bug.n vs Actual Window Manager

BNbug.n7.4Visit Actual Window Manager5.6Visit

Higher score BN bug.n #20 in Window Management Software 7.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit bug.n

vs

Actual Window Manager #37 in Window Management Software 5.6/10 60-day trial Free trial✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Actual Tools

• bug.n fits best

  Windows users wanting free tiling and saved sessions

• Actual Window Manager fits best

  Windows users needing rules and virtual desktops

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Side by side

Feature	BNbug.n 7.4/10 Visit ↗	Actual Window Manager 5.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	7.4	5.6
Ranking	#20 in Window Management Software	#37 in Window Management Software
Best for	Windows users wanting free tiling and saved sessions	Windows users needing rules and virtual desktops
Pricing model	Free	Paid
Starting price	Free plan	$59.95 one-time
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	60 days
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows	Windows
Features bug.n 3/4 · Actual Window Manager 4/4
Layout presets	✓	✓
Application rules	✓	✓
Window grouping	—	✓ (best)
Virtual desktop controls	✓	✓
Specs
Platforms	windows	windows
Maximum displays	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Switch between tile, monocle, and floating layouts. Manage windows across virtual desktops and multiple monitors. Save monitor, view, layout, and window state between sessions.	Automates window placement and sizing with application-specific rules Combines virtual desktops, desktop profiles, and customizable tile layouts Adds multi-monitor taskbars, snapping, and task switching
Cons	Stable v9 is no longer actively maintained. Runs on Windows only. Window groups are not supported.	No free plan; the listed price is $59.95 one time Windows only Its many window and desktop controls may be more than basic workflows need
Our verdict	bug.n is an open-source tiling window manager add-on for the Windows Explorer shell. It automatically resizes and positions windows, with tile, monocle, and floating modes. Its combination of configurable layouts, tagged views for virtual… Read the review →	Actual Window Manager is Windows desktop-management software for people who want more control over application windows and multi-monitor workspaces. It can automatically position and resize windows, apply application-specific rules, and… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• bug.n — where it wins

  • Switch between tile, monocle, and floating layouts.
  • Manage windows across virtual desktops and multiple monitors.
  • Save monitor, view, layout, and window state between sessions.

  Where it doesn't

  • Stable v9 is no longer actively maintained.
  • Runs on Windows only.
  • Window groups are not supported.

• Actual Window Manager — where it wins

  • Automates window placement and sizing with application-specific rules
  • Combines virtual desktops, desktop profiles, and customizable tile layouts
  • Adds multi-monitor taskbars, snapping, and task switching

  Where it doesn't

  • No free plan; the listed price is $59.95 one time
  • Windows only
  • Its many window and desktop controls may be more than basic workflows need

• BNbug.n7.4/10 · Free plan

  Free window tiling with customizable layouts, app rules, and saved sessions.

  Visit bug.nFull verdict →
• Actual Window Manager5.6/10 · 60-day trial

  A rule-driven Windows manager with virtual desktops, profiles, tiling, and a one-time price.

  Visit Actual ToolsFull verdict →