GDLauncher logo

GDLauncher vs Modrinth App

The Modrinth App is the official Modrinth launcher and a great choice if you only use Modrinth content. GDLauncher integrates with Modrinth too, and adds CurseForge, Cloud Instance Sharing, and server management. Here's the side-by-side.

Feature GDLauncher Modrinth App
CurseForge support Yes No
Modrinth support Yes Yes (native, it's their app)
Auto Java management Yes Yes
Auto mod updates Yes Yes (with prompt)
Auto modpack updates Yes Yes (with prompt)
Multi-instance Yes Yes
Cloud Instance Sharing Yes (one-click code, mixed CF + MR) No (manual export, Modrinth only)
Server management Yes (built-in) Yes (Modrinth Hosting)
Modern UI Yes Yes
Source on GitHub Yes Yes
Pays addon authors Yes Yes
Lightweight Medium Medium

The CurseForge gap

The biggest difference is straightforward: the Modrinth App can't install CurseForge content. For mods that are Modrinth-only, this doesn't matter. But CurseForge still hosts the larger modpack library and many older Forge mods exclusively. GDLauncher's browser shows both platforms in one search, so you can pick whichever has the version you need.

Both ecosystems are great

Modrinth has a smaller library but a faster, ad-free site and better APIs for modders. CurseForge has the deeper catalog and historical packs. Most popular mods are now on both. GDLauncher's strategy is to support both natively rather than force you to choose.

Server management

Modrinth's server management is the paid Modrinth Hosting integration: you provision a server through Modrinth and manage it from the app. GDLauncher's server management is local, create a Vanilla / Forge / Fabric / NeoForge / Quilt server on your own machine, watch the live console, and edit the same instance settings you use for singleplayer, no hosting bill required.

Cloud Instance Sharing

The other GDLauncher feature the Modrinth App doesn't replicate. Paste a code, get the exact setup with mixed CurseForge + Modrinth content in a single share.

The verdict

The Modrinth App is fantastic if you live entirely in the Modrinth ecosystem. But many of the most popular modpacks (RLCraft, ATM10, DawnCraft, the FTB lineup) are still CurseForge-only, and even cross-platform packs are usually CurseForge-first. GDLauncher gives you Modrinth plus CurseForge in one browser, plus Cloud Instance Sharing for friends, plus built-in server management. Pick GDLauncher if you want the broader ecosystem; pick Modrinth App if you want a focused, Modrinth-only experience.

Try GDLauncher See all comparisons