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.
Bottom line: iTerm2 wins this matchup. Podman is our overall Terminal Tools pick. Podman is our free Terminal Tools pick. Pick Tabby if you need a fully free option.
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 want free and powerful
- • You want split panes
Tabby
A modern, highly configurable terminal emulator for cross-platform use.
Best for you if:
- • You want modern terminal
- • You want good features
| At a Glance | iTerm2 | Tabby |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 4.7/5 | 3.9/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose iTerm2 or Tabby?
Choose iTerm2 if
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
- You want free and powerful
- You want split panes
Choose Tabby if
A modern, highly configurable terminal emulator for cross-platform use.
- You want modern terminal
- You want good features
| Feature | iTerm2 | Tabby |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.7/5 51 reviews | ★3.9/5 13 reviews |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
iTerm2
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
iTerm2 is an incredibly generous offering, being completely free and open-source.
Strengths
- +Free and powerful
- +Split panes
- +Highly customizable
Weaknesses
- -macOS only
- -Can be overwhelming
Key features
Tabby
A modern, highly configurable terminal emulator for cross-platform use.
Tabby is an excellent free terminal emulator with modern features.
Strengths
- +Modern terminal
- +Good features
- +Cross-platform
- +Active development
- +Open source
Weaknesses
- -Resource usage
- -Learning curve
- -Feature bloat
- -Better alternatives exist
- -Configuration needed
Key features
Pricing: iTerm2 vs Tabby
| Plan | iTerm2 | Tabby |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Tabby |
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?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: iTerm2
Want the highest-rated option?
iTerm2: 4.7/5 (51 reviews). Tabby: 3.9/5 (13 reviews).
Go with: iTerm2
Value user reviews?
iTerm2: 51 reviews (4.7/5). Tabby: 13 reviews (3.9/5).
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 is rated higher: 4.7/5 vs 3.9/5.
Key Takeaways
iTerm2
- Higher user rating: 4.7/5 vs 3.9/5
- Larger review base (51 reviews)
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Tabby
- Choose if you want a modern, highly configurable terminal emulator for cross-platform use
The Bottom Line
iTerm2 wins this matchup. Podman is our overall Terminal Tools pick. Podman is our free Terminal Tools pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iTerm2 or Tabby better?
iTerm2 is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are iTerm2 and Tabby used for?
iTerm2: The macOS terminal replacement for power users. Tabby: A modern, highly configurable terminal emulator for cross-platform use..
What does iTerm2 cost vs Tabby?
iTerm2 is completely free. Tabby is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.