Compare software

PaperWM vs niri: catalog facts
PaperWM	niri
Best for: GNOME users who want keyboard-driven scrollable tiling	Best for: Linux users who want keyboard-driven tiling without windows being squeezed
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Scrollable tiling keeps windows at useful widths Runs inside GNOME Shell, no separate window manager needed All 3 strengths for PaperWM Scrollable tiling keeps windows at useful widths Runs inside GNOME Shell, no separate window manager needed Settings pane for keybindings and per-app window rules	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
GNOME Shell only Scrolling layout takes time to get used to All 3 limitations for PaperWM GNOME Shell only Scrolling layout takes time to get used to Extensions can break with new GNOME Shell releases	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
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-3.0	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Offline features available	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for PaperWM github.com/paperwm/PaperWM Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for niri github.com/niri-wm/niri Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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