Compare software

bspwm vs i3: catalog facts
bspwm	i3
Best for: Manage X11 windows as the leaves of a binary tree	Best for: Arrange X11 windows in a keyboard-controlled tiling workspace
Free Free and open source. Hosting, hardware and any external services are separate.	Free Free and open source. Hosting, hardware and any external services are separate.
Linux	Linux
Separates window management from keyboard bindings Can be controlled through shell commands	Uses a tree-based window layout Supports workspaces and configurable key bindings
Requires separate tools for key bindings and desktop panels.	Runs on X11 rather than Wayland.
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: BSD-2-Clause	License: BSD-3-Clause
Not stated if an account is needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for bspwm github.com/baskerville/bspwm Catalog checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for i3 i3wm.org github.com/i3/i3 Catalog checked September 22, 2026

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