i3 vs komorebi

i39.4Visit komorebi8.3Visit

Higher score i3 #1 in Window Management Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit i3

vs

komorebi #11 in Window Management Software 8.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit komorebi

• i3 fits best

  Linux users wanting configurable tiling

• komorebi fits best

  Windows and Mac users needing flexible tiling

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Side by side

Feature	i3 9.4/10 Visit ↗	komorebi 8.3/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	8.3
Ranking	#1 in Window Management Software	#11 in Window Management Software
Best for	Linux users wanting configurable tiling	Windows and Mac users needing flexible tiling
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	$110/user/yr
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Linux	Windows, macOS
Features i3 4/4 · komorebi 3/4
Layout presets	✓	✓
Application rules	✓	✓
Window grouping	✓ (best)	Not checked yet
Virtual desktop controls	✓	✓
Specs
Platforms	linux	Windows, macOS
Maximum displays	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	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	Offers BSP, columns, rows, stacks, grid, and scrolling layouts Applies placement and floating rules based on app executable, title, or class Supports monitor-specific workspaces and command-line control
Cons	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	Keyboard input requires external hotkey software Commercial use requires a recurring individual license Configuration-driven controls may not suit users seeking a graphical setup
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 →	komorebi is a configuration-driven tiling window manager for Windows and macOS. It is suited to people who want control over window placement, workspaces, and monitor-specific arrangements rather than relying only on manual resizing.… 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

• komorebi — where it wins

  • Offers BSP, columns, rows, stacks, grid, and scrolling layouts
  • Applies placement and floating rules based on app executable, title, or class
  • Supports monitor-specific workspaces and command-line control

  Where it doesn't

  • Keyboard input requires external hotkey software
  • Commercial use requires a recurring individual license
  • Configuration-driven controls may not suit users seeking a graphical setup

• i39.4/10 · Free plan

  A configurable X11 window manager for Linux users who want precise tiling and workspace control.

  Visit i3Full verdict →
• komorebi8.3/10 · Free plan

  A configurable, command-line window manager with free personal use and paid commercial licenses.

  Visit komorebiFull verdict →