Overview

Modrinth hosts community-made mods, plugins, data packs, shaders, resource packs and modpacks. Search and filters help players find projects, while game-version filters, dependency information, download tracking and collections make it more useful than a bare download directory. Its focus is specifically Minecraft: Java Edition, so it is not a general-purpose mod library.

The service also includes creator tools, an open-source API, a desktop launcher and Minecraft server hosting. These parts make Modrinth a broader ecosystem than a catalogue alone, though each serves a different audience and the hosting service is a separate paid product.

Key features

Discovery and mod management

Support for Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt gives players several major loader options, and game-version filters help narrow results to relevant releases. Dependency information can clarify what a project needs; collections and download tracking help users organize and follow projects. This is a useful combination for players maintaining a modded setup, while the Java Edition focus excludes other Minecraft editions.

Launcher and integrations

The open-source Modrinth App installs, removes and updates mods, and supports modpack sharing. That makes it a practical companion to the catalogue for players who want to manage mods from a desktop launcher. It is in public beta, however, so users who need a settled launcher may prefer an alternative. The app runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, although Linux versions may have issues on some systems and configurations.

Modrinth's open-source API enables integrations with ATLauncher, MultiMC and Prism Launcher. Players who already use one of those launchers can access Modrinth projects through an integrated workflow instead of relying on the Modrinth App.

Creator and hosting tools

Creators can manage team roles and permissions, receive ad revenue, and review page-view, download and revenue reports. Minotaur, a Gradle plugin, automates publishing artifacts to Modrinth, which is particularly relevant to developers incorporating releases into a build workflow.

Hosting supports Minecraft Java versions back to 1.2.5 and loaders including Fabric, Quilt, Forge, NeoForge, Paper and Purpur, subject to version support. A free 3 GB server is offered for five days without a credit card, but only for US servers. That trial is a low-commitment way to assess hosting; it is not a long-term free server.

Pricing

The core platform is free and hosts user-created Minecraft: Java Edition projects. Modrinth+ costs 4.99 USD per month, billed $4.99/mo; annual billing saves 16%. It adds ad-free browsing, creator support and a profile badge, so it suits people who want those extras rather than players who only need the free catalogue.

Hosting has separate plans. Customized server specifications start at $5 / month. The Small plan is $10 / month, billed quarterly, for 4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage and 2 shared CPUs (bursts up to 4); Medium is $15 / month, billed quarterly, for 6 GB RAM, 48 GB storage and 3 shared CPUs (bursts up to 6); Large is $20 / month, billed quarterly, for 8 GB RAM, 64 GB storage and 4 shared CPUs (bursts up to 8). Small, Medium and Large are out of stock, so readers should not treat their specifications as a presently selectable purchase. Custom pricing is the option for buyers seeking tailored server specifications.

Platforms

The platform lists web, Windows, macOS, Linux and API access. The desktop app is available on Windows, macOS and Linux, with the Linux caveat noted above; the API supports launcher integrations. Modrinth says data is stored in the EEA, encrypted in storage and transit, and that it does not sell collected data. Vulnerabilities should be reported to support@modrinth.com rather than opened as GitHub issues. Support requests go through the Help Center, with support@modrinth.com also offered for technical support and feedback.

Who it's for

Modrinth is a strong fit for Java Edition players who want version-aware project discovery, loader options and a way to manage mods or share modpacks. It also suits creators who need team permissions, performance and revenue reporting, or automated artifact publishing. Players seeking a long-established desktop workflow should weigh the beta status, and anyone shopping for a server should consider the separate hosting costs and current stock limits.

Pros and cons

Pros: Free project hosting and focused discovery with game-version filters, dependency information and collections make finding compatible content more deliberate.
Pros: Creator reporting, team controls and the Minotaur publishing plugin serve both collaborative teams and build-based release workflows.
Pros: The open-source API supports integration with ATLauncher, MultiMC and Prism Launcher, giving users alternatives to the desktop app.
Cons: The Modrinth App is in public beta, and some Linux systems or configurations may have issues.
Cons: The listed Small, Medium and Large hosting plans are out of stock, and the free server offer lasts only five days and is limited to US servers.
Cons: Modrinth is built around Minecraft: Java Edition projects rather than mods for games generally.

Alternatives

CurseForge is worth considering for readers who want a free Minecraft mod and modpack web catalogue; its Premium Monthly plan adds an ad-free experience and instant downloads. For a dedicated directory of options, browse Minecraft Mod Browsers, Game Mod Managers or Minecraft Launchers.

FreeMinecraftMods is another free web option, with a public workflow that has no build cap and does not require a plan for generation or export; saving and publishing require sign-in. GameBanana is a free web alternative. MC百科 is a free web alternative. ModDex is a free API and web option, with an account required for ratings, reviews, votes, library management, stacks, follows and notifications. Agora Minecraft Mod Launcher is a free launcher for Windows, macOS and Linux. Minecraft Inside is a free web alternative. MineSpecs is a free browser-based option with no account or sign-in required, no ads, and tools and downloads.

Verdict

Choose Modrinth if you want a focused, free Java Edition project catalogue backed by useful compatibility filters, creator tools and launcher integrations. Its clearest advantage is bringing discovery and publishing into one ecosystem. Look elsewhere if you require a mature desktop launcher today or need server capacity from one of the currently out-of-stock fixed plans.

	Modrinth	ZModManager
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	Yes	No
Paid from	$4.99/mo	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	api, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows	Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Paid from	$4.99/mo	—
Mod profiles	—	Yes
Conflict detection	—	Yes
Mod source access	—	manual import
Supported platforms	—	windows
Deployment method	—	copy

Modrinth vs ZModManager

Modrinth

ZModManager