Compare software

IceWM vs labwc: catalog facts
IceWM	labwc
Best for: Older or low-powered machines that need a simple desktop with a taskbar	Best for: Openbox users moving to a light Wayland setup
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Low resource use Built-in taskbar, tray and menu All 4 strengths for IceWM Low resource use Built-in taskbar, tray and menu Large collection of themes Fully usable from the keyboard	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 Dated look without a theme	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 IceWM ice-wm.org Catalog checked September 23, 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.