The default Terminal.app on macOS is a reliable and capable tool, but for developers and power users who prefer open-source software, it often leaves much to be desired. Its feature set is basic, and it lacks the advanced customization and quality-of-life features found in many third-party alternatives. If you're looking to upgrade your command-line experience with an open-source tool, you're in the right place.
This guide explores the best open-source alternatives to Terminal.app, helping you choose the right terminal for your workflow.
Quick Recommendations
| Recommendation | Terminal | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| For Ultimate Cross-Platform Versatility | Tabby | tabby.sh |
| For Power Users Who Love Customization | Kitty | sw.kovidgoyal.net/kitty |
| For Advanced Performance and Control | WezTerm | wezterm.org |
| For a Beautiful and Extensible UI | Hyper | hyper.is |
| For a Fast, Native, and GPU-Accelerated Experience | Ghostty | ghostty.org |
| For a Modern, Fast, and Feature-Rich Experience | Rio | raphamorim.io/rio |
Try them all:
brew install --cask tabby kitty wezterm hyper ghostty rio
Tabby
Tabby (formerly Terminus) is a highly configurable, cross-platform terminal emulator that excels in connectivity and versatility. It's not just a local shell; it also includes an integrated SSH and Telnet client, making it a great all-in-one solution for system administrators and developers who work with remote servers. Its open-source nature and extensive customization make it a reliable and powerful choice.
Key Features:
- Integrated SSH Client: Save and manage SSH connections with ease.
- Multi-Pane Nesting: Split your terminal into nested panes.
- PowerShell, WSL, Git Bash, and Cygwin support.
- Highly Customizable: Features themes, color schemes, and a plugin store.
Kitty
Kitty is another fast, GPU-accelerated terminal emulator packed with features for power users. It's designed for keyboard-driven workflows and offers extensive capabilities, including tiling multiple terminal windows, tabs, and its own powerful scripting framework ("kittens").
Key Features:
- GPU-Based Rendering: Ensures smooth, low-latency performance.
- Tiling and Layouts: Manage multiple terminal sessions effortlessly with various tiling layouts.
- Scriptable with "Kittens": Extend its functionality with small terminal programs written in Python.
- True Color and Font Ligatures: Supports modern font features for a better-looking terminal.
WezTerm
WezTerm is a powerful, GPU-accelerated terminal emulator and multiplexer written in Rust. It's highly configurable using Lua, allowing for deep customization of its appearance and behavior. It's a fantastic option for users who want a blend of modern performance and extensive control.
Key Features:
- GPU Accelerated: Provides a fluid and responsive experience.
- Configured in Lua: Offers powerful scripting capabilities for customization.
- Built-in Multiplexer: Supports splitting panes and tabs without needing an external tool like tmux.
- Excellent Font Handling: Supports ligatures, fallback, and advanced shaping.
Hyper
Hyper is a beautiful and extensible terminal built on web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). It's a great choice for web developers who want a terminal that feels familiar and looks great. Its entire ecosystem is built around plugins, allowing you to tailor the experience to your exact needs.
Key Features:
- Built with Web Tech: Easy to customize for anyone familiar with CSS and JavaScript.
- Massive Plugin Ecosystem: Add features like themes, tabs, and integrations with a simple command.
- Beautiful UI: Aesthetically pleasing and modern design out of the box.
- Cross-Platform: Consistent experience across macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Ghostty
Ghostty is a fast, feature-rich, and cross-platform terminal emulator designed for Linux and macOS, with Windows support planned. It stands out by offering a native user interface (UI) experience on each platform and leveraging GPU acceleration for smooth performance. It's built with modern technologies like Zig and Swift, ensuring a responsive and efficient terminal experience.
Key Features:
- GPU Accelerated: Utilizes OpenGL (Linux) and Metal (macOS) for high-performance rendering.
- Native UI: Provides an idiomatic user experience on each platform.
- Windows, Tabs, and Splits: Supports flexible window management with native UI components.
- Rich Customization: Offers extensive theming, font support (ligatures, variable fonts, Nerd Fonts), and key binding customization.
- Image Display: Supports the Kitty graphics protocol for displaying images directly in the terminal.
Rio
Rio is a modern, high-performance, cross-platform terminal emulator built with Rust. It focuses on speed and advanced rendering capabilities, making it a great choice for users who want a fast and feature-rich terminal.
Key Features:
- Hardware Acceleration: Utilizes the GPU for fast execution and rendering.
- True Color and Image Support: Supports 24-bit true color and can display images using various protocols.
- Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and FreeBSD.
- Vi Mode and Hyperlinks: Includes features for advanced text editing and navigation.
Conclusion
While the default Terminal.app is a functional tool, the world of open-source third-party terminal emulators offers a wealth of features to enhance your productivity and customize your workflow. With a wide range of alternatives available, each with its own strengths, you're sure to find a terminal that fits your needs perfectly. Whether you prioritize speed, customization, cross-platform compatibility, or a native experience, there's an option out there for you.