Head-to-head · Window Management Software
Sway vs Qtile
Sway leads on 0 checks, Qtile 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 scoreSway · 9.3/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresQtile · 4 of 4
Sway scores higher on our rubric for window management software: 9.3 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #8.
Sway is the better fit for linux users wanting an i3-compatible Wayland option. Qtile is the better fit for linux users who prefer Python configuration.
- Sway fits best
Linux users wanting an i3-compatible Wayland option
- Qtile fits best
Linux users who prefer Python configuration
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Side by side
| Feature | Sway 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Qtile 8.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.6 |
| Ranking | #2 in Window Management Software | #8 in Window Management Software |
| Best for | Linux users wanting an i3-compatible Wayland option | Linux users who prefer Python configuration |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux | Linux |
| Features Sway 2/4 · Qtile 4/4 | ||
| Layout presets | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Application rules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Window grouping | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| 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 | Sway is a tiling Wayland compositor for Linux, designed as a drop-in replacement for the i3 window manager. It is aimed at people who want to arrange application windows with keyboard-driven rules and workspaces rather than rely on a… Read the review → |
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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Sway — where it wins
- Offers tiling, stacked, tabbed, and floating layouts
- Places matched apps on chosen workspaces or outputs
- Supports i3 configurations and X11 apps through Xwayland
Where it doesn't
- Linux only, so it does not fit cross-platform setups
- Requires familiarity with window-manager configuration
- Not suited to users seeking a graphical window-management interface
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
- Sway9.3/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source Wayland compositor for configurable window layouts and i3 users.
Visit SwayFull verdict → - Qtile8.6/10 · Free plan
A free, programmable Linux window manager for users comfortable configuring in Python.
Visit QtileFull verdict →
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All window management software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update