Side by side
NeoForge vs Vineflower
Both stand on minecraft mod development tools. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxMac+2
NeoForge provides a free Java modding stack with generators, templates, documentation, and server support. Check Minecraft version guidance and Java requirements before installing.
Visit NeoForge Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
Choose Vineflower if you want a free Java decompiler with command-line, library and IntelliJ integration. Keep its work-in-progress status and experimental Kotlin and plugin features in mind if those capabilities are important to your use.
Visit VineflowerThe facts
| NeoForge | Vineflower | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | neoforged.net | vineflower.org |
| On minecraft mod development tools | #16 of 35 | #20 of 35 |
NeoForge: what it does well
- Free Minecraft Java mod loader and API
- Starter projects available through the Mod Generator
- Documentation covers APIs, installation, and modpacks
- Gradle tools support flexible project versions
- Dedicated server support spans Windows and Unix-like systems
What to know first
- Mod Generator is described as early-stage
- Java must be installed separately
- Required Java version depends on Minecraft
- Guide recommends Forge for Minecraft 1.20.1
Vineflower: what it does well
- Supports modern Java, including J21 and later.
- Offers command-line, Maven, Gradle and IntelliJ use.
- Can save output to an archive or folder, or print it.
- Includes automatic reformatting and multithreaded decompilation.
- Free and open source under Apache-2.0.
What to know first
- Running it requires a Java 17 or newer JVM.
- The Kotlin decompiler is experimental.
- The plugin API is still in development.
- The slim artifact omits built-in plugins.
Alternatives to NeoForge Alternatives to Vineflower The whole list