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Slingshot vs nwg-menu: catalog facts
Slingshot	nwg-menu
Best for: elementary OS and Pantheon desktop users	Best for: Sway and wlroots users who want a start-menu style app menu
Free Free and included with elementary OS.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Integrated with the Pantheon panel and desktop Type-to-search for installed applications All 3 strengths for Slingshot Integrated with the Pantheon panel and desktop Type-to-search for installed applications Ships by default on elementary OS	Start-menu layout with simplified categories Works as an nwg-panel plugin or standalone All 3 strengths for nwg-menu Start-menu layout with simplified categories Works as an nwg-panel plugin or standalone Styled through a CSS file
Designed for Pantheon and not meant for other desktops	Standalone use needs command-line arguments Aimed at sway and wlroots compositors
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Not 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 Slingshot github.com/elementary/applications-menu Catalog checked October 2, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for nwg-menu github.com/nwg-piotr/nwg-menu Catalog checked October 1, 2026

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