Head-to-head · Window Management Software
komorebi vs niri
komorebi leads on 0 checks, niri 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 scorekomorebi · 8.3/10
- Free planboth
- Most featureskomorebi · 3 of 4
komorebi scores higher on our rubric for window management software: 8.3 against 7.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #11 and #16.
komorebi is the better fit for windows and Mac users needing flexible tiling. niri is the better fit for linux users who like scrollable tiling.
- komorebi fits best
Windows and Mac users needing flexible tiling
- niri fits best
Linux users who like scrollable tiling
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Side by side
| Feature | komorebi 8.3/10 Visit ↗ | niri 7.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.3 | 7.8 |
| Ranking | #11 in Window Management Software | #16 in Window Management Software |
| Best for | Windows and Mac users needing flexible tiling | Linux users who like scrollable tiling |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $110/user/yr | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Linux |
| Integrations | 3 integrations | 2 integrations |
| Features komorebi 3/4 · niri 2/4 | ||
| Layout presets | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Application rules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Window grouping | Not checked yet | — |
| Virtual desktop controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | linux |
| Maximum displays | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
niri is a free, open-source Wayland compositor for Linux, designed for people who want a keyboard-driven tiling workflow organized around horizontally scrolling columns. Opening a new window adds to the arrangement rather than resizing… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
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
niri — where it wins
- Scrollable columns keep new windows from resizing existing ones.
- Monitor-specific workspaces, tabs, overview, and application window rules.
- Live-reloading configuration plus built-in screenshot and screencasting controls.
Where it doesn't
- Linux-only, and it does not provide a complete desktop environment.
- No documented named or persistent window groups.
- No documented reusable saved window-layout presets.
- komorebi8.3/10 · Free plan
A configurable, command-line window manager with free personal use and paid commercial licenses.
Visit komorebiFull verdict → - niri7.8/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source Linux compositor built around horizontally scrolling tiled columns.
Visit niriFull verdict →
All window management software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update