XMonad review
A free, open-source Linux window manager for keyboard-driven, Haskell-configurable layouts.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
XMonad is a dynamically tiling window manager for X11, written and configured in Haskell. It is aimed at Linux users who want predictable, keyboard-driven control and are comfortable shaping their desktop through configuration. Windows can be tiled automatically or managed as floating, tabbed, or decorated windows, while virtual workspaces provide separate spaces for different tasks. Its open-source distribution makes it a no-cost option for people who want control over how their desktop is arranged rather than a fixed set of defaults.
The defining trade-off is configuration depth. Layouts are expressed in Haskell, can differ by workspace, and can be reloaded while the window manager is running. The xmonad-contrib extension library adds another route to tailoring behavior. That flexibility suits users willing to edit configuration and explore companion modules; it is less appropriate for someone seeking a point-and-click setup or a small set of preset layouts. Keyboard-driven control is central to the design, so users who prefer managing windows primarily with a mouse may find the approach less fitting.
XMonad supports multiple monitors through Xinerama, and it can work alongside tools including dmenu, rofi, xmobar, polybar, trayer, and stalonetray. It is distributed for Unix-like systems through operating-system package repositories and source installation, while its documented platform focus is Linux. Choose it if Haskell-based customization, workspace-specific layouts, and extensibility matter more than a graphical configuration experience. Look elsewhere if you need a window manager for another platform or want setup and layout changes without editing code.
XMonad pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Configurable Haskell layouts can vary by virtual workspace.
- Supports floating, tabbed, decorated, and automatically tiled windows.
- Reload configuration on the fly; extend it with xmonad-contrib.
- Where it doesn't
- Configuration in Haskell is a poor fit for users who want a graphical editor.
- Designed for X11, not a general-purpose window manager across platforms.
- Multi-monitor support relies on Xinerama.
XMonad fact sheet, pricing and score →
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