Side by side
Sway vs XMonad
Both stand on window management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Linux
Sway offers i3-compatible, keyboard-focused tiling on Wayland with configurable rules and virtual desktops. Linux packages simplify installation, while source compilation requires the listed build stack.
Visit Sway Free plan Linux
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.
Visit XMonadThe facts
| Sway | XMonad | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Linux |
| Lowest paid plan | Not published | Free or on request |
| Plans published | None | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | swaywm.org | xmonad.org |
| On window management software | #40 of 65 | #36 of 65 |
Sway: what it does well
- Drop-in replacement for i3 on X11
- Works with existing i3 configurations
- Keyboard window control
- Includes application rules and virtual desktop controls
- Available through many Linux distributions
What to know first
- Source builds require several dependencies
- Optional components require separate packages
- Linux platform only
XMonad: 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