Compare software

river vs MangoWC: catalog facts
river	MangoWC
Best for: Linux users who want to build or choose their own Wayland window manager	Best for: Linux users who want a light dwl-style tiling compositor with animations
Free Free and open source.	Free Free to build and use from its GitHub repository.
Linux	Linux
Window management policy is a separate, replaceable program Documented window management protocol All 3 strengths for river Window management policy is a separate, replaceable program Documented window management protocol Actively developed with regular releases	Lightweight dwl base Several tiling layouts All 3 strengths for MangoWC Lightweight dwl base Several tiling layouts Window animations
Needs a separate window manager to be useful Building from source requires the Zig toolchain All 3 limitations for river Needs a separate window manager to be useful Building from source requires the Zig toolchain Older configurations belong to river-classic	Linux only Smaller community than larger compositors
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	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 river isaacfreund.com/software/river Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for MangoWC github.com/DreamMaoMao/mangowc Catalog checked October 2, 2026

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