Overview

Modrinth hosts community-created mods, plugins, data packs, shaders, resource packs, and modpacks. Search and filters help players find projects, while creator tools extend the platform beyond downloads. The scope is deliberately tied to Minecraft: Java Edition, so it is not a general-purpose game mod directory.

The platform was founded in 2020 and is based in Tempe, Arizona. Its open-source API also supports integrations with launchers such as ATLauncher, MultiMC, and Prism Launcher, which makes Modrinth useful even for players who prefer another desktop client.

Key features

Project discovery and compatibility

Game-version filters and support for Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, and Quilt help players narrow projects to a compatible setup. Dependency information is useful when a mod relies on other projects, while download tracking and collections support ongoing discovery and organization. These features make the catalogue more practical than an undifferentiated list, though its focus remains Minecraft: Java Edition.

Launcher and integrations

The open-source Modrinth App installs, removes, and updates mods, and supports sharing modpacks. That covers common management tasks in one launcher; however, it is in public beta, so users who need a settled core tool may prefer a more mature option. The app runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, but Linux builds may have issues on some systems and configurations.

Creator and developer tools

Creators can manage team roles and permissions, earn ad revenue, and review page-view, download, and revenue reports. That makes Modrinth relevant to collaborative publishing as well as project hosting. Developers can use Minotaur, a Gradle plugin that automates artifact publishing 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 3 GB server is offered for five days in the US without a credit card, a useful short trial rather than a long-term free tier. Paid server plans vary by memory, storage, and shared CPU allocation.

Pricing

The Modrinth platform is free for hosting user-created Minecraft: Java Edition projects. Modrinth+ costs 4.99 USD per month, billed $4.99/mo; annual billing saves 16%. It adds ad-free browsing, creator support, and a profile badge, so it suits users who want to support creators or remove ads rather than unlock a broader toolset.

Hosting is separate. The customized plan starts at $5 / month for customized server specifications. Small is $10 / month, billed quarterly, with 4 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, and 2 shared CPUs (bursts up to 4); Medium is $15 / month, billed quarterly, with 6 GB RAM, 48 GB storage, and 3 shared CPUs (bursts up to 6); Large is $20 / month, billed quarterly, with 8 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, and 4 shared CPUs (bursts up to 8). All three fixed-size plans are out of stock, which limits their usefulness for buyers who need those configurations now.

Platforms

The website is available on the web, while the API and desktop app extend support to Linux, macOS, and Windows. The app’s beta status and possible Linux configuration issues matter most to users planning to depend on it as their everyday launcher.

Who it's for

Modrinth is best for Minecraft Java players who value version-aware project discovery, and creators who need team permissions and publishing analytics. Developers publishing Gradle artifacts can benefit from Minotaur, while server operators may find the hosting options useful if a suitable plan is available. It is less suited to teams looking for a mature launcher or a single price covering the catalogue, desktop management, and server capacity.

Pros and cons

Pros: Free project hosting, game-version filters, dependency information, and collections make the catalogue useful for finding and organizing compatible work.
Pros: Creator permissions, revenue reporting, and Minotaur support collaborative publishing and developer workflows.
Pros: The open-source API supports integrations with established third-party launchers.
Cons: The Modrinth App is in public beta, and Linux versions may have issues on some systems and configurations.
Cons: Fixed-size hosting plans are out of stock, and paid server hosting is a separate purchase from Modrinth+.

Alternatives

Minecraft Launchers is a useful category to compare if you are choosing a desktop client rather than a project-hosting platform. For broader mod-management options, see Game Mod Managers; for project browsing specifically, Minecraft Mod Browsers is the closer category.

Choose Prism Launcher if you want a free, open-source launcher across Linux, macOS, and Windows. Refract is another free option for those platforms. GDLauncher is a free option with no premium tier or overlay. ATLauncher is free and open source, but requires a paid Minecraft account to use and play modpacks. Thendrask Launcher is a free launcher with an optional $3 / month End Crystal plan. Spectra Launcher, X Minecraft Launcher, and Cactus MC Launcher are also alternatives for Windows, macOS, and Linux; Cactus MC is free forever with no premium tier.

Verdict

Choose Modrinth if your Minecraft Java workflow needs a strong project catalogue, creator publishing tools, and the option to use its API with another launcher. The free platform is the clearest reason to start; look elsewhere if you need a mature desktop launcher today or a fixed hosting plan that is currently in stock.

	CKAN	Modrinth
Free plan	No	Yes
Free trial	No	Yes
Paid from	—	$4.99/mo
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux	api, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows
Conflict detection	Yes	—
Automatic updates	Yes	—
Mod source access	built-in	—
Supported platforms	multi-platform	—
Deployment method	copy	—
Free plan	—	Yes
Paid from	—	$4.99/mo

CKAN vs Modrinth

CKAN

Modrinth