Extraterm vs Kitty: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Extraterm and Kitty 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: Kitty wins this matchup. Podman is our overall Terminal Tools pick. Podman is our free Terminal Tools pick. Pick Extraterm 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:
Extraterm
A powerful, open-source terminal emulator with advanced features for command-line users.
Best for you if:
- • You want open source with MIT license
- • You want feature-rich terminal experience
Kitty
The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users.
Best for you if:
- • You want fast GPU-accelerated terminal
- • You want built-in tabs, splits, multiplexing
| At a Glance | Extraterm | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Extraterm or Kitty?
Choose Extraterm if
A powerful, open-source terminal emulator with advanced features for command-line users.
- You want open source with MIT license
- You want feature-rich terminal experience
Choose Kitty if
The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users.
- You want fast GPU-accelerated terminal
- You want built-in tabs, splits, multiplexing
| Feature | Extraterm | Kitty |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Extraterm
A powerful, open-source terminal emulator with advanced features for command-line users.
Strengths
- +Open source with MIT license
- +Feature-rich terminal experience
- +Keyboard-friendly design
- +Cross-platform support (Linux, macOS, Windows)
- +Shell integration for enhanced workflows
Weaknesses
- -Currently in steady development, not yet 1.0 release
- -Occasional bugs may be present
- -Some features only in older Electron version (as noted on features page)
Key features
Kitty
The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users.
Kitty's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free and open-source.
Strengths
- +Fast GPU-accelerated terminal
- +Built-in tabs, splits, multiplexing
- +Image rendering support
- +Highly configurable
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Configuration file-based only
- -Documentation can be dense
- -Learning curve
- -Some compatibility issues
- -Font rendering varies
Key features
Pricing: Extraterm vs Kitty
| Plan | Extraterm | Kitty |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Extraterm pricing and Kitty pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Extraterm
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
Kitty
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Extraterm
- Choose if you want a powerful, open-source terminal emulator with advanced features for command-line users
The Bottom Line
Kitty wins this matchup. Podman is our overall Terminal Tools pick. Podman is our free Terminal Tools pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Extraterm or Kitty better?
Kitty is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Extraterm and Kitty used for?
Extraterm: A powerful, open-source terminal emulator with advanced features for command-line users.. Kitty: The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users..
What does Extraterm cost vs Kitty?
Extraterm is completely free. Kitty is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.