Compare software

jgmenu vs ArcMenu: catalog facts
jgmenu	ArcMenu
Best for: Openbox, i3 and other window manager users who want a traditional application menu	Best for: GNOME users who want a classic application menu instead of the activities overview
Free Free to use.	Free Free and open source under the GPL version 2 or later.
Linux	Linux
Works with many window managers rather than one desktop Customizable look and menu content All 3 strengths for jgmenu Works with many window managers rather than one desktop Customizable look and menu content Lightweight enough for minimal setups	Brings a traditional searchable start menu to GNOME Customizable menu layout All 3 strengths for ArcMenu Brings a traditional searchable start menu to GNOME Customizable menu layout Open source and published as releases on GitLab
X11 only, not built for Wayland sessions Configuration is manual rather than through a full settings app	Only works inside GNOME Shell GNOME extensions can need updates after major GNOME releases
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not open source	Open source
License not stated	License: GPL-2.0-or-later
No account needed	No account needed
Offline features available	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for jgmenu github.com/johanmalm/jgmenu Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for ArcMenu gitlab.com/arcmenu/ArcMenu Catalog checked October 2, 2026

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