exa vs Oh My Zsh: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between exa and Oh My Zsh 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 February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
exa
Modern replacement for ls
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (7.3/10 vs 7.1/10)
- • AI-powered terminal with natural language
- • Search files and run commands with plain English
Oh My Zsh
A delightful, open source, community-driven framework for managing your Zsh configuration.
Best for you if:
- • Open-source framework for managing Zsh configuration.
- • Bundles over 300 plugins and 150 themes to enhance terminal experience.
| At a Glance |  exa |  Oh My Zsh |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 73/100 | 71/100 |
| Feature | exa | Oh My Zsh |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 73 | 71 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsFile Management | Terminal ToolsAutomation |
How exa and Oh My Zsh Compare
exa
Modern replacement for ls
Free · 73/100 score
Oh My Zsh
A delightful, open source, community-driven framework for managing your Zsh configuration.
Free · 71/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: exa
Want the highest-rated option?
exa: 73/100. Oh My Zsh: 71/100.
Go with: exa
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: exa
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?
exa scores higher: 73/100 vs 71/100.
Key Takeaways
exa
- Higher score: 73/100 vs 71
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Oh My Zsh
The Bottom Line
exa (73/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is exa or Oh My Zsh better?
exa scores 73/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are exa and Oh My Zsh used for?
exa: Modern replacement for ls. Oh My Zsh: A delightful, open source, community-driven framework for managing your Zsh configuration..
What does exa cost vs Oh My Zsh?
exa is completely free. Oh My Zsh is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.