iTerm2 vs Rio Terminal: 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 iTerm2 and Rio Terminal side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a 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:
iTerm2
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
Rio Terminal
A fast, modern, and customizable terminal emulator for developers.
| At a Glance | iTerm2 | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free plan |
Category | Developer Tools Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools Developer Tools |
Rating | 4.7/5 G2 4.7 51 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose iTerm2 or Rio Terminal?
Choose iTerm2 if
- You need developer tools features specifically.
Choose Rio Terminal if
- You need terminal tools features specifically.
In-Depth Analysis
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
Rio Terminal
A fast, modern, and customizable terminal emulator for developers.
Strengths
- Pro: Excellent performance due to GPU acceleration
- Pro: High degree of customization for aesthetics and behavior
- Pro: Modern and clean user interface
- Pro: Open-source and actively developed
Weaknesses
- Con: May require more system resources than basic terminals due to GPU usage
- Con: Newer project, so community support might be smaller than established alternatives
- Con: Configuration might require some initial setup for new users
Key features
Key Takeaways
iTerm2
- Worth considering for developer tools
Rio Terminal
- Worth considering for terminal tools
What the data shows
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
- Only iTerm2 has a published user rating (4.7/5 from 51 reviews); Rio Terminal has none we can show.
- 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 iTerm2 and Rio Terminal compare in 2026?
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair. Only iTerm2 has a published user rating (4.7/5 from 51 reviews); Rio Terminal has none we can show. Both have a free plan.
What are iTerm2 and Rio Terminal used for?
iTerm2: The macOS terminal replacement for power users. Rio Terminal: A fast, modern, and customizable terminal emulator for developers.
What does iTerm2 cost vs Rio Terminal?
iTerm2 is free. Rio Terminal has no public paid-plan price on file. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 7, 2026.
What's the main difference between iTerm2 and Rio Terminal?
iTerm2's main strength: free and powerful. Rio Terminal's main strength: excellent performance due to GPU acceleration.
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