SoftBestsiTerm2 alternatives
Compare 5 editor-reviewed alternatives to iTerm2 by price, platform, and the workflow each one fits.
Start with these
UnderratedOtty
A native, GPU-accelerated terminal with agent workflows, sessions, and previews built in.
UnderratedWezTerm
A GPU terminal and multiplexer in one binary, configured with Lua.
Alacritty
A minimal GPU-accelerated terminal that focuses on speed and stays out of the way.
All alternatives
| Tool | Best for | Platforms | Pricing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otty | Developers who live in the terminal and want agent sessions and previews without a full IDE. | macOS, Windows | Free | ↗ |
| WezTerm | Power users who want tabs, panes, and SSH multiplexing in one tool. | macOS, Linux, Windows | Open source | ↗ |
| Alacritty | Users who want the fastest possible terminal and configure everything in one YAML file. | macOS, Linux, Windows | Open source | ↗ |
| Kitty | Terminal-heavy developers who want speed, tabs, and layouts without an account or AI layer. | macOS, Linux | Open source | ↗ |
| Ghostty | People who want a modern terminal that behaves like a native Mac or Linux app. | macOS, Linux | Open source | ↗ |
How to choose
- Start with the platform you actually use. A native Mac editor and a browser IDE solve different problems.
- Match the workflow, not the feature list. If agents write most of your code, pick the tool whose agent loop you can supervise.
- Check the real price after the trial. One-time licenses and subscription tiers age very differently.
When staying with iTerm2 makes sense
If your main need is Mac users who live in the shell and want deep control without an account or subscription., switching may cost more than it saves. Keep the tool that already fits your extensions, shortcuts, and team setup.
Questions
What is the best alternative to iTerm2?
Otty is the closest fit for most people. It is followed by WezTerm and Alacritty in this comparison.
Are there free alternatives to iTerm2?
Yes. Otty, WezTerm, Alacritty, Kitty are free or have a usable free tier. Check the limits before you move a working project over.
How do I switch from iTerm2?
Install the alternative, import your settings and keybindings, and run one real project before you commit. Keep iTerm2 installed until the new tool handles your daily workflow.