Ghostty vs iTerm2: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Ghostty and iTerm2 side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, iTerm2 leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Ghostty
A GPU-accelerated terminal emulator designed for speed and modern features.
Best for you if:
- • You want exceptional performance due to GPU rendering
iTerm2
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
Best for you if:
- • You want free and powerful
| At a Glance | Ghostty | iTerm2 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free 100% free |
Category | Terminal Tools Developer Tools | Developer Tools Terminal Tools |
Rating | 4.1/5 G2 4.1 39 reviews | 4.7/5 G2 4.7 51 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Ghostty or iTerm2?
Choose Ghostty if
- You want exceptional performance due to GPU rendering
- You want smooth and responsive user experience
- You work in terminal tools, not developer tools
Choose iTerm2 if
- You want free and powerful
- You want split panes
- You work in developer tools, not terminal tools
In-Depth Analysis
Ghostty
A GPU-accelerated terminal emulator designed for speed and modern features.
Strengths
- Pro: Exceptional performance due to GPU rendering
- Pro: Smooth and responsive user experience
- Pro: Modern design and underlying architecture
- Pro: Potentially better handling of complex terminal outputs
Weaknesses
- Con: May require a capable GPU for optimal performance
- Con: Newer project, so feature set might be less mature than established emulators
Key features
iTerm2
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
iTerm2 is an incredibly generous offering, being completely free and open-source.
Strengths
- Pro: Free and powerful
- Pro: Split panes
- Pro: Highly customizable
Weaknesses
- Con: macOS only
- Con: Can be overwhelming
Key features
Key Takeaways
Ghostty
- Choose if you want a GPU-accelerated terminal emulator designed for speed and modern features
iTerm2
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 4.1/5
What the data shows
On the data below, iTerm2 leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- iTerm2 has the higher user rating (4.1/5 from 39 reviews for Ghostty, 4.7/5 from 51 reviews for iTerm2).
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Ghostty and iTerm2 compare in 2026?
On the data below, iTerm2 leads on higher user rating. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. iTerm2 has the higher user rating (4.1/5 from 39 reviews for Ghostty, 4.7/5 from 51 reviews for iTerm2). Both have a free plan.
What are Ghostty and iTerm2 used for?
Ghostty: A GPU-accelerated terminal emulator designed for speed and modern features. iTerm2: The macOS terminal replacement for power users.
What does Ghostty cost vs iTerm2?
Ghostty is free. iTerm2 is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 7, 2026.
What's the main difference between Ghostty and iTerm2?
Ghostty's main strength: exceptional performance due to GPU rendering. iTerm2's main strength: free and powerful.