JusTTY vs Kitty: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between JusTTY 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:
JusTTY
Minimal, native macOS terminal with real PTY shells
Best for you if:
- • You need developer tools features specifically
- • Native macOS terminal built with Swift and libghostty, using Metal for rendering.
- • Minimal design with multi-window, tabs, customizable themes, and fonts.
Kitty
The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need terminal tools features specifically
- • Fast, GPU-accelerated terminal emulator for high performance.
- • Feature-rich with graphics, ligatures, emojis, and advanced window management.
| At a Glance |  JusTTY | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Developer Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose JusTTY or Kitty?
Choose JusTTY if
Minimal, native macOS terminal with real PTY shells
- Lightweight and minimal, focusing on essential terminal features
- Uses Ghostty's Metal renderer for smooth, hardware-accelerated rendering
- Open source with MIT license, allowing modification and redistribution
- Your work is developer tools-shaped, not terminal tools-shaped
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
- You want a fully free tool (JusTTY requires payment)
- Your work is terminal tools-shaped, not developer tools-shaped
| Feature | JusTTY | Kitty |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Developer ToolsTerminal Tools | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
JusTTY
Minimal, native macOS terminal with real PTY shells
Strengths
- +Lightweight and minimal, focusing on essential terminal features
- +Uses Ghostty's Metal renderer for smooth, hardware-accelerated rendering
- +Open source with MIT license, allowing modification and redistribution
Weaknesses
- -Requires macOS 15.6 or later, limiting compatibility with older systems
- -Self-signed builds are not notarized, requiring extra steps to bypass Gatekeeper
- -Lacks advanced features like split panes, session management, or plugin support
Key features
Value 72/100. JusTTY's pricing is generous for a terminal emulator, with a fully functional free tier and a Team plan at $4/user/month that adds useful collaboration features.
Watch out: No overage fees but CI/CD minutes limited per tier
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
Value 100/100. Kitty's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free and open-source.
Watch out: No direct hidden costs; it's free.
Pricing: JusTTY vs Kitty
| Plan | JusTTY | Kitty |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 USD per month Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $4 USD per user/month Team | N/A |
| Tier 3 | $21 USD per user/month Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on JusTTY pricing and Kitty pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Kitty is free. JusTTY is freemium.
Go with: Kitty
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
JusTTY is freemium. Kitty is free. Go with Kitty if free matters most.
What's your use case?
JusTTY is a developer tools tool. Kitty is in terminal tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Kitty
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
JusTTY
- Better fit for developer tools
The Bottom Line
Kitty is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is JusTTY or Kitty better?
Kitty is rated in our evaluation. JusTTY is freemium and Kitty is free.
What are JusTTY and Kitty used for?
JusTTY: Minimal, native macOS terminal with real PTY shells. Kitty: The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users..
What does JusTTY cost vs Kitty?
JusTTY is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Kitty is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.