exa vs delta: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between exa and delta 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.
Bottom line: delta wins this matchup. Podman is our overall Terminal Tools pick. Podman is our free Terminal Tools pick. Pick exa if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. 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
- • You want good for semantic search
delta
A syntax-highlighting pager for git, diff, and grep output.
Best for you if:
- • You want beautiful git diffs
- • You want syntax highlighting
| At a Glance | exa | delta |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose exa or delta?
Choose exa if
A modern, color-coded ls replacement with Git integration
- You want aI search API
- You want good for semantic search
Choose delta if
A syntax-highlighting pager for git, diff, and grep output.
- You want beautiful git diffs
- You want syntax highlighting
| Feature | exa | delta |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools |
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
- +AI search API
- +Good for semantic search
- +Active development
- +Good features
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Newer platform
- -Learning curve
- -Feature gaps
- -Per-query pricing
- -Still maturing
Key features
delta
A syntax-highlighting pager for git, diff, and grep output.
Delta is an open-source tool, making its 'Free' tier exceptionally generous as it offers full functionality without any cost.
Strengths
- +Beautiful git diffs
- +Syntax highlighting
- +Side-by-side view
- +Customizable
- +Fast and free
Weaknesses
- -Terminal only
- -Setup required
- -Learning curve
- -Config complexity
- -Not for everyone
Key features
Pricing: exa vs delta
| Plan | exa | delta |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on exa pricing and delta pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: exa
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
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 ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
delta
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
exa
- Choose if you want a modern, color-coded ls replacement with Git integration
The Bottom Line
delta wins this matchup. Podman is our overall Terminal Tools pick. Podman is our free Terminal Tools pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is exa or delta better?
delta is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are exa and delta used for?
exa: A modern, color-coded ls replacement with Git integration. delta: A syntax-highlighting pager for git, diff, and grep output..
What does exa cost vs delta?
exa is completely free. delta is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.