Backdrops vs Waypaper
Backdrops
backdrops.ccWaypaper
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Backdrops | Waypaper |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 11 | 1 |
| Spec score · Desktop Wallpaper Software | 9.4 (#1) | 8.0 (#10) |
| Self-hosting | The reviewed official pages provide no self-hosted or on-premises deployment option. | Waypaper is distributed as local Python software and the source code is publicly available on GitHub. |
| Support | The Google Play listing provides support at [email protected]. | The maintainer invites contributions and lists donations via cards/PayPal and several cryptocurrencies; no formal support service is stated. |
| What it does | Backdrops is a wallpaper app offering curated, regularly refreshed backgrounds for device screens. | Waypaper is a graphical wallpaper setter that fronts external wallpaper backends. |
Plans
Backdrops
- FreeFree
- Acid Pop Collection$1.99, paid once
- Animal Riot Collection$2.99, paid once
- Dunes Day Collection$2.99, paid once
- Lost in the Void Collection$2.99, paid once
- Optic Odysseys Collection$2.99, paid once
- Shades of Saturn Collection$2.99, paid once
- Synth Wavez Collection$2.99, paid once
- Backdrops Pro$4.99, paid once
- Backdrops Pro + Big Tip$6.99, paid once
In their own words
Backdrops
Backdrops is a wallpaper app with curated collections and new wallpapers added regularly. Its team creates original designs for Android devices, including exclusive artwork available in the app. Users can submit wallpapers, artwork, or photos for review and possible placement in the Community section. Wall of the Day highlights a newly created design or a selected favorite. Google sign-in can sync favorites across devices, and favorites can be paired with Muzei to rotate on a chosen schedule. The app is available for Android, iOS, and macOS. The free plan costs nothing and includes ads, with in-app purchases available. Backdrops Pro costs $4.99, paid once and removes ads, permits saving Explore wallpapers, and includes a Pro Pack of exclusive backgrounds and future Pro features. The terms say purchases are non-refundable and limit sharing Backdrops-owned Explore wallpapers outside the app; saved copies are for personal use. The Google Play listing warns that regular use may consume substantial data and that carrier or internet charges may apply.
Waypaper
Waypaper is a free graphical wallpaper setter for Linux window managers and macOS. It provides a single interface for backends such as swaybg, swww, awww, wallutils, hyprpaper, mpvpaper, gslapper, feh, xwallpaper, linux-wallpaperengine, and macOS. It supports multiple monitors and can restore a wallpaper when a window manager launches. The interface also offers Vim-style keyboard navigation, caching, a distraction-free Zen mode, post-change script hooks, and customizable CSS theming. Animated wallpaper support depends on the backend: selected backends handle GIFs, while mpvpaper, gslapper, or linux-wallpaperengine can provide video wallpapers. Waypaper needs at least one supported wallpaper backend installed to work. On Linux, installation options include pipx and packages or repositories for Arch-based distributions, NixOS, OpenSUSE, and Fedora. macOS setup requires GTK3 and PyGObject through Homebrew before Waypaper is installed with pipx. The repository identifies the project as GPL-3.0 licensed. Its documentation names Roman Anufriev as developer and says development began in 2023.