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Polybar vs xmobar: catalog facts
Polybar	xmobar
Free Free and open source. Hosting, hardware and any external services are separate.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Displays workspace and system information Supports modules and custom scripts	Lightweight text-based status bar Plugin system for system information
Requires configuration and an appropriate window-manager setup.	X11 only Text-oriented, with little graphical styling
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: MIT	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.