Variety
Variety: A free Linux wallpaper rotator with local, online and command-line controls. Ranked #25 of 34 in Desktop Wallpaper Software by our editors (6.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux users needing basic static rotation.
At a glance
- Editor score6.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux users needing basic static rotation
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Platform coverageLinux
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source with local and online image sources
- Timed rotation with favorites, rejection and organization controls
- Smart fitting, quotations, clock and command-line controls
Where it doesn't
- Linux-only desktop coverage
- No verified live-wallpaper capability
- Multi-monitor customization is limited
Our verdict on Variety
Variety is an open-source wallpaper manager for Linux systems, suited to users who want basic static wallpaper rotation without a paid plan. It can work with local image collections or download wallpapers from Wallhaven, Unsplash, Bing, Reddit and other sources. The product fits Linux desktop users who want control over image selection, timing and presentation rather than live or animated wallpaper features.
Its strongest area is wallpaper management. Variety rotates images at regular intervals and provides controls for favoriting, rejecting and organizing them. Display modes and image-dependent smart fitting help adapt wallpapers to the desktop, while optional quotations and a digital desktop clock add extra presentation choices. Tray or desktop-menu controls let users pause and resume wallpaper changes, and command-line controls support users who prefer terminal-based operation.
Variety is distributed through several Linux distributions, an Ubuntu PPA or source installation, giving Linux users multiple installation paths. The published positioning is focused on free, open-source desktop wallpaper management rather than a wider cross-platform ecosystem. The repository describes the project as being in maintenance mode, and multi-monitor workflows are limited, with an open issue requesting different wallpapers and settings per monitor. Users should choose Variety for free, timed static rotation on Linux with local and online sources. Those needing live wallpapers or more developed multi-monitor controls should choose another desktop wallpaper tool.
Your product? Our editors can test Variety in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Variety pricing
Variety fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Platform coverage | Linux |
| Live wallpapers | Not verified |
| Automatic rotation | Yes |
| Multi-monitor support | Not verified |
| Video wallpapers | Not verified |
| Interactive wallpapers | Not verified |
| Performance controls | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Variety
- Lively WallpaperA feature-rich free wallpaper app for Windows users who want animated, interactive desktops.9.3
- DesktopHutA capable free choice for Windows users who want flexible live wallpapers.9.2
- Wallpaper EngineA broad wallpaper platform for power users who want creation tools and control.9.1
See all Variety alternatives →
Used Variety? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Variety for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Variety is listed in our Desktop Wallpaper Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/variety/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/variety.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
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 · How we research and update