Compare software

Sway vs labwc: catalog facts
Sway	labwc
Best for: Use an i3-style tiling workflow on Wayland	Best for: Openbox users moving to a light Wayland setup
Free Free and open source. Hosting, hardware and any external services are separate.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Supports much of the i3 configuration format Arranges windows with keyboard-driven layouts	Lightweight stacking compositor for Wayland Familiar to Openbox users All 3 strengths for labwc Lightweight stacking compositor for Wayland Familiar to Openbox users Works with separate panels and tools of your choice
Some X11 applications and workflows need compatibility layers or alternatives.	Needs other programs for a complete desktop Wayland only
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	Offline features available
Official website Full listing and sources Sources for Sway swaywm.org github.com/swaywm/sway Catalog checked September 22, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for labwc labwc.github.io Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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