Compare software

xmonad vs herbstluftwm: catalog facts
xmonad	herbstluftwm
Best for: Keyboard-focused X11 users who are happy to configure in Haskell	Best for: X11 users who want scriptable, manually controlled tiling
Free Free and open source, supported by donations.	Free Free and open source.
Linux	Linux
Automatic tiling layouts Configuration is a full Haskell program All 3 strengths for xmonad Automatic tiling layouts Configuration is a full Haskell program Large set of extensions in xmonad-contrib	Settings change live without restarting Tiling and floating layers on every tag All 3 strengths for herbstluftwm Settings change live without restarting Tiling and floating layers on every tag Virtual monitors for splitting large screens
Configuring it requires some Haskell X11 only, no Wayland support	X11 only Manual tiling means arranging frames yourself
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 xmonad xmonad.org Catalog checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Sources for herbstluftwm herbstluftwm.org Catalog checked September 23, 2026

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