Compare software

labwc vs FVWM3: catalog facts
labwcFVWM3

Best for: Openbox users moving to a light Wayland setup

Best for: X11 users who want a lightweight window manager they can shape completely

Free

Free and open source.

Free

Free, with source code published on GitHub.

Linux Linux
  • 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
  • Extremely configurable behaviour and appearance
  • Multi-monitor support through RandR
All 4 strengths for FVWM3
  • Extremely configurable behaviour and appearance
  • Multi-monitor support through RandR
  • Lightweight, with a long history and active development
  • Includes a default configuration to start from
  • Needs other programs for a complete desktop
  • Wayland only
  • X11 only, no Wayland support
  • Configuration has a steep learning curve
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
Sources for labwc

Catalog checked September 23, 2026

Sources for FVWM3

Catalog checked September 24, 2026

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