Side by side

PolyMC vs Shard 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.

PolyMC

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose PolyMC if you want a free launcher for managing separate Minecraft setups and modpacks from several catalogs. Look elsewhere if you need the launcher to choose the right Java version automatically or use the current macOS build on an Intel Mac.

Visit PolyMC

Shard Launcher

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

Shard brings profile management, mod installs, and deduplicated content storage together in a free, open-source launcher. Check the Java and Microsoft account requirements before setting it up.

Visit Shard Launcher

The facts

	PolyMC	Shard Launcher
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Not published	Not published
Runs on	Linux, Mac, Windows	Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Free or on request
Plans published	1	1
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	polymc.org	shard.thomas.md
On minecraft launchers	#13 of 76	#17 of 76

PolyMC: what it does well

Keeps each instance's mods, settings, and files in its own folder.
Supports Forge, Fabric, LiteLoader, and Quilt.
Catalogs modpacks from CurseForge, Technic, FTB, FTB Legacy, and Modrinth.
Installs individual mods from CurseForge and Modrinth.
Manages worlds, resource packs, and shader packs.

What to know first

Java version selection for each instance is manual.
The current macOS build supports Apple Silicon; Intel users need the legacy universal build.

Shard Launcher: what it does well

Profiles can be versioned and shared.
Shared mod content is stored once.
Supports four Minecraft loaders.
CLI and desktop app share a data directory.
No telemetry, according to the maker.

What to know first

Minecraft play requires Java 17 or later.
Minecraft authentication requires a Microsoft account.
Account tokens are stored locally in ~/.shard/.

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