XMonad

Free plan Linux

What XMonad is

XMonad is a free, dynamically tiling window manager for Linux and X11, written and configured in Haskell. It automatically arranges windows without gaps or overlap, and its controls are keyboard-accessible, making mouse use optional. The default tall, wide, and fullscreen layouts can differ by virtual workspace. Users can write custom layout algorithms and extensions in Haskell configuration files. The xmonad-contrib package adds hundreds of community-maintained extensions. Xinerama support allows several workspaces across multiple physical monitors. Listed utilities include GNOME, KDE, and XRandR support, while dmenu and rofi are identified as launchers and xmobar, polybar, and taffybar as compatible status bars. Packages are available through BSD and Linux repositories, with Git installation instructions. Initial setup requires a Haskell file at ~/.config/xmonad/xmonad.hs. Help is available through a mailing list and IRC channel.

Who it suits

XMonad suits Linux users who prefer keyboard-driven, minimalist window arrangement and are comfortable configuring Haskell. It also fits multi-monitor setups using Xinerama.

What it does well

Free Linux window manager
Keyboard control with optional mouse use
Custom layouts through Haskell
Hundreds of community extensions
Supports multiple monitors

What to know first

Requires Haskell configuration
Supports X11 rather than other window systems
Linux platform listing only
Initial setup involves creating a configuration file

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
XMonad	Minimal X11 window manager core · extensions available through xmonad-contrib	Free

As xmonad.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

XMonad offers highly configurable tiling, keyboard control, virtual workspaces, and multi-monitor support at no cost. Its Haskell-based configuration and X11 focus make it most suitable for technically comfortable Linux users.

Facts from XMonad's own pages

Configuration requirement: The quick start instructs users to create a Haskell configuration file at ~/.config/xmonad/xmonad.hs. · xmonad.org, 11 Oct 2026
Customization: Users can write custom layout algorithms and other extensions in Haskell configuration files. · xmonad.org, 11 Oct 2026
Desktop utilities: The features page lists support for GNOME and KDE utilities and XRandR monitor rotation and changes. · xmonad.org, 11 Oct 2026
Extensions: The separate xmonad-contrib package contains hundreds of community-maintained extensions. · xmonad.org, 11 Oct 2026
Installation: The project lists packages in BSD and Linux distribution repositories and provides instructions for installing from Git. · xmonad.org, 11 Oct 2026
Intended use: The project describes XMonad as a minimalist window manager focused on arranging windows so users can concentrate on their work. · xmonad.org, 11 Oct 2026
Keyboard control: Window manager features are accessible from the keyboard, and using a mouse is optional. · xmonad.org, 11 Oct 2026
Layouts: The default layouts are tall, wide, and fullscreen, and each virtual workspace retains its own layout. · xmonad.org, 11 Oct 2026
Multi-monitor support: XMonad supports multiple physical monitors through Xinerama, allowing simultaneous display of several workspaces. · xmonad.org, 11 Oct 2026
Product: XMonad is a dynamically tiling window manager for X11, written and configured in Haskell. · xmonad.org, 11 Oct 2026
Project history: The project repository says XMonad was started in 2007 by Spencer Janssen, Don Stewart, and Jason Creighton. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Related tools: The download page lists dmenu and rofi as program launchers, and xmobar, polybar, and taffybar as status bars that work well with XMonad. · xmonad.org, 11 Oct 2026
Security and correctness: The project describes using Haskell’s type system, type-based automatic testing, and verification tools to check correctness properties. · xmonad.org, 11 Oct 2026
Support: The project points users to its mailing list and IRC channel for help. · xmonad.org, 11 Oct 2026
Window arrangement: It automatically tiles windows without gaps or overlap to maximize screen use. · xmonad.org, 11 Oct 2026

Where XMonad stands on Freedom251

Window Management Software#36 of 65