Compare software

JWM vs Openbox: catalog facts
JWM	Openbox
Best for: Lightweight desktops on older or low-powered Linux machines	Best for: Manage X11 windows with a configurable stacking window manager
Free Free and open source under the MIT licence.	Free Free and open source. Hosting, hardware and any external services are separate.
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	Supports custom menus and window rules Can be used alone or within another desktop setup
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	A complete desktop requires separate panels, launchers and other utilities.
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: MIT	License not stated
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Offline features available	Not stated if it works offline
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 Openbox openbox.org Catalog checked September 22, 2026

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