Awesome review (2026): is it any good?
Lua-configurable framework window manager for X
Awesome report card
Fair · out of 4.0 · graded Nov 13, 2026
Best for scripting an X11 window manager in Lua
Awesome is a free window manager for X that you configure and extend in Lua. It needs Lua work to get far beyond the defaults, runs on X11 only, and its site still shows 4.3 as the stable docs version.
Who Awesome is for
- Fits if you run X11 and are happy to write Lua
- Works for power users who want fine-grained control of their desktop
Who Awesome is not for
- Skip it if you use Windows or macOS, as it does not run there
- Not for you if you are on Wayland, because it is X11 only
- Too light on defaults for anyone who will not write Lua
- Watch out: the site shows 4.3 as the stable docs and its page was last edited in 2022
Why Awesome gets a 2.4
Five grades, each with its reason. The GPA is their average: an A is 4 points, an F is none.
- AValue for moneyFree to download under GPLv2 with no paid edition.
- AFree plan and trialThe whole program is free to download and run, with no cap and no paid edition.
- CFeaturesTags, multi-monitor and EWMH support, but the listing says you need Lua configuration to get much beyond the defaults.
- DEase of useNo rating on record, and it is configured by writing Lua.
- DPlatforms and integrationsLinux on X11 only, with no other operating system and no integrations listed.
What these grades rest on. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from the Awesome project's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews. How we review and grade.
Make Awesome? Put this grade on your site
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<a href="https://toolgpa.com/tools/awesome#review"><img src="https://toolgpa.com/badge/awesome.svg" alt="Awesome: 2.4 GPA on ToolGPA" width="196" height="56"></a>Where Awesome stands among window managers and launchers
Awesome's GPA of 2.4 is higher than 11 of the 48 other window managers and launchers we grade, and level with 11.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 23 of 48) and worst on ease of use (D, above 0).
Awesome has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 1.3 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 49 window managers and launchers we grade, cut by the letter each got. Awesome’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 17 of 48, level with 31
- AFree plan and trialAbove 23 of 48, level with 25
- CFeaturesAbove 1 of 48, level with 33
- DEase of useAbove 0 of 48, level with 7
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 48, level with 34
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 29 window managers and launchers. Further left costs less, and higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Point at a dot to see which tool it is.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
Keep Awesome, or make your own?
Keep it
Awesome is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces. That makes this kind of software worth paying for, not this one in particular: 26 of the 48 other window managers and launchers grade higher.
What you could not
- Control over other apps' windows.
- A real app for Linux. Something home-made would be a web page.
- An API that other software can build on.
What this rests on. Awesome’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
What is Awesome?
Awesome is a window manager for X that is configured and extended in Lua. It uses tags instead of workspaces, supports multiple monitors through XRandR, and can be driven entirely from the keyboard. It is licensed under GPLv2.
Worth knowing
- X11 only; the project site shows 4.3 as the stable docs version and its page was last edited in 2022.
- Needs configuration in Lua to get much beyond the defaults.
Key features
- Lua configuration
- A documented API lets you define the window manager's behavior in Lua.
- Tags
- Uses tags rather than workspaces, so a window can sit on several tags at once.
- Multi-monitor
- Supports multiple screens through XRandR, with per-screen tags.
- Keyboard operation
- Everything can be done from the keyboard.
- Freedesktop standards
- Implements EWMH, XDG Base Directory, XEmbed, notifications and system tray.
Awesome pricing
As of Nov 13, 2026, Awesome is free to use.
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- None
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Free software; the project publishes its source and lists no paid edition. |
Read from awesomewm.org on Nov 13, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with Awesome before you buy.
Awesome alternatives
- Awesome vs i3
Free
- Awesome vs Sway
Free
Common questions
Does Awesome have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Awesome is listed for Linux.
Does Awesome have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. Awesome is listed for Linux.
Is Awesome open source?
Yes. Awesome is open source, according to its own site.
Does Awesome have an API?
Yes. Awesome offers a public API, according to its own site.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Nov 13, 2026.