i3 vs awesome : Which is Better?

i3 icon

i3

i3 is a tiling window manager, completely written from scratch. The target platforms are GNU/Linux and BSD operating systems, our code is Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) under the BSD license. i3 is primarily targeted at advanced users and developers.

License: Open Source

Categories: OS & Utilities

Apps available for Linux BSD

VS
VS
awesome icon

awesome

awesome is a highly configurable, next generation framework window manager for X.

License: Open Source

Categories: OS & Utilities

Apps available for Linux BSD

i3 VS awesome

i3 and Awesome are both powerful tiling window managers, but they cater to different user preferences. i3 is known for its simplicity and ease of use, making it suitable for users who prefer a minimalistic approach, while Awesome provides extensive customization through Lua scripting, appealing to advanced users looking for a highly tailored environment.

i3

Pros:

  • Lightweight and efficient
  • Highly configurable
  • Good documentation
  • Extensive community support
  • Dynamic tiling feature
  • Easy to use keyboard shortcuts
  • Multi-monitor support
  • Good performance
  • Flexible window management
  • Compatible with various desktop environments

Cons:

  • Steep learning curve for beginners
  • Limited graphical configuration tools
  • Less visually appealing
  • May require additional tools for advanced features
  • Not as feature-rich as some alternatives
  • Minimalistic approach may not suit everyone
  • Less control over window decoration
  • No built-in widgets or system tray
  • Requires manual configuration for advanced setups
  • Limited support for non-X11 systems

awesome

Pros:

  • Highly customizable
  • Lua-based configuration
  • Powerful widget system
  • Great for advanced users
  • Dynamic tiling support
  • Supports multiple layouts
  • Flexible and extensible
  • Good performance
  • Active community
  • Integration with other tools

Cons:

  • Lua scripting can be complex
  • May overwhelm beginners
  • Configuration can be daunting
  • More resource-intensive than i3
  • Initial setup can be time-consuming
  • Less straightforward than some alternatives
  • Requires knowledge of Lua for customization
  • Not as beginner-friendly
  • May have compatibility issues with some applications
  • Performance may degrade with too many widgets

Compare i3

vs
Compare Fluxbox and i3 and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare Openbox and i3 and decide which is most suitable for you.