Compare software

niri vs Karousel: catalog facts
niri	Karousel
Best for: Linux users who want keyboard-driven tiling without windows being squeezed	Best for: KDE Plasma users who want scrolling, column-based tiling
Free Free and open source.	Free Free to download from its GitHub 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	Adds scrollable column tiling to an existing Plasma desktop Runs inside KWin, so no compositor change is needed All 3 strengths for Karousel Adds scrollable column tiling to an existing Plasma desktop Runs inside KWin, so no compositor change is needed Windows can extend past the edge of the screen
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	Only works on KDE Plasma Scrolling tiling takes some adjustment for users of traditional tiling
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Not 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 Karousel github.com/peterfajdiga/karousel Catalog checked October 2, 2026

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