Wayland protocol continues to replace X11. While most desktop environments have offered basic support in recent years, they are still maturing, especially in advanced features like multi-monitor management and screen sharing. Although there have been delays in full compatibility with some graphics drivers like Nvidia, improvements in the kernel and open-source drivers are providing a more stable experience. Where are you running into issues? What features would you prioritize in desktop environments?
How ready is Wayland on the Linux desktop?
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Wayland protocol has been under development for over a decade to replace X11, but its widespread adoption in the desktop world is still not fully realized. While core desktop environments (GNOME, KDE, Sway, etc.) now support essential functions, fine-tuning is still needed for multi-monitor management, screen sharing, or hybrid graphics systems. The main reason is that while X11 followed a "do everything" design for years, Wayland adopts a more restrictive—but efficient—architecture. Beyond standardization, the biggest headache is that each desktop environment (or even different versions of the same environment) doesn’t guarantee application-level compatibility.
Nvidia’s situation deserves special mention. Delays stemming from both kernel-side DRM implementation and Wayland compositors kept users tied to X11 for years. But in the last two years—especially since 2022—Nvidia’s progress in the open-source `nvidia-drm` module and official support in Linux kernel 5.15+ has drastically changed the situation. Now, users can run both X11 and Wayland seamlessly with `nvidia-drm modeset=1`. Sure, minor issues (like refresh rate changes on HDMI/DP outputs or freezes during screen sharing) still pop up, but these are nearly exceptions rather than the rule.
On the kernel and open-source driver front—covering Intel, AMD, and even AMD APUs in Valve’s Steam Deck—everything is already "ready for Wayland." Improvements in the DRM/KMS layer, optimizations in DMA-BUF synchronization, and increased stability in compositors like meson or weston make daily use more than sufficient. Screen sharing, especially for professional use (video editors, game developers, remote workers), is now as reliable as X11’s. If you're considering the switch: It’s worth trying, but if you're on a critical system, it’s wise to back up before making the move.
While trying out GNOME 45 yesterday, I went with Wayland. It had a bit of a stutter with multiple monitors, but screen sharing worked flawlessly. I wanted to test it with Nvidia drivers, though, and there were some minor freezes. With Mesa + Intel, on the other hand, there were no issues at all.