Discover the Best Window Maker Alternatives for Your Desktop
Window Maker has long been celebrated for its speed, efficiency, and stability, faithfully reproducing the elegant look and feel of the NeXTstep GUI. Users appreciate its ease of configuration, thanks to tools like Wprefs, and its minimalist, high-performance environment supporting various image formats and dynamic menus. However, even the most beloved software sometimes prompts users to seek new horizons. Whether you're looking for a fresh aesthetic, different features, or broader community support, exploring a powerful Window Maker alternative can revitalize your desktop experience.
Top Window Maker Alternatives
If you're ready to explore desktop environments that offer a similar blend of performance and user-friendliness, or perhaps something entirely different, this curated list will guide you through the best alternatives to Window Maker.
Xfce
Xfce is a free and open-source desktop environment for Unix and Unix-like platforms, including Linux and BSD. It aims to be fast and lightweight while still being visually appealing and user-friendly, making it an excellent Window Maker alternative for those prioritizing performance and a modular system that's extensible by plugins.
GNOME
GNOME 3 offers an easy and elegant way to use your computer, designed to put you in control and get things done. As a free and open-source desktop environment for Linux and BSD, it provides an optimal performance and is highly extensible with various plugins and extensions, offering a more modern and feature-rich experience compared to Window Maker.
KDE Plasma
KDE Plasma is a versatile, cross-device work environment by the KDE Community, known for its extensive customization options. This free and open-source desktop environment, available on Linux, BSD, and postmarketOS, offers features like blurry transparency, full-text search, and is optimized for fast boot mode, making it a powerful and highly customizable Window Maker alternative.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a Linux desktop environment that blends advanced innovative features with a traditional user experience, similar to classic desktop layouts. As a free and open-source option for Linux and BSD, it focuses on providing a comfortable and familiar interface while still being modern and efficient, serving as a solid Window Maker alternative for those seeking a balance.
MATE
MATE is a fork of GNOME 2, catering to users who appreciate the traditional desktop experience that GNOME 3 moved away from. This free and open-source desktop environment is available on Linux, BSD, FreeBSD, OpenIndiana, and GhostBSD, making it an excellent Window Maker alternative for those who prefer a classic, stable, and familiar interface.
LXDE
The "Lightweight X11 Desktop Environment" (LXDE) is renowned for being extremely fast-performing and energy-saving. As a free and open-source desktop environment for Linux and BSD, LXDE focuses on efficiency and minimal resource usage, making it an ideal Window Maker alternative for older hardware or users who prioritize a lightweight X server environment.
Budgie
Budgie is the flagship desktop of the Solus OS, designed with the modern user in mind, focusing on simplicity and elegance. This free and open-source desktop environment for Linux provides a clean and straightforward user experience, offering a refreshing and contemporary Window Maker alternative for those seeking a minimalist yet visually appealing desktop.
LXQt
LXQt is the Qt port and the successor to LXDE, merging the lightweight philosophy with modern Qt technologies. As a free and open-source desktop environment for Linux and BSD, LXQt remains incredibly lightweight while offering an updated user experience, making it an excellent Window Maker alternative for those who desire a modern yet efficient X server environment.
Cairo Shell
Cairo Shell is a desktop environment specifically for Windows, aiming to increase productivity and advance current technology standards. As a free and open-source option, it offers extensive customization and supports multiple desktops, providing a unique and feature-rich Window Maker alternative for users on the Windows platform.
Openbox
Openbox is a highly configurable, next-generation window manager with extensive standards support. As a free and open-source option for Linux and BSD, Openbox offers a minimalist yet powerful experience, allowing users to build their desktop environment from the ground up. This makes it a fantastic Window Maker alternative for those who desire ultimate control and a truly lightweight setup without pre-defined features.
Ultimately, the best Window Maker alternative for you will depend on your specific needs, whether you prioritize a lightweight system, extensive customization, a traditional feel, or a modern aesthetic. Explore these options to find the perfect desktop environment to enhance your computing experience.