exa vs eza: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for exa and eza side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
exa
A modern, color-coded ls replacement with Git integration
Best for you if:
- • You want AI search API
eza
A modern, feature-rich command-line file lister for Unix and Linux systems.
Best for you if:
- • You want more feature-rich than the traditional 'ls' command
| At a Glance | exa | eza |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free 100% free |
Category | Terminal Tools Developer Tools | Terminal Tools File Management |
Rating | n/a | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose exa or eza?
Choose exa if
- You want AI search API
- You want good for semantic search
Choose eza if
- You want more feature-rich than the traditional 'ls' command
- You want improved user experience with better defaults and visual cues
In-Depth Analysis
exa
A modern, color-coded ls replacement with Git integration
The pricing for exa is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free and open-source.
Strengths
- Pro: AI search API
- Pro: Good for semantic search
- Pro: Active development
- Pro: Good features
- Pro: Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- Con: Newer platform
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Feature gaps
- Con: Per-query pricing
- Con: Still maturing
Key features
eza
A modern, feature-rich command-line file lister for Unix and Linux systems.
Strengths
- Pro: More feature-rich than the traditional 'ls' command
- Pro: Improved user experience with better defaults and visual cues
- Pro: Fast and lightweight due to being written in Rust
- Pro: Actively maintained with ongoing bug fixes and improvements
- Pro: Wide availability across various operating systems and package managers
Weaknesses
- Con: Requires installation as it's not a default system utility
- Con: Command-line options are similar but not identical to 'ls', requiring a slight learning curve for some users
Key features
Plans and prices: exa vs eza
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| exa |
| the.exa.website read Oct 8, 2026 |
| eza | No plan prices on file | eza.rocks |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on exa pricing and eza pricing.
Key Takeaways
exa
- Choose if you want a modern, color-coded ls replacement with Git integration
eza
- Choose if you want a modern, feature-rich command-line file lister for Unix and Linux systems
What the data shows
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do exa and eza compare in 2026?
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair. Both have a free plan.
What are exa and eza used for?
exa: A modern, color-coded ls replacement with Git integration. eza: A modern, feature-rich command-line file lister for Unix and Linux systems.
What does exa cost vs eza?
exa is free. eza is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 8, 2026.
What's the main difference between exa and eza?
exa's main strength: AI search API. eza's main strength: more feature-rich than the traditional 'ls' command.