Compare software

dwm vs dwl: catalog facts
dwm	dwl
Best for: Use a small dynamic window manager for X11 with tiling and floating layouts	Best for: dwm users moving to Wayland who want a minimal tiling compositor
Free Free and open source. Hosting, hardware and any external services are separate.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Keeps the core implementation compact Supports keyboard-driven window arrangement	dwm-style dynamic tiling on Wayland Small C codebase built on wlroots All 4 strengths for dwl dwm-style dynamic tiling on Wayland Small C codebase built on wlroots Community patch collection for extra features Actively maintained
Many customizations require editing and recompiling the source.	Customisation usually means editing source and recompiling Minimal by design, so bars and extras come from other tools
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for dwm dwm.suckless.org Catalog checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for dwl codeberg.org/dwl/dwl Catalog checked September 24, 2026

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