Compare software

river vs Scroll: catalog facts
river	Scroll
Best for: Linux users who want to build or choose their own Wayland window manager	Best for: Sway users who want a PaperWM-style scrolling layout
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and open source.
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	Scrolling layout that does not squeeze windows Builds on familiar sway configuration
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	A full compositor, not an add-on to an existing desktop Smaller project than sway itself
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License: MIT
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 Scroll github.com/dawsers/scroll Catalog checked October 2, 2026

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