Skip to content
whatismyalternative

i3

Do What I Mean. Good Docs. Clean Code.

Visit i3

i3 is a tiling window manager written from scratch for GNU/Linux and BSD, using libxcb rather than Xlib. It arranges windows in a tree structure, supports multi-monitor setups with workspaces assigned to virtual screens, and provides vim-like modes with different keybindings for different tasks. The project is free and open source under the BSD license and is primarily aimed at advanced users and developers.

i3 includes an IPC interface that lets other programs subscribe to events and send commands, UTF-8 support, and documentation covering both usage and the window manager's internal workings. The project emphasizes readable, well-documented code and maintains stability by limiting new features unless they clearly justify added complexity. The latest version listed is 4.25.1.

12 alternatives to i3

Ranked by how well each tool replaces i3: shared features, audience, price and popularity.

  1. Gentoo Linux

    A flexible, source-based Linux distribution

    Covers 1 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free planOpen source
    57 out of 100 matchContact sales

  2. Qubes OS

    A reasonably secure operating system

    Covers 1 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free planOpen source
    56 out of 100 matchFree

  3. Debian

    A free operating system built by a volunteer association of individuals, distributed as a

    Covers 1 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free planOpen source
    55 out of 100 matchContact sales

  4. MAME

    Multi-purpose emulation framework for preserving software history.

    Covers 1 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free planOpen source
    54 out of 100 matchContact sales

  5. smxi.org

    System administration and hardware information tools for Linux

    Covers 1 of 15 key features.

    Open source
    53 out of 100 matchFree

  6. VICE

    The Versatile Commodore Emulator

    Covers 1 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free planOpen source
    53 out of 100 matchContact sales

  7. Xubuntu

    Smooth experience

    Covers 1 of 15 key features.

    Open source
    53 out of 100 match—

  8. MacPorts

    The MacPorts Project is an open-source community initiative to design an easy-to-use, easy

    Covers 1 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free planOpen source
    53 out of 100 matchFree

  9. Oracle VirtualBox

    Powerful open source virtualization for personal and enterprise use

    Covers 1 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free planOpen source
    53 out of 100 matchContact sales

  10. Alpine Linux

    Small. Simple. Secure.

    Covers 1 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free planOpen source
    52 out of 100 matchFree

  11. Solus

    The Personal OS for Personal Computers

    Covers 1 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free planOpen source
    52 out of 100 matchFree

  12. DietPi

    Minimal Debian OS optimised for single-board computers

    Covers 1 of 15 key features and has a free plan.

    Free planOpen source
    52 out of 100 matchFree