Side by side
Plain Craft Launcher 2 vs QuantumLauncher
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
Choose Plain Craft Launcher 2 if you want a free Minecraft: Java Edition launcher with mod search, modpack handling, and separate instances. Its main constraint is platform setup: native support is listed for Windows, while Linux and macOS use Wine.
Visit Plain Craft Launcher 2 Free plan LinuxMacWindows
QuantumLauncher brings instance management, mod discovery and older-version support together in a free launcher. macOS users should be prepared for a documented terminal workaround if the system blocks the app.
Visit QuantumLauncherThe facts
| Plain Craft Launcher 2 | QuantumLauncher | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Plain Craft Launcher 2 | Not published |
| Website | pcl2.cc | mrmayman.github.io |
| On minecraft launchers | #22 of 76 | #26 of 76 |
Plain Craft Launcher 2: what it does well
- Supports Minecraft 1.0 through the latest release.
- Installs Forge, Fabric, and OptiFine.
- Searches CurseForge and Modrinth with drag-and-drop mod installation.
- Imports and exports modpacks and handles dependencies.
- MIT licensed, with no ads, in-app purchases, or bundled software.
What to know first
- Native support is listed for Windows; Linux and macOS use Wine.
- Windows requires .NET Framework 4.5 or later.
- The listed portable download is a Windows 64-bit build.
QuantumLauncher: what it does well
- Available for Linux, macOS and Windows.
- Keeps game versions in separate instances.
- Store connects to CurseForge and Modrinth.
- Includes Java runtime management and automatic updates.
- Supports older versions through Omniarchive.
What to know first
- Offline mode is at the user's own risk.
- macOS may block the app; a terminal workaround is documented.
- Some assets have additional licensing.
Alternatives to Plain Craft Launcher 2 Alternatives to QuantumLauncher The whole list