Head-to-head · Window Management Software
i3 vs IceWM
i3 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 scorei3 · 9.4/10
- Free planonly i3
- Most featuresi3 · 4 of 4
i3 scores higher on our rubric for window management software: 9.4 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.
i3 is the better fit for linux users wanting configurable tiling. IceWM is the better fit for long-established Linux desktop users.
- i3 fits best
Linux users wanting configurable tiling
- IceWM fits best
Long-established Linux desktop users
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Side by side
| Feature | i3 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | IceWM 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #1 in Window Management Software | #7 in Window Management Software |
| Best for | Linux users wanting configurable 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 i3 4/4 · IceWM 3/4 | ||
| Layout presets | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Application rules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Window grouping | ✓ | ✓ |
| Virtual desktop controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platforms | linux | linux |
| 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 → |
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
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
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
- i39.4/10 · Free plan
A configurable X11 window manager for Linux users who want precise tiling and workspace control.
Visit i3Full verdict → - IceWM8.8/10 · Open source
A focused Linux window manager with workspaces, rules, themes, and multi-monitor support.
Visit IceWMFull 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