Compare software

niri vs SwayFX: catalog facts
niri	SwayFX
Best for: Linux users who want keyboard-driven tiling without windows being squeezed	Best for: Sway users who want visual effects on a tiling Wayland desktop
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	Keeps Sway's tiling behaviour and configuration Adds blur, rounded corners and shadows All 3 strengths for SwayFX Keeps Sway's tiling behaviour and configuration Adds blur, rounded corners and shadows Packaging help for Debian and Nix
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 and Wayland only Effects add overhead compared with plain Sway All 3 limitations for SwayFX Linux and Wayland only Effects add overhead compared with plain Sway Tracks upstream Sway, so features may lag behind it
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 SwayFX github.com/wlrfx/swayfx Catalog checked October 1, 2026

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