Compare software

jgmenu vs nwg-menu: catalog facts
jgmenu	nwg-menu
Best for: Openbox, i3 and other window manager users who want a traditional application menu	Best for: Sway and wlroots users who want a start-menu style app menu
Free Free to use.	Free Free and open source.
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	Start-menu layout with simplified categories Works as an nwg-panel plugin or standalone All 3 strengths for nwg-menu Start-menu layout with simplified categories Works as an nwg-panel plugin or standalone Styled through a CSS file
X11 only, not built for Wayland sessions Configuration is manual rather than through a full settings app	Standalone use needs command-line arguments Aimed at sway and wlroots compositors
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not 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 jgmenu github.com/johanmalm/jgmenu Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for nwg-menu github.com/nwg-piotr/nwg-menu Catalog checked October 1, 2026

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