1
Also covers desktop customization and python · open source
liquidctl provides cross-platform command-line and Python drivers for liquid coolers and other devices.
Alternatives
The Best Qtile Alternatives in 2026
24 alternatives1 free · 11 open source
Looking for something like Qtile? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 1 are free or have a free plan and 11 are open source.
Configure Qtile with Python and use its full-featured tiling window manager for arranging windows.
Top picks at a glance
First suggestionLiquidCTLliquidctl provides cross-platform command-line and Python…Free or freemium optionOpenRGBOpenRGB controls RGB lighting devices without relying on…Another optionherbstluftwmherbstluftwm arranges windows through a manual tiling…
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LiquidCTL | — | Yes | — |
| 2 | herbstluftwm | — | Not stated | Web, Windows |
| 3 | OpenRGB | Free | Not stated | Linux, macOS, Web |
| 4 | Notcurses | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 5 | SuperPaper | — | Yes | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| 6 | NotCurses | — | Yes | — |
| 7 | Pokemon Terminal | — | Yes | — |
| 8 | Hardcode Tray | — | Not stated | Linux |
| 9 | Variety | — | Yes | Linux |
| 10 | gruvbox | — | Yes | — |
All Qtile alternatives
2
herbstluftwm
herbstluftwm.orgAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
herbstluftwm arranges windows through a manual tiling window manager for the X window system.
3
Also covers desktop customization and python · same kind of website · free
OpenRGB controls RGB lighting devices without relying on manufacturer software.
4
Notcurses
nick-black.com/dankwiki/index.php/NotcursesAlso covers desktop customization and python · same kind of website
Build vibrant text user interfaces for modern terminal emulators with the Notcurses library.
5
Also covers desktop customization and python · open source
Superpaper manages wallpapers across multiple monitors on Linux and Windows, with partial support for macOS.
6
Also covers desktop customization and python · open source
Build terminal user interfaces with Notcurses, a library for character-based graphics in modern terminals.
7
Also covers desktop customization and python · open source
Pokemon-Terminal provides Pokémon-themed terminal themes, with topics listing shells and terminals including Bash and iTerm2.
8
Hardcode Tray
github.com/bilelmoussaoui/Hardcode-TrayAlso covers desktop customization and python
Hardcode-Tray detects hardcoded Linux tray icons and replaces them with icons from the selected theme, with an option to revert.
9
Also covers desktop customization and python · open source
Variety automatically downloads and rotates wallpapers on Linux systems.
10
Also covers desktop customization and python · open source
Retro groove color scheme for Vim with light and dark mode switching.
11
Also covers desktop customization and python · open source
Hidamari lets Linux users set videos as wallpaper backgrounds on their desktop.
12
Window Manager Index
wiki.archlinux.org/title/Window_managerAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
The ArchWiki explains window managers and links to a comparison of tiling window managers.
13
xmonad
xmonad.orgAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
xmonad provides a dynamically tiling window manager for X11, written and configured in Haskell.
14
Also covers desktop customization · open source
These dotfiles configure Hyprland with a dynamic tiling setup for Arch Linux and Fedora.
15
WallsCloud
wallscloud.net/enAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
WallsCloud provides downloadable desktop and mobile wallpapers in Full HD, 4K, and higher resolutions.
16
Also covers desktop customization · open source
Arrange desktop windows as leaves in a binary tree with bspwm, a tiling window manager that responds to X events.
17
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.
18
Also covers desktop customization · open source
i3 is a tiling window manager for X11 with documented code and Xinerama support.
19
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.
20
dwm
dwm.suckless.orgAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Manage windows on X11 with dwm, a dynamic window manager from suckless.org with customization information.
21
Arch Wiki
wiki.archlinux.org/title/HyprlandAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Hyprland is a tiling Wayland compositor with dynamic tiling and a custom renderer, documented in the ArchWiki.
22
Extension Manager
mattjakeman.com/apps/extension-managerAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Extension Manager browses, installs, and manages GNOME Extensions, with search and extension details in the app.
23
Arch Wiki
wiki.archlinux.org/title/SwayAlso covers desktop customization · same kind of website
Sway is an i3-compatible tiling compositor for Wayland, documented in the ArchWiki.
24
Also covers desktop customization · open source
niri arranges windows in columns on a scrollable strip, with a separate strip for each monitor.
No alternatives match this filter.
Alternatives to similar tools
awesomewm24 alternativesHardcode Tray24 alternativesSuperPaper24 alternativesNotCurses24 alternativesPokemon Terminal24 alternativesWindow Manager Index24 alternatives
What is the best alternative to Qtile?
Based on features, tags and platforms, the closest alternatives to Qtile are LiquidCTL, herbstluftwm, and OpenRGB.
Is there a free alternative to Qtile?
Yes. OpenRGB is free or offer a free plan.
Are there open-source alternatives to Qtile?
Yes: LiquidCTL, SuperPaper, NotCurses, and Pokemon Terminal.
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