Head-to-head · Window Management Software
dwm vs Amethyst
dwm leads on 1 check, Amethyst on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoredwm · 8.9/10
- Free planboth
dwm scores higher on our rubric for window management software: 8.9 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #10.
Amethyst offers layout presets; dwm doesn't. dwm offers window grouping; Amethyst doesn't.
dwm is the better fit for linux, OpenBSD, or Solaris users wanting tiling. Amethyst is the better fit for mac users wanting free tiling with custom layouts.
- dwm fits best
Linux, OpenBSD, or Solaris users wanting tiling
- Amethyst fits best
Mac users wanting free tiling with custom layouts
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Side by side
| Feature | dwm 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | Amethyst 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #6 in Window Management Software | #10 in Window Management Software |
| Best for | Linux, OpenBSD, or Solaris users wanting tiling | Mac users wanting free tiling with custom layouts |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux | macOS |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 1 integrations |
| Features dwm 3/4 · Amethyst 3/4 | ||
| Layout presets | — | ✓ (best) |
| Application rules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Window grouping | ✓ (best) | — |
| Virtual desktop controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platforms | linux, openbsd, solaris | macos |
| Maximum displays | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | dwm is a lightweight dynamic window manager for the X Window System, aimed at Linux, OpenBSD, and Solaris users who want direct control over window placement. Its layouts cover tiled windows arranged in master and stacking areas, a monocle… Read the review → |
Amethyst automatically arranges application windows on macOS, making it a fit for people who want tiled layouts rather than manually positioning each window. Its free, open-source distribution includes built-in layouts such as Tall, Wide,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
dwm — where it wins
- Offers tiled, monocle, and freely movable floating layouts
- Uses tags, multi-tag views, and application-specific placement rules
- Supports Xinerama and RandR multi-monitor controls
Where it doesn't
- Configuration is compiled from source rather than changed in a settings interface
- Focused on X window management rather than a broad desktop suite
- Requires comfort building and customizing software
Amethyst — where it wins
- Built-in Tall, Wide, Fullscreen, Column, and BSP layouts
- App rules can assign applications to float or tile
- Move windows across screens and Spaces; customize layouts with JavaScript
Where it doesn't
- Available only for macOS 10.15 or later
- Configuration through YAML or JavaScript may require extra effort
- No window groups for organizing related windows
- dwm8.9/10 · Free plan
A focused tiling manager for users comfortable configuring and compiling source code.
Visit suckless.orgFull verdict → - Amethyst8.4/10 · Free plan
Automatic macOS tiling with configurable layouts, app rules, and keyboard shortcuts.
Visit AmethystFull verdict →
More comparisons
All window management software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update