KWin is the window manager for the KDE Plasma Desktop.
Best Compiz Alternatives ranked by AI · updated May 2025
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Compiz is a compositing window manager that enables advanced desktop effects on Linux systems.
Top 6 Compiz alternatives
Mutter is the window manager for the GNOME desktop environment. It focuses on simplicity and performance.
Pros
- Simplistic design
- Lightweight
Cons
- Fewer visual effects
- Limited customization
XFWM is the window manager for the Xfce desktop environment. It provides a good balance between features and performance.
Pros
- Efficient resource usage
- Moderate customization options
Cons
- Fewer advanced visual effects
- Less modern look
Openbox is a highly configurable window manager for the X Window System. It is lightweight and customizable, making it ideal for users...
i3 is a tiling window manager designed for X11, inspired by wmii, and written in C. It is known for its efficiency,...
Wayfire is a customizable 3D Wayland compositor for Linux, built around wlroots and a plugin-based architecture. It targets users who want desktop...
Pros
- Plugin architecture enables effects and behavior beyond most tiling compositors
- Supports distinctive 3D effects such as the desktop cube and wobbly windows
- Uses Wayland and wlroots for a relatively lightweight desktop experience
Cons
- Smaller ecosystem and community than Hyprland, Sway, or KDE
- Requires more manual configuration than GNOME or KDE Plasma
- Some plugins and effects can require troubleshooting after compositor updates
Free, open source
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