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Head-to-head · Minecraft Launchers

Refract vs X Minecraft Launcher

  • 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
X Minecraft Launcher #5 in Minecraft Launchers 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit XMCL

Refract leads on 0 checks, X Minecraft Launcher 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

Refract scores higher on our rubric for minecraft launchers: 9.2 against 9.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #5.

Refract is the better fit for users migrating from other launchers. X Minecraft Launcher is the better fit for modpack users needing troubleshooting tools.

  • Refract fits best

    Users migrating from other launchers

  • X Minecraft Launcher fits best

    Modpack users needing troubleshooting tools

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Side by side

Feature Refract 9.2/10 Visit ↗ X Minecraft Launcher 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.2 9.0
Ranking #3 in Minecraft Launchers #5 in Minecraft Launchers
Best for Users migrating from other launchers Modpack users needing troubleshooting tools
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Integrations 3 integrations 10 integrations
Features Refract 4/4 · X Minecraft Launcher 4/4
Separate instances ✓ ✓
Java runtime management ✓ ✓
Built-in modpack catalog ✓ ✓
Automatic updates ✓ ✓
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 Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB modpacks in one catalog.
  • Manage compatible Java runtimes and six supported mod loaders.
  • Inspect dependencies, export modpacks, and troubleshoot with diagnostics.
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
  • AI-assisted troubleshooting may not suit users who prefer manual support.
  • Modpack exports are limited to Modrinth and CurseForge formats.
  • Automatic updates are documented for Windows APPX/AppInstaller packages.
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 →

X Minecraft Launcher is an open-source desktop launcher for Minecraft Java, with experimental Bedrock workflows also described. It is aimed at players who keep multiple versions or modded setups and want instance management, modpack…

Read the review →
  1. RefractMinecraft Launchers 9.2Free plan
  2. X Minecraft LauncherMinecraft Launchers 9.0Free plan

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

  • X Minecraft Launcher — where it wins

    • Browse Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB modpacks in one catalog.
    • Manage compatible Java runtimes and six supported mod loaders.
    • Inspect dependencies, export modpacks, and troubleshoot with diagnostics.

    Where it doesn't

    • AI-assisted troubleshooting may not suit users who prefer manual support.
    • Modpack exports are limited to Modrinth and CurseForge formats.
    • Automatic updates are documented for Windows APPX/AppInstaller packages.
  • Refract9.2/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit RefractFull verdict →
  • X Minecraft Launcher9.0/10 · Free plan

    A free, cross-platform launcher with strong modpack management and troubleshooting tools.

    Visit XMCLFull 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