Compare software

Xfwm4 vs JWM: catalog facts
Xfwm4JWM

Best for: Xfce users and anyone wanting a simple, low-overhead stacking window manager on Linux

Best for: Lightweight desktops on older or low-powered Linux machines

Free

Free and open source as part of the Xfce desktop.

Free

Free and open source under the MIT licence.

Linux Linux
  • Light on resources
  • Built-in compositor that can be tuned or turned off
All 4 strengths for Xfwm4
  • Light on resources
  • Built-in compositor that can be tuned or turned off
  • Supports freedesktop, GNOME and KDE window manager standards
  • Large choice of installable themes
  • Very small footprint, needing only Xlib
  • Runs well on old hardware and the Raspberry Pi
All 4 strengths for JWM
  • Very small footprint, needing only Xlib
  • Runs well on old hardware and the Raspberry Pi
  • Optional multi-monitor, SVG and antialiased font support
  • Available as a package in many distributions
  • Designed for X11 sessions
  • No tiling layouts beyond basic edge snapping
  • X11 only, no Wayland support
  • Stacking only, with no tiling layouts
All 3 limitations for JWM
  • X11 only, no Wayland support
  • Stacking only, with no tiling layouts
  • Plain appearance compared with full desktop environments
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL-2.0 License: MIT
No account needed No account needed
Offline features available Offline features available
Sources for Xfwm4

Catalog checked October 1, 2026

Sources for JWM

Catalog checked September 24, 2026

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