Compare software

JWM vs labwc: catalog facts
JWM	labwc
Best for: Lightweight desktops on older or low-powered Linux machines	Best for: Openbox users moving to a light Wayland setup
Free Free and open source under the MIT licence.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Very small footprint, needing only Xlib Runs well on old hardware and the Raspberry Pi All 4 strengths for JWM Very small footprint, needing only Xlib Runs well on old hardware and the Raspberry Pi Optional multi-monitor, SVG and antialiased font support Available as a package in many distributions	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 Stacking only, with no tiling layouts All 3 limitations for JWM X11 only, no Wayland support Stacking only, with no tiling layouts Plain appearance compared with full desktop environments	Needs other programs for a complete desktop Wayland only
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: MIT	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Offline features available	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for JWM joewing.net/projects/jwm 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.