niri
niri is a free, open-source Wayland compositor for Linux, licensed under GPL-3.0.
What niri is
niri is a free, open-source Wayland compositor for Linux, licensed under GPL-3.0. It arranges windows in columns along an infinite strip, and opening another window does not resize those already open. Workspaces are dynamic, arranged vertically, and independent for each monitor. Features include an overview, built-in screenshot interface, window tabs, configurable layouts, animations, and touchpad and mouse gestures. Configuration can reload while niri is running. Monitor and window screencasting works through portals and PipeWire, with an option to block selected windows from casts. For X11 applications, it integrates with xwayland-satellite, which can start when an X11 client connects. The project says it works with screen readers and supports touchscreens, but touchscreen gestures are not yet supported. Niri is not a complete desktop environment; DankMaterialShell and Noctalia are listed as compatible desktop shells. The project describes it as stable for day-to-day use. Installation options include distribution packages and building from source. Matrix is the main channel for questions, and a community Discord server is also linked.
Good
- Opening a window does not resize existing windows.
- Each monitor has an independent set of workspaces.
- Includes screenshot UI and screencasting support.
- Configuration can reload while niri is running.
- Works with screen readers.
Watch out
- It is not a complete desktop environment.
- Touchscreen gestures are not supported yet.
- Untrusted clients require a sandbox with specified restrictions.
Who it suits
niri suits Linux users who want a scrollable-tiling Wayland compositor with per-monitor workspaces and configurable layouts. It is not a complete desktop environment, so users seeking one will need a compatible shell.
Verdict
niri offers a distinct column-based window layout and a range of compositor features for Linux. Keep in mind that it is one part of a desktop setup, and touchscreen gestures are not available.
Plans and prices
From niri's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Open-source Wayland compositor · GPL-3.0 |
The facts
Each one read from niri's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Accessibility
- The project says niri works with screen readers.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Desktop shells
- The project lists DankMaterialShell and Noctalia as desktop shells that support niri, and says niri itself is not a complete desktop environment.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Features
- Features include an overview, built-in screenshot UI, window tabs, touchpad and mouse gestures, configurable layouts, animations, and live-reloading configuration.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The getting-started guide lists distribution packages and building from source as installation options.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- Niri integrates with xwayland-satellite to run X11 applications, spawning it on demand when an X11 client connects.checked 7 Oct 2026
- License
- The GitHub repository identifies the project license as GPL-3.0.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Notable limitation
- The project says niri supports touchscreens but does not yet support touchscreen gestures.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Product
- niri is a scrollable-tiling Wayland compositor.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Screencasting
- Niri supports monitor and window screencasting through portals and PipeWire, and can block selected windows from casts.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Security
- The security guide says untrusted clients need a sandbox that removes niri's IPC socket, blocks host D-Bus access, and uses a filtered Wayland socket; it names Flatpak as one suitable sandbox.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Stability
- The project describes niri as stable for day-to-day use and says it does most things expected of a Wayland compositor.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project identifies its Matrix chat as the main communication channel for questions and also links a community Discord server.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Window layout
- Windows are arranged in columns on an infinite strip, and opening a window does not resize existing windows.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Workspaces
- Workspaces are dynamic and arranged vertically, with an independent set for each monitor.checked 7 Oct 2026
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