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Openbox vs Window Maker: catalog facts
Openbox	Window Maker
Best for: Manage X11 windows with a configurable stacking window manager	Best for: Linux users who want a light, classic NeXT-style desktop
Free Free and open source. Hosting, hardware and any external services are separate.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Supports custom menus and window rules Can be used alone or within another desktop setup	Faithful NeXTSTEP look and feel Lightweight, with dockapps for small utilities All 3 strengths for Window Maker Faithful NeXTSTEP look and feel Lightweight, with dockapps for small utilities Readable config files plus a graphical preferences tool
A complete desktop requires separate panels, launchers and other utilities.	X11 only, no Wayland support mentioned Latest stable release dates from August 2023
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License not stated
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 Window Maker windowmaker.org Catalog checked September 24, 2026

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