iTerm2 alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave iTerm2: macOS only, and settings are vast and hard to navigate. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces iTerm2, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Ghostty currently ranks first.
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Show all 6 alternativesThe best iTerm2 alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best iTerm2 alternative for most people
GhosttyNative macOS UI with GPU rendering and a much simpler config, for people who want speed.
Best iTerm2 alternative for a free option
kittyFast GPU terminal with its own layouts, graphics protocol and Python extensions.
Best iTerm2 alternative for a free plan you can upgrade
WarpModern blocks-based terminal with built-in AI agents and command editing.
Best iTerm2 alternative for open source
WezTermCross-platform terminal with a built-in multiplexer, configured in Lua.
Best iTerm2 alternative for Mac
AlacrittyMinimal and very fast, for people who pair a terminal with tmux.
Best iTerm2 alternative for Windows
WarpModern blocks-based terminal with built-in AI agents and command editing.
Best iTerm2 alternative for Linux
GhosttyNative macOS UI with GPU rendering and a much simpler config, for people who want speed.
iTerm2 alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to iTerm2?
Ghostty ranks first right now. Native macOS UI with GPU rendering and a much simpler config, for people who want speed. Warp and kitty follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to iTerm2?
Yes. Ghostty (open source), Warp (free plan + paid), kitty (open source) and WezTerm (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to iTerm2?
Yes: Ghostty, Warp, kitty and WezTerm, plus 2 more in the list above.
Which iTerm2 alternatives work on Linux?
Ghostty, Warp, kitty, WezTerm and Alacritty run on Linux.
Why do people switch from iTerm2?
The complaints we hear most: macOS only; settings are vast and hard to navigate; slower than GPU-first terminals on heavy output.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces iTerm2, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.