Software Alternatives & Startups

WindowGrid VS Openbox

Compare WindowGrid VS Openbox and see what are their differences

WindowGrid

Quickly and easily layout windows on a dynamic grid using just the mouse.

Rating
0 reviews
Openbox

Openbox is a highly configurable, next generation window manager with extensive standards support.

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, WindowGrid seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 7 times since March 2021.

social mentions
7 vs 0
Window Manager popularity
45% vs 55%
alternatives listed
91 vs 78

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

WindowGrid
O
Openbox
Website windowgrid.net openbox.org
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

WindowGrid 5 features
O
Openbox 5 features
  • Free to Use
    WindowGrid is available as a free tool, making it accessible for all users without any cost.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software provides an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, allowing users to quickly learn how to use the application.
  • Customizable Grid Layouts
    WindowGrid allows users to customize their grid layouts, providing flexibility in organizing and managing window positions.
  • Lightweight Application
    The tool is lightweight and does not consume significant system resources, making it a suitable choice for users with lower-end hardware.
  • Improved Productivity
    By simplifying window management, WindowGrid can help enhance productivity as users can efficiently organize their workspace.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited Features
    Compared to more robust window management tools, WindowGrid offers fewer features and customization options.
  • Windows-Only
    WindowGrid is only available for the Windows operating system, which limits its usability for Mac and Linux users.
  • No Frequent Updates
    The software does not receive updates regularly, which may result in compatibility issues with newer versions of Windows or lack of new features.
  • No Support for Multiple Displays
    WindowGrid has limited functionality when it comes to managing windows across multiple displays, which can be a drawback for users with multi-monitor setups.
  • No Customer Support
    The tool lacks formal customer support, which may make it difficult for users to resolve any issues they encounter while using the software.
  • Lightweight
    Openbox is a highly efficient window manager that requires minimal system resources, making it an excellent choice for older hardware or systems with limited resources.
  • Customizable
    Openbox offers extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor the look and feel of their desktop environment to their specific preferences.
  • Fast Performance
    Due to its lightweight nature, Openbox provides fast and responsive performance, resulting in quicker application launches and smoother overall desktop experience.
  • Comprehensive Keybindings
    Openbox supports complex keybindings, enabling power users to create efficient workflow setups through keyboard shortcuts.
  • Extensible
    Openbox can work seamlessly with other tools and additional software, allowing users to extend its capabilities with tools like panels, widgets, and additional plugins.

Possible disadvantages

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Openbox requires a more hands-on approach and can be challenging for beginners to set up and configure due to its extensive customization options.
  • Limited Out-of-the-box Features
    Unlike full desktop environments, Openbox does not come with many built-in features, requiring users to install and configure additional software to achieve a fully functional desktop.
  • No Desktop Icons by Default
    Openbox does not support desktop icons natively, so users need to rely on additional tools like 'xfdesktop' or 'pcmanfm' to add this functionality.
  • Minimalistic Appearance
    While some users appreciate the minimalistic look, others might find it too bare-bones compared to more feature-rich environments like GNOME or KDE.
  • Manual Configuration
    Most customizations in Openbox require editing configuration files manually, which can be time-consuming and error-prone for users unfamiliar with text-based configurations.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

WindowGrid
O
Openbox

Overall verdict

  • Overall, WindowGrid is well-regarded for its ease of use, simplicity, and ability to enhance workflow productivity. It is considered a good tool for users looking to optimize their screen real estate effectively.

Why this product is good

  • WindowGrid is a popular virtual desktop manager that offers users flexibility and efficiency in organizing their display space. Its intuitive drag-and-snap grid system makes managing multiple windows on large or multi-monitor setups straightforward. It is lightweight, doesn't consume much system resources, and provides a significant productivity boost for users who work with numerous applications simultaneously.

Recommended for

    WindowGrid is recommended for professionals, such as developers, designers, and anyone who requires efficient window management to improve their multitasking capabilities. It is also beneficial for users with large displays or multi-monitor setups who want to streamline their workspace.

Overall verdict

  • Openbox is a great choice for users seeking a lightweight and highly customizable window management solution. Its performance benefits on lower-end hardware and flexibility make it a valuable tool for power users and enthusiasts alike.

Why this product is good

  • Openbox is a highly configurable and lightweight window manager for the X Window System. It's known for its speed and simplicity, allowing users to control their desktop environment efficiently. It provides a blank canvas for users wanting to customize their workspace, making it ideal for those who prefer a minimalist setup or have limited system resources. The configuration is done through plain text files, offering flexibility for advanced users who wish to personalize their user experience meticulously.

Recommended for

  • Advanced users looking for customization options
  • Users with older or less powerful hardware
  • Minimalists who prefer a robust yet simplistic interface
  • Linux enthusiasts who enjoy configuring their desktop environment
  • Developers and programmers who want a distraction-free workspace

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

WindowGrid 1 video + Add
O
Openbox 6 videos + Add

WindowGrid: Fenster auf dem Desktop ausrichten

Get Rid Of That Bloated Desktop Environment And Install Openbox

More videos

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  • - Open Box Review (Bx8 M-Audio Speakers) #Openbox #SpeakerReview
  • - Openbox A1 - Review
  • - OPEN BOX - @ikmultimedia TONEX #fyp #opening #openbox #review #guitar

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
WindowGrid
O
Openbox
45% 45%
55% 55%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
100% 100%
0% 0%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

WindowGrid no reviews yet
O
Openbox no reviews yet

We have no reviews of WindowGrid yet. Be the first one to post

  • Top 10 Best Desktop Environments in 2020
    www.journaldev.com · Jan 2021

    People who’re deep into Linux, love Openbox’s simplicity. It’s extremely lightweight, and comes with only a text-based right-click menu that lists all your applications. The menu is customizable too, and you can add...

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

WindowGrid 7 mentions
O
Openbox 0 mentions
  • Looking for a specific window-managing software (macOS equivalent for a Windows app)
    On my Windows PC I am using Window Grid , which is my favorite way to manage windows, and would love a macOS equivalent. If you haven't used it, basically it adds a right click function only when you grab a window to move it - so... Source: over 3 years ago
  • Μικροπρογραμματα στον υπολογιστη για better experience
    Free: Search Everything (helps find files and stuff https://www.voidtools.com/ ) WizTree (you can see file sizes visually and helps you find stuff that take too much space.https://www.diskanalyzer.com/ ) EarThumpet (better volume... Source: over 4 years ago
  • alt + tab mouse click doesn't work on Win 11?
    Another approach that does not involve the Alt key is WindowGrid and of course there is Microsoft's own FancyZones PowerToy. Source: over 4 years ago

View more

Tracking Openbox since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to WindowGrid and Openbox

When comparing WindowGrid and Openbox, you can also consider the following products.