Head-to-head · Window Management Software
dwm vs IceWM
dwm leads on 0 checks, IceWM on 0, and 5 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 planonly dwm
dwm scores higher on our rubric for window management software: 8.9 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.
dwm is the better fit for linux, OpenBSD, or Solaris users wanting tiling. IceWM is the better fit for long-established Linux desktop users.
- dwm fits best
Linux, OpenBSD, or Solaris users wanting tiling
- IceWM fits best
Long-established Linux desktop users
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | dwm 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | IceWM 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #6 in Window Management Software | #7 in Window Management Software |
| Best for | Linux, OpenBSD, or Solaris users wanting tiling | Long-established Linux desktop users |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Open source |
| Free plan | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux | Linux |
| Features dwm 3/4 · IceWM 3/4 | ||
| Layout presets | — | Not checked yet |
| Application rules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Window grouping | ✓ | ✓ |
| Virtual desktop controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platforms | linux, openbsd, solaris | linux |
| Maximum displays | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| 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 → |
IceWM is a small, fast X11 window manager for Linux, distributed under the GNU LGPL. It is suited to solo users and small teams who want direct control over desktop windows rather than a full desktop environment. Keyboard and mouse… 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
IceWM — where it wins
- Per-window rules control placement, size, layers, visibility, and workspaces
- Configurable workspaces, shortcuts, themes, and focus modes
- RandR and Xinerama support multi-monitor desktop setups
Where it doesn't
- Designed for X11 rather than a broader desktop environment
- Documentation is the listed support channel
- Its scope is window management, not a full desktop suite
- dwm8.9/10 · Free plan
A focused tiling manager for users comfortable configuring and compiling source code.
Visit suckless.orgFull verdict → - IceWM8.8/10 · Open source
A focused Linux window manager with workspaces, rules, themes, and multi-monitor support.
Visit IceWMFull verdict →
More comparisons
- i3 vs dwm
- i3 vs IceWM
- Sway vs dwm
- Sway vs IceWM
- Hyprland vs dwm
- Hyprland vs IceWM
- awesome vs dwm
- awesome vs IceWM
All window management software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update