iTerm2 vs Alacritty: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between iTerm2 and Alacritty 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
iTerm2
Terminal emulator for macOS
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.4/10)
- • The definitive terminal replacement for Mac, free and open source
- • Powerful split panes, search, and session management
Alacritty
GPU-accelerated terminal
Best for you if:
- • GPU-accelerated terminal
- • Cross-platform support
| At a Glance |  iTerm2 |  Alacritty |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 89/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | iTerm2 | Alacritty |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 89 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsAutomation | Terminal Tools |
How iTerm2 and Alacritty Compare
iTerm2
Terminal emulator for macOS
Free · 89/100 score
Alacritty
GPU-accelerated terminal
Free · 84/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: iTerm2
Want the highest-rated option?
iTerm2: 89/100. Alacritty: 84/100.
Go with: iTerm2
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: iTerm2
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?
iTerm2 scores higher: 89/100 vs 84/100.
Key Takeaways
iTerm2
- Higher score: 89/100 vs 84
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Alacritty
The Bottom Line
iTerm2 (89/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iTerm2 or Alacritty better?
iTerm2 scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are iTerm2 and Alacritty used for?
iTerm2: Terminal emulator for macOS. Alacritty: GPU-accelerated terminal.
What does iTerm2 cost vs Alacritty?
iTerm2 is completely free. Alacritty is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.