Why I Think i3wm is Better than More Modern Window Managers

In a world filled with glossy, feature-heavy desktop environments and advanced window managers, it may seem unusual to use i3wm — a minimalist, tiling window manager. But after years of using it, I can confidently say that i3wm is one of the best window managers out there, despite (or because of) its simplicity. Here’s why I believe i3wm surpasses many more modern window managers.

Simplicity and Control

Most modern window managers and desktop environments come packed with features. While that can be appealing at first, I often find that these added options end up getting in the way. i3wm, on the other hand, is all about simplicity. With a minimal interface and no extraneous widgets or animations, it provides a raw, distraction-free workspace.

i3wm puts you in control, and its simplicity is empowering. It’s a system where you decide how things work — not the window manager. By being straightforward and predictable, i3wm helps you stay focused and productive.

Efficiency with Keyboard-Driven Navigation

One of i3’s standout features is its focus on keyboard-driven navigation. Once you get familiar with the keybindings, you can control every aspect of your environment without ever touching the mouse. This makes i3wm incredibly efficient, especially when working on tasks that require constant window switching and multitasking.

The ability to split screens, resize panes, and organize windows instantly with just the keyboard gives i3wm an edge over other modern WMs where you still rely on dragging windows or using cumbersome shortcuts. In i3wm, every action is lightning fast, which contributes to a smoother workflow.

Customizability without Bloat

Many newer WMs provide a range of customization options, but they often feel bloated and unintuitive. i3wm keeps things straightforward: customization is done in a single configuration file. This file, typically located at ~/.config/i3/config, allows you to adjust keybindings, appearance, and behavior with ease.

The configuration file is simple enough to read at a glance, and you don’t need to dig through menus to find settings or use specialized tools. This approach avoids unnecessary layers and puts full control over the environment in the user’s hands without slowing the system down.

Low Resource Usage

i3wm is incredibly lightweight. With its minimal design, it doesn’t require a powerful system to run smoothly. It uses very little CPU and RAM compared to more modern WMs or desktop environments like GNOME or KDE, which have many background processes.

By minimizing resource usage, i3wm frees up system resources, allowing applications to perform better and making it ideal for older or low-spec hardware. Even on high-end systems, the efficiency means you can dedicate more resources to demanding applications, such as development environments, virtual machines, or gaming.

Encourages Productivity Through Tiling

One of i3wm’s core features is automatic tiling. Unlike stacking window managers, where you manually resize and arrange each window, i3wm automatically tiles windows across your workspace. This means that every window has its designated space and no overlap, helping reduce visual clutter and maximize screen real estate.

For tasks where multitasking is crucial, like coding, data analysis, or design, tiling windows make a noticeable difference. By removing the need to position each window manually, i3wm allows you to focus on your work instead of window arrangement.

A Community That Embraces Minimalism and DIY Solutions

The i3wm community is passionate about minimalism and efficiency, often sharing custom scripts and tips for making the most of the window manager’s simple, powerful design. Instead of relying on pre-built solutions, i3wm encourages users to create their own solutions for unique needs.

This fosters a mindset of self-sufficiency and creativity. If I want to add a specific feature, I can usually find a script or configuration tweak to implement it. This adaptability makes i3wm feel like a personal project, tailored exactly to my needs — a refreshing change from the rigid structures of more modern WMs.

Focus on Stability Over Shiny New Features

Many modern window managers frequently add new features, animations, and integrations that look appealing but can introduce bugs and crashes. i3wm, however, focuses on stability and reliability. It prioritizes solid functionality and doesn’t chase after trendy features. The result is a rock-solid experience that rarely, if ever, crashes.

When using i3wm, I feel confident that my workflow won’t be interrupted by unexpected issues. This reliability makes it ideal for power users who value consistency and uptime over having the latest visual effects.

i3wm may lack the bells and whistles of more modern window managers, but that’s precisely why I find it so effective. Its simplicity, keyboard-driven efficiency, low resource usage, and reliable tiling system allow me to focus on work rather than my desktop environment. While modern WMs might look impressive and offer tons of features, i3wm’s minimalist approach brings a level of control, productivity, and stability that’s hard to beat.