Compare software

Window Maker vs labwc: catalog facts
Window Maker	labwc
Screenshots	Screenshots
Best for: Linux users who want a light, classic NeXT-style desktop	Best for: Openbox users moving to a light Wayland setup
Free Free and open source.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Faithful NeXTSTEP look and feel Lightweight, with dockapps for small utilities Readable config files plus a graphical preferences tool	Lightweight stacking compositor for Wayland Familiar to Openbox users Works with separate panels and tools of your choice
X11 only, no Wayland support mentioned Latest stable release dates from August 2023	Needs other programs for a complete desktop Wayland only
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 Window Maker windowmaker.org Catalog checked September 24, 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.

Screenshots