John’s Background Switcher vs Linux Wallpaper Engine
John’s Background Switcher
johnsad.venturesLinux Wallpaper Engine
github.comSide by side
| Figure | John’s Background Switcher | Linux Wallpaper Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Spec score · Desktop Wallpaper Software | 8.1 (#9) | 7.4 (#21) |
| Purpose | The app periodically changes a Windows or Mac desktop background to photos or photo montages. | An open-source implementation that runs animated Wallpaper Engine backgrounds on Linux desktops. |
Plans
John’s Background Switcher
- WindowsFree
- Mac direct$7.99, paid once
- Mac App Store$8.99, paid once
In their own words
John’s Background Switcher
John’s Background Switcher changes a Windows or Mac desktop background on a schedule, using individual photos or assembled montages and collages. Its image sources include local photos and services such as Flickr, SmugMug, Unsplash, Pixabay, Dropbox, OneDrive, Vladstudio, Immich, and Media RSS feeds, though availability varies by platform. Windows also lists Pexels, Last.fm, and Wallhaven. On Mac, it can manage multiple monitors, showing the same or different images on each, or using a single monitor. Mac switching intervals range from every 10 seconds to 7 days, with grayscale, sepia, and desaturation effects. Windows support starts at Windows 10 and requires Microsoft.NET 4.8; the setup wizard can install that dependency. The maker says settings and authentication tokens are stored locally, photo services are contacted directly, and cached photo results are kept for no more than two days. Windows is free at free. Mac direct costs 7.99 USD once, and Mac App Store costs 8.99 USD once.
Linux Wallpaper Engine
Linux Wallpaper Engine has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.