Refract
Refract: A broad, free launcher for players moving libraries and modpacks from other launchers. Ranked #3 of 75 in Minecraft Launchers by our editors (9.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for users migrating from other launchers.
At a glance
- Editor score9.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forUsers migrating from other launchers
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on Refract
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 migrating from other launchers because it can import libraries from Prism Launcher, MultiMC, Modrinth, ATLauncher, CurseForge, and GDLauncher. Support for Windows, macOS, and Linux gives it coverage across the main desktop operating systems.
Its ecosystem fit is a central strength. Refract can install modpacks from Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB, while also supporting mods, shaders, resource packs, and datapacks. Profiles can use Vanilla, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, or Quilt, and the launcher can detect and download required Java runtimes. Automatic updates and crash-report copying add maintenance support, while per-instance settings and files help keep different configurations separate. This combination makes Refract suitable for players who move between modded setups rather than maintaining one simple installation.
The product also reaches beyond launching: users can manage worlds, backups, servers, screenshots, logs, memory limits, launch behavior, themes, and layouts in one application. That breadth is useful for experienced players and households managing multiple configurations, but may feel excessive for anyone who only needs a basic Vanilla launcher. Refract is distributed as free software under the GNU GPL v3.0 license, which fits users who value open-source software. Choose it for migration flexibility, multiple loader options, and instance management; choose another launcher if you need mobile or console support, or prefer a narrower desktop tool.
Your product? Our editors can test Refract in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Refract pricing
Refract fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Desktop OS support | Not verified |
| Separate instances | Yes |
| Modpack import | Both |
| Mod loader support | Multiple |
| Java runtime management | Yes |
| Built-in modpack catalog | Yes |
| Automatic updates | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs, Tickets |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Modrinth, CurseForge, FTB |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | refractmc.net |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Refract integrations
Refract lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Modrinth
- CurseForge
- FTB
Alternatives to Refract
- Prism LauncherA free, open-source launcher for organizing isolated Minecraft instances and modpacks.9.4
- Spectra LauncherA free, open-source launcher with strong instance, mod, and modpack workflows.9.1
- X Minecraft LauncherA free, cross-platform launcher with strong modpack management and troubleshooting tools.9.0
See all Refract alternatives →
Refract vs the competition
- Refract vs Godlike.Host
- Refract vs Prism Launcher
- Refract vs Spectra Launcher
- Refract vs X Minecraft Launcher
- Refract vs Histolauncher
- Refract vs GDLauncher
Compare Refract with any tool side by side →
Used Refract? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Refract for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Refract is listed in our Minecraft Launchers directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/refract/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/refract.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Last updated · How we research and update