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

X Minecraft Launcher vs GDLauncher

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score X Minecraft Launcher #5 in Minecraft Launchers 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit XMCL
GDLauncher #7 in Minecraft Launchers 8.8/10 Free · no premium tier Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit GDLauncher

X Minecraft Launcher leads on 0 checks, GDLauncher 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 scoreX Minecraft Launcher · 9.0/10
  • Free planboth

X Minecraft Launcher scores higher on our rubric for minecraft launchers: 9.0 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #7.

X Minecraft Launcher is the better fit for modpack users needing troubleshooting tools. GDLauncher is the better fit for players managing multiple modded Minecraft setups.

  • X Minecraft Launcher fits best

    Modpack users needing troubleshooting tools

  • GDLauncher fits best

    Players managing multiple modded Minecraft setups

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 X Minecraft Launcher 9.0/10 Visit ↗ GDLauncher 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.8
Ranking #5 in Minecraft Launchers #7 in Minecraft Launchers
Best for Modpack users needing troubleshooting tools Players managing multiple modded Minecraft setups
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free · no premium tier
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Integrations 10 integrations 2 integrations
Features X Minecraft Launcher 4/4 · GDLauncher 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
  • 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.
  • Keeps mods and resource packs separate across isolated instances.
  • Supports CurseForge and Modrinth mod and modpack catalogs.
  • Manages Java runtimes and supports Forge, Fabric, Quilt, and NeoForge.
Cons
  • 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.
  • Its focus is Minecraft rather than a range of games.
  • Mod discovery is centered on CurseForge and Modrinth.
  • Server management and instance sharing are tied to the launcher.
Our verdict

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 →

GDLauncher is a free Minecraft launcher from GorillaDevs Inc. for players who manage modded game setups, especially those who want separate configurations for different versions or modpacks. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Each…

Read the review →
  1. X Minecraft LauncherMinecraft Launchers 9.0Free plan
  2. GDLauncherMinecraft Launchers 8.8Free · no premium tier

Strengths and trade-offs

  • 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.

  • GDLauncher — where it wins

    • Keeps mods and resource packs separate across isolated instances.
    • Supports CurseForge and Modrinth mod and modpack catalogs.
    • Manages Java runtimes and supports Forge, Fabric, Quilt, and NeoForge.

    Where it doesn't

    • Its focus is Minecraft rather than a range of games.
    • Mod discovery is centered on CurseForge and Modrinth.
    • Server management and instance sharing are tied to the launcher.
  • X Minecraft Launcher9.0/10 · Free plan

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

    Visit XMCLFull verdict →
  • GDLauncher8.8/10 · Free · no premium tier

    A free launcher for keeping modded Minecraft instances, loaders, and modpacks organized.

    Visit GDLauncherFull verdict →

More options

More comparisons

All minecraft launchers comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update