1
Reference Card
i3wm.org/docs/refcard.htmlAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
This i3 reference card lists keyboard shortcuts for common window manager actions.
Alternatives
The Best Desktop Environment Comparison Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives4 free · 6 open source
Looking for something like Desktop Environment Comparison? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 4 are free or have a free plan and 6 are open source.
About Desktop Environment Comparisoneylenburg.github.io/de_comparison.htm
VisitThis page compares desktop environments for Linux and Unix, with macOS and Windows included for reference.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionReference CardThis i3 reference card lists keyboard shortcuts for common…Free or freemium optionOpenRGBOpenRGB controls RGB lighting devices without relying on…Open source optionWearewaylandnowThis repository contains the source for…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reference Card | — | Not stated | Web, Windows |
| 2 | Wearewaylandnow | — | Yes | Linux |
| 3 | nwg-look | — | Yes | Linux |
| 4 | ExplorerPatcher | — | Yes | Windows |
| 5 | OpenRGB | Free | Not stated | Linux, macOS, Web |
| 6 | ScreenPlay | — | Not stated | Linux, Web, Windows |
| 7 | Pop!OS Shell | — | Yes | — |
| 8 | Ant | — | Yes | — |
| 9 | backiee | Freemium | Not stated | Web, Windows |
| 10 | Modern Style | Free | Not stated | macOS, Web, Windows |
All Desktop Environment Comparison alternatives
2
Also covers desktop customization and linux · open source
This repository contains the source for wearewaylandnow.com, an opinionated site about the Wayland desktop environment.
3
Also covers desktop customization and linux · open source
nwg-look edits GTK settings for desktop environments using the wlroots Wayland environment.
4
Also covers desktop customization · open source
ExplorerPatcher modifies the Windows environment, according to its project description.
5
Also covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website · free
OpenRGB controls RGB lighting devices without relying on manufacturer software.
6
ScreenPlay
screen-play.appAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
ScreenPlay provides live wallpapers, widgets, and screensavers through an open-source app for Windows and macOS.
7
Also covers desktop customization · open source
The Pop OS Shell project provides a shell interface for its Linux desktop environment.
8
Also covers desktop customization and linux · open source
Apply Ant, a flat visual theme for GNOME and other GTK-based desktop environments.
9
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website · free plan
backiee provides Windows wallpaper downloads, live wallpapers, and interactive widgets.
10
Also covers desktop customization and macos · same kind of website · free
Vin Star Theme offers third-party themes for Windows and some Windows software.
11
Desktops
deskto.psAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
deskto.ps is a gallery of annotated desktop screenshots shared by users.
12
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website · free
Dynamic Theme updates Windows wallpaper or lock screen images from Bing or Windows Spotlight.
13
Wallsync
wallsync.pages.devAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
WallSync indexes wallpaper sites for categories such as anime, minimalist, 4K, and live wallpapers.
14
WallSync
roigoatzzz.netlify.appAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
WallSync maintains a collection of wallpaper sites, including sources for anime, minimal, 4K, and live wallpapers.
15
WinClassic
winclassic.netAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
WinClassic hosts discussions about classic Windows themes, shell customization, and related modifications.
16
Also covers desktop customization · open source
Waybar provides a customizable status bar for Wayland compositors such as Sway and wlroots-based environments.
17
Polychromatic
polychromatic.appAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
Polychromatic manages RGB lighting peripherals on GNU/Linux through a front-end that supports OpenRazer.
18
wayscriber
wayscriber.comAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
wayscriber provides live screen annotation for Linux Wayland, with a drawing layer activated by a keybind.
19
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Awesome is a highly configurable and extensible window manager for X, described as fast and framework-based.
20
wallhaven.cc
wallhaven.ccAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
Browse, search, upload, and discuss wallpapers in the wallhaven.cc community collection.
21
Notcurses
nick-black.com/dankwiki/index.php/NotcursesAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
Build vibrant text user interfaces for modern terminal emulators with the Notcurses library.
22
HydraPaper
hydrapaper.gabmus.orgAlso covers desktop customization and linux · same kind of website
HydraPaper manages wallpaper collections and supports multi-monitor setups.
23
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Manage and synchronize dotfiles across multiple machines with chezmoi, which emphasizes secure handling.
24
Also covers desktop customization · same kind of website
dotfiles.github.io explains how dotfiles can help back up, restore, and synchronize preferences and settings.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
backiee24 alternativesChezmoi24 alternativesDynamic Theme24 alternativesawesomewm24 alternativesdotfiles24 alternativesExplorerPatcher24 alternatives
What is the best alternative to Desktop Environment Comparison?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to Desktop Environment Comparison are Reference Card, Wearewaylandnow, and nwg-look.
Is there a free alternative to Desktop Environment Comparison?
Yes. OpenRGB, backiee, and Modern Style are free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to Desktop Environment Comparison?
Yes: Wearewaylandnow, nwg-look, ExplorerPatcher, and Pop!OS Shell.
Alternatives are suggested from the purpose and features described in our listings. Different pages for the same product appear once. Read each description to check whether it fits your task. How we choose alternatives · Suggest an alternative