exa vs Starship: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between exa and Starship 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 need terminal tools features specifically
- • AI-powered terminal with natural language
- • Search files and run commands with plain English
Starship
The minimal, blazing-fast, and infinitely customizable prompt for any shell!
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.7/10 vs 7.3/10)
- • You need ide & code editors features specifically
- • A fast, customizable cross-shell prompt.
- • Built with Rust for speed and reliability.
| At a Glance |  exa |  Starship |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Terminal Tools | IDE & Code Editors |
Rating | 73/100 | 87/100 |
| Feature | exa | Starship |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 73 | 87 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsFile Management | IDE & Code EditorsTerminal Tools |
How exa and Starship Compare
exa
Modern replacement for ls
Free · 73/100 score
Starship
The minimal, blazing-fast, and infinitely customizable prompt for any shell!
Free · 87/100 score
exa is a terminal tools tool. Starship is in ide & code editors.
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. Starship: 87/100.
Go with: Starship
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Starship
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?
exa is a terminal tools tool. Starship is in ide & code editors. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Starship scores higher: 87/100 vs 73/100.
Key Takeaways
Starship
- Higher score: 87/100 vs 73
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
exa
- Better fit for terminal tools
The Bottom Line
Starship (87/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is exa or Starship better?
Starship scores 87/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are exa and Starship used for?
exa: Modern replacement for ls. Starship: The minimal, blazing-fast, and infinitely customizable prompt for any shell!.
What does exa cost vs Starship?
exa is completely free. Starship is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.