Compare software

FVWM3 vs labwc: catalog facts
FVWM3	labwc
Best for: X11 users who want a lightweight window manager they can shape completely	Best for: Openbox users moving to a light Wayland setup
Free Free, with source code published on GitHub.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Extremely configurable behaviour and appearance Multi-monitor support through RandR All 4 strengths for FVWM3 Extremely configurable behaviour and appearance Multi-monitor support through RandR Lightweight, with a long history and active development Includes a default configuration to start from	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 Configuration has a steep learning curve	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 FVWM3 github.com/fvwmorg/fvwm3 Catalog checked September 24, 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.