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Head-to-head · Window Management Software

dwm vs Qtile

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score dwm #6 in Window Management Software 8.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit suckless.org
Qtile #8 in Window Management Software 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit Qtile

dwm leads on 0 checks, Qtile on 1, and 4 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
  • Most featuresQtile · 4 of 4

dwm scores higher on our rubric for window management software: 8.9 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.

Qtile offers layout presets; dwm doesn't.

dwm is the better fit for linux, OpenBSD, or Solaris users wanting tiling. Qtile is the better fit for linux users who prefer Python configuration.

  • dwm fits best

    Linux, OpenBSD, or Solaris users wanting tiling

  • Qtile fits best

    Linux users who prefer Python configuration

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Side by side

Feature dwm 8.9/10 Visit ↗ Qtile 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.6
Ranking #6 in Window Management Software #8 in Window Management Software
Best for Linux, OpenBSD, or Solaris users wanting tiling Linux users who prefer Python configuration
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Linux Linux
Features dwm 3/4 · Qtile 4/4
Layout presets — ✓ (best)
Application rules ✓ ✓
Window grouping ✓ ✓
Virtual desktop controls ✓ ✓
Specs
Platforms linux, openbsd, solaris linux
Maximum displays Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • 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
  • Supports tiling and floating layouts on X11 and Wayland
  • Python configuration customizes layouts, widgets, commands, and bindings
  • Includes app rules, window groups, scratchpads, and remote control
Cons
  • 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
  • Requires comfort with Python configuration
  • Targets Linux desktop environments rather than multiple operating systems
  • Its programmable approach may be more than users seeking simple window controls need
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 →

Qtile is a free, open-source window manager for Linux users who want keyboard-driven organization and a programmable desktop. Its configuration is written in Python, so it suits people who prefer to customize their window behavior directly…

Read the review →
  1. dwmWindow Management Software 8.9Free plan
  2. QtileWindow Management Software 8.6Free plan

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

  • Qtile — where it wins

    • Supports tiling and floating layouts on X11 and Wayland
    • Python configuration customizes layouts, widgets, commands, and bindings
    • Includes app rules, window groups, scratchpads, and remote control

    Where it doesn't

    • Requires comfort with Python configuration
    • Targets Linux desktop environments rather than multiple operating systems
    • Its programmable approach may be more than users seeking simple window controls need

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