iTerm2 vs tmux: 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 tmux 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
Best for you if:
- • You want free and powerful
tmux
Create, access, and control multiple terminals from a single screen.
Best for you if:
- • You want maintains persistent sessions even after disconnection
| At a Glance | iTerm2 | tmux |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free 100% free | Free 100% free |
Category | Developer Tools Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools Productivity |
Rating | 4.7/5 G2 4.7 51 reviews | n/a |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose iTerm2 or tmux?
Choose iTerm2 if
- You want free and powerful
- You want split panes
- You work in developer tools, not terminal tools
Choose tmux if
- You want maintains persistent sessions even after disconnection
- You want improves productivity by organizing multiple terminal tasks
- You work in terminal tools, not developer 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
- Pro: Free and powerful
- Pro: Split panes
- Pro: Highly customizable
Weaknesses
- Con: macOS only
- Con: Can be overwhelming
Key features
tmux
Create, access, and control multiple terminals from a single screen.
The pricing for tmux is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free and open-source.
Strengths
- Pro: Maintains persistent sessions even after disconnection
- Pro: Improves productivity by organizing multiple terminal tasks
- Pro: Highly customizable through configuration files
- Pro: Open-source and free to use
- Pro: Runs on a wide range of Unix-like operating systems
Weaknesses
- Con: Steep learning curve for new users
- Con: Requires command-line proficiency
- Con: Configuration can be complex for advanced setups
Key features
Plans and prices: iTerm2 vs tmux
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| iTerm2 | No plan prices on file | iterm2.com read Oct 7, 2026 |
| tmux |
| github.com/tmux/tmux read Oct 30, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on iTerm2 pricing and tmux pricing.
Key Takeaways
iTerm2
- Choose if you want the macOS terminal replacement for power users
tmux
- Choose if you want create, access, and control multiple terminals from a single screen
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); tmux 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 tmux 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); tmux has none we can show. Both have a free plan.
What are iTerm2 and tmux used for?
iTerm2: The macOS terminal replacement for power users. tmux: Create, access, and control multiple terminals from a single screen.
What does iTerm2 cost vs tmux?
iTerm2 is free. tmux is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 30, 2026.
What's the main difference between iTerm2 and tmux?
iTerm2's main strength: free and powerful. tmux's main strength: maintains persistent sessions even after disconnection.