StumpWM

Free plan Linux

What StumpWM is

StumpWM is a free, open-source tiling window manager for X11, written in Common Lisp and designed for keyboard-only input. It is not a full desktop environment, and its interface has no window decorations, icons, or buttons. Users can tailor it with hooks and variables, and can re-evaluate Lisp code while it is running. StumpWM supports layout presets, application rules, window grouping, and virtual desktop controls. Its extension collection includes modules for audio controls, notifications, battery and network information, and utilities; listed integrations include NetworkManager, Qubes OS, GnuPG Agent, tmux, and dmenu. The project provides source releases and a development version through Git, with configure and make build instructions. Prerequisites include SBCL, CLX, cl-ppcre, and Alexandria; Quicklisp is recommended for obtaining dependencies. Documentation is available in HTML, PDF, and info formats, and the project points users to a wiki, IRC channel, and mailing list for help. The repository identifies the license as GPL-2.0.

Who it suits

StumpWM suits Linux users seeking a keyboard-driven X11 window manager they can customize with Lisp. It is a fit for people comfortable building from source and working with its listed dependencies.

What it does well

Free and open source under GPL-2.0
Users can re-evaluate Lisp code while it runs
Supports application rules and window grouping
Extensions include audio and notification modules

What to know first

Not a full desktop environment
Relies entirely on keyboard input
Build requires SBCL, CLX, cl-ppcre, and Alexandria
Linux platform only

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
StumpWM	No price stated · X11 window manager	Free

As stumpwm.github.io lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

StumpWM offers a keyboard-first, customizable window management approach with extensions and documented source builds. Its lack of a full desktop environment and reliance on keyboard input make it a specific choice rather than a general desktop setup.

Facts from StumpWM's own pages

Customization: It provides hooks for personal customizations and variables to tweak, and users can re-evaluate Lisp code while it is running. · stumpwm.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
Dependencies: The build instructions list SBCL, CLX, cl-ppcre, and Alexandria as prerequisites, with Quicklisp recommended for obtaining dependencies. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Documentation: The manual is available in HTML, PDF, and info formats, with versions listed on the documentation page. · stumpwm.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
Extensions: The project maintains a collection of extension modules, with examples for audio controls, notifications, battery and network information, and utilities. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Input: The project describes StumpWM as relying entirely on the keyboard for input. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Installation: The project provides source releases and a development version through Git, and documents building with configure and make. · stumpwm.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
Integrations: Listed modules include integrations for NetworkManager, Qubes OS, GnuPG Agent, tmux, and dmenu. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
License: The project repository identifies its license as GPL-2.0. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Notable limits: The project describes its codebase as approximately 15,000 lines and its produced binaries as approximately 60 MB. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Not a desktop environment: The project says StumpWM is not a full desktop environment. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Support: The project points users to a community wiki, an IRC channel, and a mailing list for discussion and help. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Visual design: Its design has no window decorations, icons, or buttons. · stumpwm.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
What it does: StumpWM is a tiling, keyboard-driven X11 window manager written entirely in Common Lisp. · stumpwm.github.io, 11 Oct 2026

Where StumpWM stands on Freedom251

Window Management Software#32 of 65