Compare software

nwg-menu vs Slingshot: catalog facts
nwg-menu	Slingshot
Best for: Sway and wlroots users who want a start-menu style app menu	Best for: elementary OS and Pantheon desktop users
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and included with elementary OS.
Linux	Linux
Start-menu layout with simplified categories Works as an nwg-panel plugin or standalone All 3 strengths for nwg-menu Start-menu layout with simplified categories Works as an nwg-panel plugin or standalone Styled through a CSS file	Integrated with the Pantheon panel and desktop Type-to-search for installed applications All 3 strengths for Slingshot Integrated with the Pantheon panel and desktop Type-to-search for installed applications Ships by default on elementary OS
Standalone use needs command-line arguments Aimed at sway and wlroots compositors	Designed for Pantheon and not meant for other desktops
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 nwg-menu github.com/nwg-piotr/nwg-menu Catalog checked October 1, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Slingshot github.com/elementary/applications-menu Catalog checked October 2, 2026

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