Glances Monitor vs htop: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Glances Monitor and htop 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: htop is our overall pick for terminal tools workflows. Pick Glances Monitor if you need monitoring.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Glances Monitor
Monitor your system's performance and resources across platforms with a glance.
Best for you if:
- • You need monitoring features specifically
- • Real-time, cross-platform system monitoring tool.
- • Provides detailed insights into CPU, memory, disk, network, and processes.
htop
An interactive, cross-platform process viewer for console and X terminals.
Best for you if:
- • You need terminal tools features specifically
- • Interactive process viewer for system monitoring.
- • Cross-platform support for various Unix-like systems.
| At a Glance |  htop | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Monitoring | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 4.4/5 | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Glances Monitor or htop?
Choose Glances Monitor if
Monitor your system's performance and resources across platforms with a glance.
- Comprehensive system monitoring in a single tool
- Cross-platform support for diverse environments
- Built-in web UI for remote access and monitoring
- Your work is monitoring-shaped, not terminal tools-shaped
Choose htop if
An interactive, cross-platform process viewer for console and X terminals.
- More user-friendly and interactive than 'top'
- Provides a clear visual overview of system resources
- Supports a wide range of operating systems
- Your work is terminal tools-shaped, not monitoring-shaped
| Feature | Glances Monitor | htop |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 34 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | MonitoringTerminal Tools | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Glances Monitor
Monitor your system's performance and resources across platforms with a glance.
Strengths
- +Comprehensive system monitoring in a single tool
- +Cross-platform support for diverse environments
- +Built-in web UI for remote access and monitoring
- +Extensible with API and various data export options
- +Supports container monitoring (Docker, Podman)
Weaknesses
- -Requires Python installation
- -Terminal-based interface might be less intuitive for some users
Key features
htop
An interactive, cross-platform process viewer for console and X terminals.
Strengths
- +More user-friendly and interactive than 'top'
- +Provides a clear visual overview of system resources
- +Supports a wide range of operating systems
- +Allows direct process manipulation
- +Open-source and free to use
Weaknesses
- -Requires ncurses library
- -Primarily a command-line tool, may not appeal to GUI-only users
Key features
Pricing: Glances Monitor vs htop
| Plan | Glances Monitor | htop |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Glances | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Glances Monitor pricing and htop pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Glances Monitor
Want the highest-rated option?
Glances Monitor is rated 4.4/5. htop has no ratings yet.
Go with: Glances Monitor
Value user reviews?
Glances Monitor: 34 reviews (4.4/5). htop: no ratings yet.
Go with: Glances Monitor
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?
Glances Monitor is a monitoring tool. htop is in terminal tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Glances Monitor is rated 4.4/5; htop has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
htop
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Glances Monitor
- Better fit for monitoring
The Bottom Line
htop is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glances Monitor or htop better?
htop is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Glances Monitor and htop used for?
Glances Monitor: Monitor your system's performance and resources across platforms with a glance.. htop: An interactive, cross-platform process viewer for console and X terminals..
What does Glances Monitor cost vs htop?
Glances Monitor is completely free. htop is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.