best

    Users migrating from other launchers

  • ATLauncher fits best

    Modpack and server management

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Refract 9.2/10 Visit ↗ ATLauncher 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 8.6
Ranking #3 in Minecraft Launchers #9 in Minecraft Launchers
Best for Users migrating from other launchers Modpack and server management
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free · open source (GPL-3.0)
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Integrations 3 integrations 5 integrations
Features Refract 4/4 · ATLauncher 3/4
Separate instances ✓ ✓
Java runtime management ✓ ✓
Built-in modpack catalog ✓ ✓
Automatic updates ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Desktop OS support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Modpack import Both Both
Mod loader support Multiple Multiple
Our review
Pros
  • Imports libraries from six established Minecraft launchers
  • Supports Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB content sources
  • Manages instances, Java runtimes, worlds, backups, and servers
  • Browse packs from ATLauncher, CurseForge, Modrinth, Technic, and FTB.
  • Keep separate instances and import them from files or URLs.
  • Manage Java and mod loaders, back up saves, and run supported modpack servers.
Cons
  • Desktop-only support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Its broad feature set may be more than casual players need
  • GPL v3.0 licensing may not suit proprietary software preferences
  • Server creation and running are limited to supported modpacks.
  • Its documented content tools focus on modded packs and related game content.
  • Its launcher features center on Minecraft instances rather than general game management.
Our verdict

Refract is an open-source Minecraft launcher for desktop players who want separate, isolated instances alongside tools for mods, modpacks, worlds, servers, screenshots, logs, and Java runtimes. It is especially well suited to users…

Read the review →

ATLauncher is an open-source Minecraft launcher for players who install modpacks and maintain different Minecraft configurations. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and its free distribution makes it relevant to players looking for a…

Read the review →
  1. RefractMinecraft Launchers 9.2Free plan
  2. ATLauncherMinecraft Launchers 8.6Free · open source (GPL-3.0)

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Refract — where it wins

    • Imports libraries from six established Minecraft launchers
    • Supports Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB content sources
    • Manages instances, Java runtimes, worlds, backups, and servers

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop-only support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Its broad feature set may be more than casual players need
    • GPL v3.0 licensing may not suit proprietary software preferences

  • ATLauncher — where it wins

    • Browse packs from ATLauncher, CurseForge, Modrinth, Technic, and FTB.
    • Keep separate instances and import them from files or URLs.
    • Manage Java and mod loaders, back up saves, and run supported modpack servers.

    Where it doesn't

    • Server creation and running are limited to supported modpacks.
    • Its documented content tools focus on modded packs and related game content.
    • Its launcher features center on Minecraft instances rather than general game management.
  • Refract9.2/10 · Free plan

    A broad, free launcher for players moving libraries and modpacks from other launchers.

    Visit RefractFull verdict →
  • ATLauncher8.6/10 · Free · open source (GPL-3.0)

    A free, cross-platform launcher for managing modpacks, separate instances, and modded content.

    Visit ATLauncherFull verdict →

More comparisons

All minecraft launchers comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update