Compare software

niri vs Wayfire: catalog facts
niri	Wayfire
Best for: Linux users who want keyboard-driven tiling without windows being squeezed	Best for: Linux users who want a customisable Wayland compositor with effects
Free Free and open source.	Free Free, with source code on GitHub.
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	Plugin-based design for window management and effects Improved fractional scaling in the 0.11 release All 3 strengths for Wayfire Plugin-based design for window management and effects Improved fractional scaling in the 0.11 release Lightweight compositor with desktop effects
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 Releases can be far apart All 3 limitations for Wayfire Linux and Wayland only Releases can be far apart Needs configuration to build a full desktop
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 Wayfire wayfire.org Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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