Compare software

cwm vs labwc: catalog facts
cwm	labwc
Best for: A minimal keyboard-driven X11 window manager on Linux	Best for: Openbox users moving to a light Wayland setup
Free Free to download and use from its public GitHub repository.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Small and simple, with a single text configuration file Keyboard-driven window handling All 4 strengths for cwm Small and simple, with a single text configuration file Keyboard-driven window handling Tracks upstream OpenBSD cwm development Signed releases	Lightweight stacking compositor for Wayland Familiar to Openbox users All 3 strengths for labwc Lightweight stacking compositor for Wayland Familiar to Openbox users Works with separate panels and tools of your choice
X11 only, no Wayland support Minimal by design, with no panels or desktop extras	Needs other programs for a complete desktop Wayland only
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Offline features available	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for cwm github.com/leahneukirchen/cwm Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for labwc labwc.github.io Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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