htop vs Bottom: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between htop and Bottom 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.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
htop
An interactive, cross-platform process viewer for console and X terminals.
Best for you if:
- • Interactive process viewer for system monitoring.
- • Cross-platform support for various Unix-like systems.
Bottom
A customizable cross-platform graphical process and system monitor for the terminal.
Best for you if:
- • Cross-platform graphical system and process monitor for the terminal.
- • Provides real-time visualization of CPU, RAM, network, disk, and processes.
| At a Glance |  htop |  Bottom |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose htop or Bottom?
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
Choose Bottom if
A customizable cross-platform graphical process and system monitor for the terminal.
- Provides a comprehensive graphical overview of system resources in the terminal.
- Highly customizable to suit individual preferences and workflows.
- Supports major operating systems (Linux, macOS, Windows).
| Feature | htop | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools | Terminal ToolsMonitoring |
In-Depth Analysis
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
Bottom
A customizable cross-platform graphical process and system monitor for the terminal.
Strengths
- +Provides a comprehensive graphical overview of system resources in the terminal.
- +Highly customizable to suit individual preferences and workflows.
- +Supports major operating systems (Linux, macOS, Windows).
- +Includes process management capabilities like killing processes and tree view.
- +Open-source and actively maintained.
Weaknesses
- -May require some initial setup for configuration and customization.
- -Unofficial support for some platforms may lead to limited features or bugs.
- -Terminal-based interface might not be preferred by all users compared to GUI tools.
Key features
Pricing: htop vs Bottom
| Plan | htop | Bottom |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Open Source |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on htop pricing and Bottom pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: htop
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
Bottom
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
htop
- Choose if you want an interactive, cross-platform process viewer for console and X terminals
The Bottom Line
Bottom is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is htop or Bottom better?
Bottom is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are htop and Bottom used for?
htop: An interactive, cross-platform process viewer for console and X terminals.. Bottom: A customizable cross-platform graphical process and system monitor for the terminal..
What does htop cost vs Bottom?
htop is completely free. Bottom is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.