Compare software

Sway vs niri: catalog facts
Sway	niri
Best for: Use an i3-style tiling workflow on Wayland	Best for: Linux users who want keyboard-driven tiling without windows being squeezed
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	Opening windows does not resize existing ones IPC interface for scripting and status bars All 3 strengths for niri Opening windows does not resize existing ones IPC interface for scripting and status bars Active development with a large user base
Some X11 applications and workflows need compatibility layers or alternatives.	Wayland only, no X11 session Needs separate panels, launchers and other desktop pieces All 3 limitations for niri Wayland only, no X11 session Needs separate panels, launchers and other desktop pieces Scrolling layout takes some getting used to
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 niri github.com/niri-wm/niri Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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