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Head-to-head · Minecraft Launchers

X Minecraft Launcher vs Thendrask Launcher

  • Updated Sep 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score X Minecraft Launcher #4 in Minecraft Launchers 7.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit XMCL
Thendrask Launcher #5 in Minecraft Launchers 7.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Thendrask

X Minecraft Launcher leads on 0 checks, Thendrask 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 scoreX Minecraft Launcher · 7.4/10
  • Free planboth

X Minecraft Launcher scores higher on our rubric for minecraft launchers: 7.4 against 7.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #5.

X Minecraft Launcher is the better fit for modpack users needing troubleshooting tools. Thendrask Launcher is the better fit for pack building and rollback workflows.

  • X Minecraft Launcher fits best

    Modpack users needing troubleshooting tools

  • Thendrask Launcher fits best

    Pack building and rollback workflows

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature X Minecraft Launcher 7.4/10 Visit ↗ Thendrask Launcher 7.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 7.4 7.2
Ranking #4 in Minecraft Launchers #5 in Minecraft Launchers
Best for Modpack users needing troubleshooting tools 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 10 integrations 5 integrations
Features X Minecraft Launcher 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
  • 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.
  • Imports MRPACK and CurseForge ZIP archives into isolated instances
  • Resolves dependencies when building custom modpacks
  • Includes snapshots, backups, repair, and rollback tools
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.
  • 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

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 →

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 →
  1. X Minecraft LauncherMinecraft Launchers 7.4Free plan
  2. Thendrask LauncherMinecraft Launchers 7.2Free plan

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.

  • 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
  • X Minecraft Launcher7.4/10 · Free plan

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

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

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

    Visit ThendraskFull verdict →

More comparisons

All minecraft launchers comparisons → · Full ranking →

Guides on minecraft launchers

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026

Last updated · How we research and update