Overview

Modrinth is a Minecraft: Java Edition platform for discovering and publishing community projects, with a desktop launcher and optional server hosting. It is a strong fit for players and creators focused on that ecosystem; the free project catalogue is the clearest reason to choose it, while the launcher’s public beta and hosting’s separate cost call for a little caution.

Key features

Project discovery and compatibility

Search and filters, including game-version filters, help players narrow a large project catalogue to compatible options. Modrinth supports Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt, and project pages include dependency information. Download tracking and collections add useful ways to follow projects and group them, though the service is specifically for Minecraft: Java Edition rather than game mods in general.

Launcher and integrations

The open-source Modrinth App can install, uninstall and update mods, as well as share modpacks. That makes it useful for players who want routine mod management alongside discovery, but it remains in public beta across Windows, macOS and Linux. Linux builds may have problems on some systems and configurations, so Linux users should be prepared to use another route if the app does not suit their setup.

Modrinth’s open-source API supports integrations with ATLauncher, MultiMC and Prism Launcher. This gives players who already use one of those launchers a way to work with Modrinth projects without making the Modrinth App their primary launcher. Creators can manage team roles and permissions, receive ad revenue, and review page-view, download and revenue reports. Developers can use Minotaur, a Gradle plugin that automates publishing artifacts to Modrinth.

Server hosting

Modrinth 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 offer provides a 3 GB server for five days in the US without requiring a credit card, which is a low-commitment way to try hosting, but it is not a long-term free server plan.

Pricing

The project platform is free: creators can host Minecraft: Java Edition projects without a subscription. Modrinth+ costs 4.99 USD per month, billed at $4.99/mo; annual billing saves 16%. It adds ad-free browsing, creator support and a profile badge, so it is an optional upgrade for regular users who want those benefits rather than a requirement for using the catalogue.

Hosting is priced separately. The customized plan starts at $5 / month and offers customized server specifications, making it the flexible listed option for buyers who do not want a fixed configuration. Hosting Small costs $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). The fixed tiers are marked out of stock, so they are not a dependable choice for someone who needs to provision one now.

Platforms

The website is available on the web, and Modrinth also provides an API. The desktop app supports Windows, macOS and Linux, with the beta and Linux caveats applying to those app builds. Modrinth’s hosting and project catalogue are centered on Minecraft: Java Edition.

Who it's for

Modrinth suits Minecraft Java players who want version-aware project discovery, mod management and a path to share modpacks, as well as creators who need project publishing, team controls and performance reporting. It is less suitable as a broad mod directory or as a no-cost permanent server host; players seeking a stable Linux launcher may also want to keep an alternative in mind.

Pros and cons

Pro: Free project hosting, game-version filters and dependency information make it practical to find and assess compatible Minecraft Java projects.
Pro: The open-source API, launcher and publishing plugin give players and creators several ways to fit Modrinth into their workflows.
Pro: A five-day, 3 GB US server offer requires no credit card, so users can try hosting with little initial commitment.
Con: The desktop app is in public beta, and Linux versions may have issues on some configurations.
Con: The listed fixed hosting tiers are out of stock, and the free hosting offer lasts only five days.

Alternatives

Game Mod Managers is a broader category to explore if Minecraft Java projects are not your only mod-management need. For Minecraft-focused browsing, compare the Minecraft Mod Browsers category, or review Minecraft Launchers if choosing a launcher is the main decision.

CurseForge is another freemium option, with a free web catalog for Minecraft mods and modpacks; its Premium Monthly plan offers ad-free browsing and instant downloads. Vortex is a free, open-source Windows mod manager from Nexus Mods. Mod Organizer 2 is a free, open-source alternative for Windows, though it requires Windows 10 1809 or later (or Windows 11) and does not support Windows Store or Game Pass versions.

Corkscrew is a free, open-source option for Linux and macOS. Limo is a free, open-source Linux alternative. HumanitZ Mod Manager is a free portable desktop app for managing HumanitZ mods on Linux and Windows. Modrix is another free option for Windows, Linux and macOS. Alternative Mod Launcher is free for Windows and targets XCOM 2 (WotC) or XCOM Chimera Squad, with Steam and .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later required.

Verdict

Choose Modrinth if you play or publish Minecraft: Java Edition projects and want a free, focused catalogue with creator tools and optional launcher and hosting services. Its strongest advantage is bringing discovery, publishing and mod management into one ecosystem; look elsewhere if you need a mature desktop launcher today, especially on a potentially problematic Linux configuration, or a fixed hosting tier that is in stock.

	HFW Mod Manager	Modrinth
Free plan	No	Yes
Free trial	No	Yes
Paid from	—	$4.99/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	—	api, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
Mod profiles	Yes	—
Mod source access	manual import	—
Supported platforms	multi-platform	—
Free plan	—	Yes
Paid from	—	$4.99/mo

HFW Mod Manager vs Modrinth

HFW Mod Manager

Modrinth