Compare software

bemenu vs Anyrun: catalog facts
bemenuAnyrun

Best for: Tiling window manager users who want a dmenu-style menu that also works on Wayland

Best for: Wayland users who want a KRunner-like prompt they can extend with plugins

Free

Free and open source.

Free

Free to download and build from the public repository.

Linux, Command line Linux
  • Works on Wayland, X11 and in a terminal via curses
  • Drop-in style replacement for dmenu in scripts
All 4 strengths for bemenu
  • Works on Wayland, X11 and in a terminal via curses
  • Drop-in style replacement for dmenu in scripts
  • Signed releases
  • Usable as a library in other programs
  • Native Wayland support
  • Plugin-based, so results can be extended
All 3 strengths for Anyrun
  • Native Wayland support
  • Plugin-based, so results can be extended
  • Nix flake included for NixOS users
  • Minimal interface with no icons or previews
  • Configured through command-line options rather than a settings window
  • Linux and Wayland only
  • Nvidia users may need a GSK_RENDERER workaround
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Not open source
License: GPL-3.0 (client), LGPL-3.0 (library) License not stated
No account needed No account needed
Offline features available Offline features available
Sources for bemenu

Catalog checked September 23, 2026

Sources for Anyrun

Catalog checked September 23, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.