VGSources / Best Minecraft Launchers / Portal Launcher
What it is
Portal Launcher is a free, open-source Minecraft launcher for sharing modded instances with friends. A host can publish an instance update, and friends’ copies synchronize mods, configurations, pack icons, and Minecraft or loader version changes before play. Shared packs use Modrinth Shared Instances, allowing friends to join through the official Modrinth App while only the host installs Portal. The launcher’s Modrinth friends panel shows online friends, requests, invites, and join options. Its browser covers Modrinth and CurseForge mods with galleries, versions, changelogs, download counts, and compatibility filters. Before updates, Portal creates snapshots for reverting the last mod update and warns about missing dependencies. It also provides automatic updates, duplicate-mod finding, server status, Discord Rich Presence, pack notifications, and imports from other launchers. Portal runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, reads Prism Launcher data, and requires Microsoft sign-in with a genuine Minecraft account.
Good, and not so good
- Shared instances synchronize mods and configurations
- Modrinth and CurseForge browsing included
- Snapshots allow reverting mod updates
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows
- No telemetry, analytics, or ads
- Requires a genuine Minecraft account
- No offline or alternative authentication
- Non-Modrinth files re-upload on pushes
- Shared packs require host-side Portal
Who it suits
It suits Minecraft players who share modpacks and want synchronized instances. It also fits users moving from Prism Launcher or managing mods across supported platforms.
Portal Launcher focuses on shared Minecraft instances, synchronized updates, and mod management. Its Microsoft account requirement and file re-upload behavior are important considerations for shared packs.
Plans
- FreeNo paid tiers · Requires a genuine Minecraft accountFree
As portallauncher.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026.