Alacritty vs iTerm2: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Alacritty and iTerm2 comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated May 2, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Alacritty
GPU-accelerated terminal
Best for you if:
- 0
- • GPU-accelerated terminal
- • Cross-platform support
iTerm2
Terminal emulator for macOS
Best for you if:
- 0
- • The definitive terminal replacement for Mac, free and open source
- • Powerful split panes, search, and session management
| At a Glance |  Alacritty |  iTerm2 |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | — | — |
| Feature | Alacritty | iTerm2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Terminal Tools | Terminal ToolsAutomation |
How Alacritty and iTerm2 Compare
Alacritty
GPU-accelerated terminal
Free
iTerm2
Terminal emulator for macOS
Free
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Alacritty
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Alacritty
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Alacritty
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are free. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are terminal tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
Alacritty
- 0
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
iTerm2
The Bottom Line
Alacritty is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alacritty or iTerm2 better?
Alacritty is rated high in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Alacritty and iTerm2 used for?
Alacritty: GPU-accelerated terminal. iTerm2: Terminal emulator for macOS.
What does Alacritty cost vs iTerm2?
Alacritty is completely free. iTerm2 is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.