For years, the Windows command-line experience was defined by the classic Command Prompt (cmd.exe) and the more powerful PowerShell. With the arrival of the Windows Terminal, Microsoft delivered a modern, tabbed, and highly configurable open-source solution that has become the new standard.
However, as good as Windows Terminal is, the world of open-source software offers a diverse range of alternatives, each with unique features and philosophies. Whether you're looking for extreme performance, deep customization, or specific workflow integrations, there's a terminal emulator out there for you.
This guide explores the best open-source alternatives to the standard Windows Terminal, helping you find the perfect fit for your command-line needs.
Quick Recommendations
| Recommendation | Terminal | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| For the Default Modern Experience | Windows Terminal | microsoft.com/p/windows-terminal/9n0dx20hk701 |
| For Ultimate Cross-Platform Versatility | Tabby | tabby.sh |
| For Advanced Performance and Control | WezTerm | wezterm.org |
| For Simplicity and Raw Speed | Alacritty | alacritty.org |
| For a Beautiful and Extensible UI | Hyper | hyper.is |
| For a Fluent Design Experience | Fluent Terminal | github.com/felixse/FluentTerminal |
| For a Modern, Fast, and Feature-Rich Experience | Rio | raphamorim.io/rio |
Try them all with Winget:
winget install --id=Microsoft.WindowsTerminal --id=Tabby.Tabby --id=wez.wezterm --id=Alacritty.Alacritty --id=Hyper.Hyper --id=Felixse.FluentTerminal --id=RaphaelAmorim.Rio
Windows Terminal
As the official, modern replacement for the legacy console host, Windows Terminal is the baseline for a great command-line experience on Windows. It's developed by Microsoft, is fully open-source, and integrates seamlessly with PowerShell, Command Prompt, and Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
Key Features:
- Multi-Tab and Panes: Manage multiple shells in a single window with tabs and split panes.
- GPU Accelerated Rendering: Uses DirectX for fast and smooth text rendering.
- Rich Customization: Configure profiles, color schemes, and key bindings through a JSON file or the settings UI.
- Command Palette: Quickly access all available commands and settings.
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.
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.
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.
Alacritty
Alacritty is a cross-platform, GPU-accelerated terminal emulator that prioritizes simplicity and performance above all else. It's one of the fastest terminals available, making it a favorite among users who demand the lowest possible latency. Its configuration is managed through a simple YAML file.
Key Features:
- GPU-Based Rendering: Delivers exceptional performance and low latency.
- Minimalist Design: Focuses on being a fast and efficient terminal, not a feature-heavy application.
- Cross-Platform: Works consistently across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Vi Mode: Includes a built-in Vi mode for text selection and navigation.
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.
Fluent Terminal
Fluent Terminal is a terminal emulator built specifically for Windows, with a design that embraces Microsoft's Fluent Design System. It's built as a UWP application, ensuring it feels native and looks modern on Windows 10 and 11.
Key Features:
- Fluent Design: A modern UI that matches the look and feel of Windows.
- Tab and Split Panes: Supports multiple tabs and panes with a searchable command palette.
- Customizable: Supports custom themes, profiles, and key bindings.
- SSH Integration: Built-in support for SSH connections.
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 Windows Terminal is an excellent default, the open-source community provides a rich ecosystem of alternatives that cater to different needs. Whether you prioritize the raw speed of Alacritty, the all-in-one versatility of Tabby, or the deep customization of WezTerm, there is a terminal that can enhance your workflow on Windows. Experiment with a few to find the one that makes you most productive.