Openbox vs i3 : Which is Better?

Openbox icon

Openbox

Openbox is a free, stacking window manager for the X Window System, licensed under the GNU General Public License. Developed by Dana Jansens

License: Open Source

Categories: OS & Utilities

Apps available for Linux BSD

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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

Openbox VS i3

i3 is a tiling window manager designed for keyboard-centric users, offering efficient window management and extensive customization, while Openbox is a stacking window manager that is user-friendly, with better mouse support and easier configuration. i3 is ideal for users who need advanced window management features, whereas Openbox caters to those looking for a simple and efficient desktop experience.

Openbox

Pros:

  • User-friendly and easier to set up
  • Great mouse support and stacking features
  • Good for casual users and desktop environments
  • Highly customizable through themes
  • Lightweight and fast
  • Excellent for general desktop usage
  • Allows for easy manipulation of windows
  • Widely used with various desktop environments
  • Good default configurations
  • Supports floating windows easily

Cons:

  • Lacks tiling support
  • May not be efficient for advanced users
  • Can become cluttered with many open windows
  • Less optimal for multi-tasking
  • Customization can be limited compared to i3
  • Not as efficient with keyboard shortcuts
  • Less suitable for programming environments
  • Performance may vary on low-end machines
  • Less extensibility compared to i3
  • May require additional setup for advanced features

i3

Pros:

  • Highly efficient tiling window management
  • Low resource usage
  • Great for keyboard-centric users
  • Highly customizable through configuration
  • Strong community support
  • Good for programming and technical tasks
  • Dynamic window management capabilities
  • Supports multiple monitors effectively
  • Extensive scripting options
  • Suitable for advanced users

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve for new users
  • Less intuitive for mouse users
  • Limited support for stacking windows
  • Requires manual configuration
  • Not suitable for users who prefer visual management
  • Can be overwhelming for beginners
  • Less suitable for casual usage
  • Limited built-in theme options
  • Requires familiarity with keyboard shortcuts
  • Not ideal for touch-based interfaces

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