iTerm2 vs Tabby: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between iTerm2 and Tabby 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:
- • You need something completely free
- • The definitive terminal replacement for Mac, free and open source
- • Powerful split panes, search, and session management
Tabby
A customizable terminal with built-in SSH and plugins
Best for you if:
- • Modern terminal for developers
- • Tabs, split panes, and customization
| At a Glance |  iTerm2 |  Tabby |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | $19/moTeam |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Choose iTerm2 or Tabby?
Choose iTerm2 if
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
- Free and powerful
- Split panes
- Highly customizable
- You want a fully free tool (Tabby requires payment)
Choose Tabby if
A customizable terminal with built-in SSH and plugins
- Modern terminal experience
- Cross-platform support
- Highly customizable
| Feature | iTerm2 | Tabby |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| 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
Tabby
A customizable terminal with built-in SSH and plugins
Strengths
- +Modern terminal experience
- +Cross-platform support
- +Highly customizable
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Can be resource-heavy
- -Some features require setup
- -Less lightweight than alternatives
Key features
Pricing: iTerm2 vs Tabby
| Plan | iTerm2 | Tabby |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Community (Free) |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $19 Team |
| Tier 3 | N/A | Custom Enterprise |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on iTerm2 pricing and Tabby pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
iTerm2 is free. Tabby is freemium.
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?
iTerm2 is free. Tabby is freemium. Go with iTerm2 if free matters most.
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
Tabby
- Choose if you want a customizable terminal with built-in SSH and plugins
The Bottom Line
iTerm2 is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iTerm2 or Tabby better?
iTerm2 is rated in our evaluation. iTerm2 is free and Tabby is freemium.
What are iTerm2 and Tabby used for?
iTerm2: The macOS terminal replacement for power users. Tabby: A customizable terminal with built-in SSH and plugins.
What does iTerm2 cost vs Tabby?
iTerm2 is completely free. Tabby is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.