Compare software

niri vs Pinnacle: catalog facts
niri	Pinnacle
Best for: Linux users who want keyboard-driven tiling without windows being squeezed	Best for: Former AwesomeWM users who want a programmable tiling compositor on Wayland
Free Free and open source.	Free Free to build and use 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	Configuration written in Lua or Rust AwesomeWM-style programmable tiling on Wayland
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 Configuring through code takes more effort than a simple settings file
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 Pinnacle github.com/pinnacle-comp/pinnacle Catalog checked October 2, 2026

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