Compare software

labwc vs Wayfire: catalog facts
labwc	Wayfire
Best for: Openbox users moving to a light Wayland setup	Best for: Linux users who want a customisable Wayland compositor with effects
Free Free and open source.	Free Free, with source code 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	Plugin-based design for window management and effects Improved fractional scaling in the 0.11 release All 3 strengths for Wayfire Plugin-based design for window management and effects Improved fractional scaling in the 0.11 release Lightweight compositor with desktop effects
Needs other programs for a complete desktop Wayland only	Linux and Wayland only Releases can be far apart All 3 limitations for Wayfire Linux and Wayland only Releases can be far apart Needs configuration to build a full desktop
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 labwc labwc.github.io Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Wayfire wayfire.org Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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