eza vs exa: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between eza and exa 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: exa wins this matchup. Our overall Terminal Tools pick is Visual Studio Code. Our free Terminal Tools pick is Visual Studio Code. Pick eza 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:
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
- • You want improved user experience with better defaults and visual cues
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
| At a Glance | eza | exa |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose eza or exa?
Choose eza if
A modern, feature-rich command-line file lister for Unix and Linux systems.
- You want more feature-rich than the traditional 'ls' command
- You want improved user experience with better defaults and visual cues
Choose exa if
A modern, color-coded ls replacement with Git integration
- You want aI search API
- You want good for semantic search
| Feature | eza | exa |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
eza
A modern, feature-rich command-line file lister for Unix and Linux systems.
Strengths
- +More feature-rich than the traditional 'ls' command
- +Improved user experience with better defaults and visual cues
- +Fast and lightweight due to being written in Rust
- +Actively maintained with ongoing bug fixes and improvements
- +Wide availability across various operating systems and package managers
Weaknesses
- -Requires installation as it's not a default system utility
- -Command-line options are similar but not identical to 'ls', requiring a slight learning curve for some users
Key features
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
Pricing: eza vs exa
| Plan | eza | exa |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on eza pricing and exa pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: eza
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
exa
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
eza
- Choose if you want a modern, feature-rich command-line file lister for Unix and Linux systems
The Bottom Line
exa wins this matchup. Our overall Terminal Tools pick is Visual Studio Code. Our free Terminal Tools pick is Visual Studio Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eza or exa better?
exa is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are eza and exa used for?
eza: A modern, feature-rich command-line file lister for Unix and Linux systems.. exa: A modern, color-coded ls replacement with Git integration.
What does eza cost vs exa?
eza is completely free. exa is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.