Compare software

bemenu vs tofi: catalog facts
bemenu	tofi
Best for: Tiling window manager users who want a dmenu-style menu that also works on Wayland	Best for: Sway and other wlroots users who want a quick, minimal launcher menu
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and open source.
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	Very fast startup Works as a launcher or a general dmenu-style menu All 3 strengths for tofi Very fast startup Works as a launcher or a general dmenu-style menu Bundled themes, from a slim bar to fullscreen
Minimal interface with no icons or previews Configured through command-line options rather than a settings window	Only for wlroots-based Wayland compositors Minimal feature set by design, no plugin system
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	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
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for bemenu github.com/Cloudef/bemenu Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for tofi github.com/philj56/tofi Catalog checked September 24, 2026

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