Head-to-head · Window Management Software
Qtile vs bug.n
Qtile leads on 1 check, bug.n 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 scoreQtile · 8.6/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresQtile · 4 of 4
Qtile scores higher on our rubric for window management software: 8.6 against 7.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #8 and #20.
Qtile offers window grouping; bug.n doesn't.
Qtile is the better fit for linux users who prefer Python configuration. bug.n is the better fit for windows users wanting free tiling and saved sessions.
- Qtile fits best
Linux users who prefer Python configuration
- bug.n fits best
Windows users wanting free tiling and saved sessions
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Side by side
| Feature | Qtile 8.6/10 Visit ↗ | bug.n 7.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.6 | 7.4 |
| Ranking | #8 in Window Management Software | #20 in Window Management Software |
| Best for | Linux users who prefer Python configuration | Windows users wanting free tiling and saved sessions |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux | Windows |
| Features Qtile 4/4 · bug.n 3/4 | ||
| Layout presets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Application rules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Window grouping | ✓ (best) | — |
| Virtual desktop controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Platforms | linux | windows |
| Maximum displays | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
bug.n is an open-source tiling window manager add-on for the Windows Explorer shell. It automatically resizes and positions windows, with tile, monocle, and floating modes. Its combination of configurable layouts, tagged views for virtual… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
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
bug.n — where it wins
- Switch between tile, monocle, and floating layouts.
- Manage windows across virtual desktops and multiple monitors.
- Save monitor, view, layout, and window state between sessions.
Where it doesn't
- Stable v9 is no longer actively maintained.
- Runs on Windows only.
- Window groups are not supported.
- Qtile8.6/10 · Free plan
A free, programmable Linux window manager for users comfortable configuring in Python.
Visit QtileFull verdict → - bug.n7.4/10 · Free plan
Free window tiling with customizable layouts, app rules, and saved sessions.
Visit bug.nFull 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