Head-to-head · Window Management Software
i3 vs Amethyst
i3 leads on 1 check, Amethyst on 0, 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 scorei3 · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresi3 · 4 of 4
i3 scores higher on our rubric for window management software: 9.4 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #10.
i3 offers window grouping; Amethyst doesn't.
i3 is the better fit for linux users wanting configurable tiling. Amethyst is the better fit for mac users wanting free tiling with custom layouts.
- i3 fits best
Linux users wanting configurable tiling
- Amethyst fits best
Mac users wanting free tiling with custom layouts
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Side by side
| Feature | i3 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Amethyst 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #1 in Window Management Software | #10 in Window Management Software |
| Best for | Linux users wanting configurable 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 |
| Features i3 4/4 · Amethyst 3/4 | ||
| Layout presets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Application rules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Window grouping | ✓ (best) | — |
| Virtual desktop controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platforms | linux | macos |
| Maximum displays | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | i3 is a free, open-source tiling window manager for X11, aimed primarily at advanced users and developers. It arranges windows in a tree structure and offers horizontal and vertical splits, stacking and tabbed containers, plus floating and… 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
i3 — where it wins
- Switch among tiling, stacking, tabbed, floating, and fullscreen layouts
- Assign workspaces to screens and windows to workspaces or outputs
- Save and restore workspace or output layouts with JSON files
Where it doesn't
- Aimed primarily at advanced users and developers
- Designed for X11 rather than a broad range of desktop platforms
- Requires configuration to define bindings, app rules, and workspace behavior
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
- i39.4/10 · Free plan
A configurable X11 window manager for Linux users who want precise tiling and workspace control.
Visit i3Full 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