Compare software

dwm vs xmonad: catalog facts
dwmxmonad

Best for: Use a small dynamic window manager for X11 with tiling and floating layouts

Best for: Keyboard-focused X11 users who are happy to configure in Haskell

Free

Free and open source. Hosting, hardware and any external services are separate.

Free

Free and open source, supported by donations.

Linux Linux
  • Keeps the core implementation compact
  • Supports keyboard-driven window arrangement
  • Automatic tiling layouts
  • Configuration is a full Haskell program
All 3 strengths for xmonad
  • Automatic tiling layouts
  • Configuration is a full Haskell program
  • Large set of extensions in xmonad-contrib
  • Many customizations require editing and recompiling the source.
  • Configuring it requires some Haskell
  • X11 only, no Wayland support
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
Sources for dwm

Catalog checked September 22, 2026

Sources for xmonad

Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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