Side by side
Cactus MC Launcher vs X Minecraft Launcher
Both stand on minecraft launchers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Cactus MC Launcher combines instance organization, mod management, and server controls in a free desktop app. It is a third-party project, not an official Minecraft product.
Visit Cactus MC Launcher
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
XMCL offers instance, modpack, Java, and world-management tools in one launcher for supported desktop systems. Its project status and experimental Bedrock support are worth noting.
Visit X Minecraft LauncherThe facts
| Cactus MC Launcher | X Minecraft Launcher | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com | xmcl.app |
| On minecraft launchers | #11 of 76 | #7 of 76 |
Cactus MC Launcher: what it does well
- Free, open-source, and contains no ads.
- Supports Modrinth and CurseForge content.
- Includes server console and world management.
- Does not track users.
What to know first
- Desktop support is limited to Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- It is not an official Minecraft product.
X Minecraft Launcher: what it does well
- Free and open source.
- Manages separate instances across multiple mod loaders.
- Imports modpacks and includes a marketplace.
- Java runtime management and automatic updates are included.
- Telemetry is disabled by default.
What to know first
- Bedrock support is experimental.
- Available packages are for desktop platforms only.
- Not an official Minecraft product or affiliated with Mojang or Microsoft.
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