Refract vs Thendrask Launcher

Refract8.2Visit Thendrask Launcher7.2Visit

Higher score Refract #2 in Minecraft Launchers 8.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Refract

vs

Thendrask Launcher #5 in Minecraft Launchers 7.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Thendrask

• Refract fits best

  Users migrating from other launchers

• Thendrask Launcher fits best

  Pack building and rollback workflows

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Side by side

Feature	Refract 8.2/10 Visit ↗	Thendrask Launcher 7.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.2	7.2
Ranking	#2 in Minecraft Launchers	#5 in Minecraft Launchers
Best for	Users migrating from other launchers	Pack building and rollback workflows
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Not published	Not published
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	Windows, macOS, Linux
Integrations	3 integrations	5 integrations
Features Refract 4/4 · Thendrask Launcher 4/4
Separate instances	✓	✓
Java runtime management	✓	✓
Built-in modpack catalog	✓	✓
Automatic updates	✓	✓
Specs
Desktop OS support	Not published	Not published
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	Imports MRPACK and CurseForge ZIP archives into isolated instances Resolves dependencies when building custom modpacks Includes snapshots, backups, repair, and rollback tools
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	macOS and Linux builds are public betas CurseForge access is limited to approved packs Focused on Minecraft: Java Edition rather than broader game libraries
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 →	Thendrask Launcher is a free, open-source desktop launcher for Minecraft: Java Edition, aimed at players who assemble modded setups or want separate folders for different instances. It connects to Modrinth and approved CurseForge packs,… Read the review →

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

• Thendrask Launcher — where it wins

  • Imports MRPACK and CurseForge ZIP archives into isolated instances
  • Resolves dependencies when building custom modpacks
  • Includes snapshots, backups, repair, and rollback tools

  Where it doesn't

  • macOS and Linux builds are public betas
  • CurseForge access is limited to approved packs
  • Focused on Minecraft: Java Edition rather than broader game libraries

• Refract8.2/10 · Free plan

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

  Visit RefractFull verdict →
• Thendrask Launcher7.2/10 · Free plan

  A free Java Edition launcher built around modpack setup, isolated instances, and rollback.

  Visit ThendraskFull verdict →