Kitty vs iTerm2: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Kitty and iTerm2 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:
Kitty
The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users.
Best for you if:
- • Fast, GPU-accelerated terminal emulator for high performance.
- • Feature-rich with graphics, ligatures, emojis, and advanced window management.
iTerm2
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
Best for you if:
- • The definitive terminal replacement for Mac, free and open source
- • Powerful split panes, search, and session management
| At a Glance |  iTerm2 | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | Free |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Choose Kitty or iTerm2?
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
Choose iTerm2 if
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
- Free and powerful
- Split panes
- Highly customizable
| Feature | Kitty | iTerm2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 50 reviews |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
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
iTerm2
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
Strengths
- +Free and powerful
- +Split panes
- +Highly customizable
Weaknesses
- -macOS only
- -Can be overwhelming
Key features
Pricing: Kitty vs iTerm2
| Plan | Kitty | iTerm2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Kitty pricing and iTerm2 pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Kitty
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Kitty
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Key Takeaways
iTerm2
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Kitty
- Choose if you want the fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users
The Bottom Line
iTerm2 is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kitty or iTerm2 better?
iTerm2 is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are Kitty and iTerm2 used for?
Kitty: The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users.. iTerm2: The macOS terminal replacement for power users.
What does Kitty cost vs iTerm2?
Kitty is completely free. iTerm2 is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.