iTerm2 vs Kitty: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between iTerm2 and Kitty 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:
iTerm2
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
Best for you if:
- • The definitive terminal replacement for Mac, free and open source
- • Powerful split panes, search, and session management
Kitty
The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users.
Best for you if:
- • Fast, GPU-accelerated terminal emulator for high performance.
- • Feature-rich with graphics, ligatures, emojis, and advanced window management.
| At a Glance |  iTerm2 | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | Free |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Choose iTerm2 or Kitty?
Choose iTerm2 if
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
- Free and powerful
- Split panes
- Highly customizable
Choose Kitty if
The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users.
- Fast GPU-accelerated terminal
- Built-in tabs, splits, multiplexing
- Image rendering support
| Feature | iTerm2 | Kitty |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 50 reviews | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
iTerm2
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
Strengths
- +Free and powerful
- +Split panes
- +Highly customizable
Weaknesses
- -macOS only
- -Can be overwhelming
Key features
Kitty
The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users.
Strengths
- +Fast GPU-accelerated terminal
- +Built-in tabs, splits, multiplexing
- +Image rendering support
- +Highly configurable
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Configuration file-based only
- -Documentation can be dense
- -Learning curve
- -Some compatibility issues
- -Font rendering varies
Key features
Pricing: iTerm2 vs Kitty
| Plan | iTerm2 | Kitty |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on iTerm2 pricing and Kitty pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: iTerm2
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
iTerm2
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Kitty
- Choose if you want the fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users
The Bottom Line
iTerm2 is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iTerm2 or Kitty better?
iTerm2 is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are iTerm2 and Kitty used for?
iTerm2: The macOS terminal replacement for power users. Kitty: The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users..
What does iTerm2 cost vs Kitty?
iTerm2 is completely free. Kitty is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.