Wayland is a project to define a protocol for a compositor to talk to its clients as well as a library implementation of the protocol.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source (MIT)
Application type
Platforms
- Linux
United States

Apps similar to X11 include Wayland, which is free and open source. Other options are Compiz, XLibre, Phoenix X server and XQuartz. In total there are six Window Managers like X11 for Linux and Mac.
Wayland is a project to define a protocol for a compositor to talk to its clients as well as a library implementation of the protocol.

Compiz is a compositing manager adding fancy effects to your windows, from drop shadows to awesome desktop effects like the Desktop Cube or the Expo view.



The XLibre contributors strive to cleanup and strengthen the existing code base while maintaining backward compatibility to make X11 a viable choice for the future. Another goal is to actively enhance the functionality of the Xserver and its drivers.


Phoenix is a new X server, written from scratch in Zig (not a fork of Xorg server). This X server is designed to be a modern alternative to the Xorg server.
This provides a windowing system for some applications that normally run on Linux, as well as for forwarding GUI from the server to your client computer.

The purpose of Mir is to enable the development of user interfaces shells. In the case of Ubuntu, Mir will be utilized by next generation Unity. In addition, Mir will be developed in a manner that will retain its flexibility and usability in order that shells other than Unity...