Compare software

niri vs dwl: catalog facts
niri	dwl
Best for: Linux users who want keyboard-driven tiling without windows being squeezed	Best for: dwm users moving to Wayland who want a minimal tiling compositor
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	dwm-style dynamic tiling on Wayland Small C codebase built on wlroots All 4 strengths for dwl dwm-style dynamic tiling on Wayland Small C codebase built on wlroots Community patch collection for extra features Actively maintained
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	Customisation usually means editing source and recompiling Minimal by design, so bars and extras come from other tools
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 niri github.com/niri-wm/niri Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for dwl codeberg.org/dwl/dwl Catalog checked September 24, 2026

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