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Head-to-head · Desktop Organization Software

Desktop Fences+ vs Stardock Fences

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score Desktop Fences+ #5 in Desktop Organization Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Try Desktop Fences+
Stardock Fences #6 in Desktop Organization Software 8.9/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 3 of 3 features Visit Stardock

Desktop Fences+ leads on 1 check, Stardock Fences on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreDesktop Fences+ · 9.0/10
  • Free planonly Desktop Fences+
  • Free trialonly Stardock Fences

Desktop Fences+ scores higher on our rubric for desktop organization software: 9.0 against 8.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #6.

Desktop Fences+ offers free plan; Stardock Fences doesn't.

Desktop Fences+ is the better fit for windows users wanting complete desktop workspaces. Stardock Fences is the better fit for established Windows desktop-organization users.

  • Desktop Fences+ fits best

    Windows users wanting complete desktop workspaces

  • Stardock Fences fits best

    Established Windows desktop-organization users

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Side by side

Feature Desktop Fences+ 9.0/10 Visit ↗ Stardock Fences 8.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.9
Ranking #5 in Desktop Organization Software #6 in Desktop Organization Software
Best for Windows users wanting complete desktop workspaces Established Windows desktop-organization users
Pricing model Free Paid
Starting price Free plan —
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows
Support Docs Email, Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Desktop Fences+ 3/3 · Stardock Fences 3/3
Automatic sorting ✓ ✓
Saved layouts ✓ ✓
Multi-monitor support ✓ ✓
Specs
Platform support Windows_only Windows_only
Organization model Fenced_areas Fenced_areas
Maximum containers Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Fences organize files, folders, shortcuts, links, and notes
  • Smart Desktop rules sort files by extension or filename
  • Profiles, backups, restore tools, and multi-monitor support
  • Rule-based sorting organizes items by type, name, time, or location.
  • Folder Portals mirror folders directly on the desktop.
  • Supports tabs, Peek, customization, and multi-monitor layouts.
Cons
  • Available only for Windows
  • Portable distribution targets Windows 10 and Windows 11
  • Focused on desktop organization rather than broader productivity workflows
  • Windows-only support excludes macOS and Linux users.
  • There is no free plan after the 30-day trial.
  • Object Desktop includes extra apps that may exceed a focused organizer’s needs.
Our verdict

Desktop Fences+ is a free, open-source Windows utility for organizing desktop shortcuts, files, folders, web links, and notes. Its fenced-area model gives users separate spaces for different groups of items, while portal fences mirror…

Read the review →

Stardock Fences organizes Windows desktop files, folders, applications, and shortcuts into shaded Fence groups. It is aimed at established Windows users who want a structured desktop without manually arranging every item. The product…

Read the review →
  1. Desktop Fences+Desktop Organization Software 9.0Free plan
  2. Stardock FencesDesktop Organization Software 8.930-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Desktop Fences+ — where it wins

    • Fences organize files, folders, shortcuts, links, and notes
    • Smart Desktop rules sort files by extension or filename
    • Profiles, backups, restore tools, and multi-monitor support

    Where it doesn't

    • Available only for Windows
    • Portable distribution targets Windows 10 and Windows 11
    • Focused on desktop organization rather than broader productivity workflows

  • Stardock Fences — where it wins

    • Rule-based sorting organizes items by type, name, time, or location.
    • Folder Portals mirror folders directly on the desktop.
    • Supports tabs, Peek, customization, and multi-monitor layouts.

    Where it doesn't

    • Windows-only support excludes macOS and Linux users.
    • There is no free plan after the 30-day trial.
    • Object Desktop includes extra apps that may exceed a focused organizer’s needs.
  • Desktop Fences+9.0/10 · Free plan

    A broad, free workspace organizer for Windows desktops, with rules, profiles, and backups.

    Try Desktop Fences+Full verdict →
  • Stardock Fences8.9/10 · 30-day trial

    A focused Windows organizer with automatic sorting, portals, tabs, and multi-monitor support.

    Visit StardockFull verdict →

More comparisons

All desktop organization software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update