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Openbox

Free#18 of 65 in Window Management Software

Openbox: Openbox offers flexible window rules and virtual desktops in a free Linux window manager. Ranked #18 of 65 in Window Management Software by our editors (7.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux users wanting flexible desktop window rules.

7.6/10Editor score

Visit Openbox

Openbox7.6 Visit Openbox

At a glance

Editor score
7.6 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Linux users wanting flexible desktop window rules
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Facts checked
19 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Set per-application placement, sizing, decoration, and desktop rules
- Add or remove virtual desktops dynamically and cycle focus across them
- Run standalone or integrate with GNOME, KDE, and LXDE
Where it doesn't
- Designed for Linux systems using the X Window System
- Multiple-screen support relies on Xinerama or TwinView
- Its extensive configuration may not suit users seeking a simple graphical setup

Our verdict on Openbox

Openbox is a free, open-source window manager for Linux systems using the X Window System. It suits users who want to shape how windows behave rather than rely on default desktop window management. Mouse interactions and key bindings are configurable, and application-specific rules can control placement, sizing, decorations, and desktop assignment. Dynamic virtual desktops can be added or removed, with focus cycling across desktops.

Openbox has a flexible desktop-environment fit: it can run as a standalone session or replace the window manager in GNOME, KDE, or LXDE. It also supports multiple screens through Xinerama or TwinView. Themes and window decorations can be customized, while dynamic and cached pipe menus provide another way to organize access to commands. That combination makes it relevant to Linux users who want window behavior tailored to their workflow and who are comfortable configuring a window manager.

Openbox is distributed under the GNU General Public License and is available as source code and through Linux distributions. The official download page lists version 3.6.1. Its focus is window management rather than a complete desktop environment, so users seeking a turnkey graphical environment or a manager for platforms beyond Linux should look elsewhere. Choose Openbox for configurable rules, virtual desktops, and desktop-environment flexibility; skip it if minimal setup and an all-in-one desktop experience matter more.

Your product? Our editors can test Openbox in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Openbox pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on openbox.org

Openbox fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Platforms	linux
Maximum displays	Not verified
Layout presets	Not verified
Application rules	Yes
Window grouping	Not verified
Virtual desktop controls	Yes
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Linux
Integrations	3 integrations: GNOME, KDE, LXDE
Pricing	Free plan
Website	openbox.org
Facts checked	19 Sep 2026

Openbox integrations

Openbox lists 3 integrations on its own site.

GNOME
KDE
LXDE

Alternatives to Openbox

See all Openbox alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

Openbox is listed in our Window Management Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update