Compare software

niri vs Cagebreak: catalog facts
niri	Cagebreak
Best for: Linux users who want keyboard-driven tiling without windows being squeezed	Best for: Ratpoison fans who want a keyboard-only tiling compositor on Wayland
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Opening windows does not resize existing ones IPC interface for scripting and status bars All 3 strengths for niri Opening windows does not resize existing ones IPC interface for scripting and status bars Active development with a large user base	Fully keyboard-driven tiling on Wayland Signed releases with documented hashes All 3 strengths for Cagebreak Fully keyboard-driven tiling on Wayland Signed releases with documented hashes Man pages and example configurations included
Wayland only, no X11 session Needs separate panels, launchers and other desktop pieces All 3 limitations for niri Wayland only, no X11 session Needs separate panels, launchers and other desktop pieces Scrolling layout takes some getting used to	Minimal by design, with no decorations or visual extras Smaller user base than sway or Hyprland
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License: MIT
No account needed	No account needed
Offline features available	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for niri github.com/niri-wm/niri Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Cagebreak github.com/project-repo/cagebreak Catalog checked October 1, 2026

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