Compare software

niri vs Jay: catalog facts
niri	Jay
Best for: Linux users who want keyboard-driven tiling without windows being squeezed	Best for: Linux users who want an i3-style tiling compositor on Wayland
Free Free and open source.	Free Free to build and use from its public repository.
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	i3-like tiling on Wayland Vulkan rendering All 4 strengths for Jay i3-like tiling on Wayland Vulkan rendering Configurable through TOML or Rust Active development with regular commits
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	Linux only Smaller user base than Sway or Hyprland
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 Jay github.com/mahkoh/jay Catalog checked October 2, 2026

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