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dmenu vs Winstep Nexus Dock

dmenu

tools.suckless.org

Winstep Nexus Dock

winstep.net

Side by side

FiguredmenuWinstep Nexus Dock
Price fromFreeFree
Free planYesYes
Free trial—Yes
Open sourceYes—
Windows—Yes
macOSYes—
LinuxYes—
Self-hostedYes—
Plans published13
Spec score · App Launcher Software8.7 (#5)7.5 (#23)
Spec score · App Launchers8.6 (#7)7.6 (#22)
Spec score · App launchers8.6 (#7)7.9 (#16)
CustomizationThe dmenu site links to a patches collection with contributed modifications.Nexus supports themes, configurable behaviors, animated icons, visual effects and skins from major third-party docks.
Purposedmenu is a dynamic menu for X that manages large numbers of user-defined menu items efficiently.Nexus provides one-click access to frequently used applications, folders, documents and commands from a customizable Windows dock.
SupportThe suckless community page identifies the dev mailing list as a place for dmenu users, development discussion, bug reports, and general discussion.Winstep lists technical support by email and via its forums, and says to use the forums if email receives no reply within 48 hours.

Plans

dmenu

  • dmenuFree

dmenu pricing →

Winstep Nexus Dock

  • NexusFree
  • Nexus commercial license$12.95, paid once
  • Nexus Ultimate$29.95, paid once

Winstep Nexus Dock pricing →

In their own words

dmenu

dmenu is a free dynamic menu for X that handles large sets of user-defined menu items and can launch commands. It runs on Linux and was originally designed for the dwm window manager. Community scripts apply it to tasks such as browsing directories, managing clipboard contents, accessing passwords, and controlling music; contributed modifications are available in a patches collection. The project provides a browsable source repository and a Git clone command. Building requires Xlib header files, and the README describes building and installing with `make clean install`, with files placed in the `/usr/local` namespace by default. The listed release is dmenu 5.4, dated 2025-08-09. Its source uses the MIT/X Consortium License, which permits use, copying, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale of copies subject to its conditions, while disclaiming warranties. The suckless dev mailing list is identified as a venue for user questions, development discussion, bug reports, and general discussion.

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Winstep Nexus Dock

Winstep Nexus Dock is a customizable Windows dock for opening frequently used applications, folders, documents and commands. It can show running applications, replace the taskbar and display system tray icons. Built-in modules include a clock, Recycle Bin, email checker, weather and CPU, RAM and network meters. Nexus Ultimate adds multiple docks, sub-docks, shelves, drawers, Grid Stacks, Launch Pads and additional modules. Customization options include themes, configurable behavior, animated icons, visual effects and skins from major third-party docks. Nexus supports Windows UWP apps and Progressive Web Apps from Chrome, Brave and Microsoft Edge. Listed system requirements include Windows 7, 8, 10 or 11, 120 MB of free disk space and a minimum 800×600 screen resolution; ARM Windows devices are supported. The free Nexus plan is for personal use and allows one alarm. A commercial license costs $12.95 as a one-time purchase, and Nexus Ultimate costs $29.95, paid once. The Ultimate purchase page lists a fully functional 30-day trial.

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