Compare software

Openbox vs JWM: catalog facts
Openbox	JWM
Best for: Manage X11 windows with a configurable stacking window manager	Best for: Lightweight desktops on older or low-powered Linux machines
Free Free and open source. Hosting, hardware and any external services are separate.	Free Free and open source under the MIT licence.
Linux	Linux
Supports custom menus and window rules Can be used alone or within another desktop setup	Very small footprint, needing only Xlib Runs well on old hardware and the Raspberry Pi All 4 strengths for JWM Very small footprint, needing only Xlib Runs well on old hardware and the Raspberry Pi Optional multi-monitor, SVG and antialiased font support Available as a package in many distributions
A complete desktop requires separate panels, launchers and other utilities.	X11 only, no Wayland support Stacking only, with no tiling layouts All 3 limitations for JWM X11 only, no Wayland support Stacking only, with no tiling layouts Plain appearance compared with full desktop environments
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License: MIT
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Openbox openbox.org Catalog checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for JWM joewing.net/projects/jwm Catalog checked September 24, 2026

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