Compare software

Kickoff vs nwg-menu: catalog facts
Kickoff	nwg-menu
Best for: Wayland users on Sway or similar compositors who want a simple rofi-style launcher	Best for: Sway and wlroots users who want a start-menu style app menu
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Native Wayland launcher Simple install through cargo or the AUR All 3 strengths for Kickoff Native Wayland launcher Simple install through cargo or the AUR Nix flake included	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
Only supports wlroots-based compositors Small project with a narrow feature set	Standalone use needs command-line arguments Aimed at sway and wlroots compositors
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 Kickoff github.com/j0ru/kickoff Catalog checked September 24, 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.