Desktop Environment Comparison
eylenburg.github.io/de_comparison.htmThis page compares desktop environments for Linux and Unix, with macOS and Windows included for reference.
Looking for something like Desktops? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 5 are free or have a free plan.
deskto.ps is a gallery of annotated desktop screenshots shared by users.
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Desktop Environment Comparison | — | Not stated | Linux, macOS, Web |
| 2 | OpenRGB | Free | Not stated | Linux, macOS, Web |
| 3 | backiee | Freemium | Not stated | Web, Windows |
| 4 | OpenRazer | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 5 | Polychromatic | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 6 | wallhaven.cc | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 7 | Wallsync | — | Not stated | Linux, Web, Windows |
| 8 | wayscriber | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 9 | WallSync | — | Not stated | Linux, Web, Windows |
| 10 | ScreenPlay | — | Not stated | Linux, Web, Windows |
This page compares desktop environments for Linux and Unix, with macOS and Windows included for reference.
OpenRGB controls RGB lighting devices without relying on manufacturer software.
backiee provides Windows wallpaper downloads, live wallpapers, and interactive widgets.
OpenRazer provides Linux drivers and a user-space daemon for controlling Razer peripherals.
Polychromatic manages RGB lighting peripherals on GNU/Linux through a front-end that supports OpenRazer.
Browse, search, upload, and discuss wallpapers in the wallhaven.cc community collection.
WallSync indexes wallpaper sites for categories such as anime, minimalist, 4K, and live wallpapers.
wayscriber provides live screen annotation for Linux Wayland, with a drawing layer activated by a keybind.
WallSync maintains a collection of wallpaper sites, including sources for anime, minimal, 4K, and live wallpapers.
ScreenPlay provides live wallpapers, widgets, and screensavers through an open-source app for Windows and macOS.
Build vibrant text user interfaces for modern terminal emulators with the Notcurses library.
HydraPaper manages wallpaper collections and supports multi-monitor setups.
Manage and synchronize dotfiles across multiple machines with chezmoi, which emphasizes secure handling.
Awesome is a highly configurable and extensible window manager for X, described as fast and framework-based.
dotfiles.github.io explains how dotfiles can help back up, restore, and synchronize preferences and settings.
Dynamic Theme updates Windows wallpaper or lock screen images from Bing or Windows Spotlight.
WinClassic hosts discussions about classic Windows themes, shell customization, and related modifications.
This guide tracks Wayland support and lists alternative applications for common desktop tasks, such as launchers and screenshot tools.
Vin Star Theme offers third-party themes for Windows and some Windows software.
Frutiger Aero Archive collects wallpapers, videos, icons, and historical material about the Frutiger Aero aesthetic.
Basic Apple Guy shares Apple wallpapers, reviews, and merchandise through its site.
Basic Apple Guy’s Haberdashery shares wallpapers, icons, and other digital extras.
Hyprland provides dynamic tiling and Wayland features through a compositor with plugin support.
MechaKeys simulates mechanical keyboard sounds on a desktop, with free and paid sound packs.
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