Kitty vs Warp: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Kitty and Warp 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
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:
- • You need something completely free
- • You need font tools features specifically
- • Fast, GPU-accelerated terminal emulator for high performance.
- • Feature-rich with graphics, ligatures, emojis, and advanced window management.
Warp
Modern terminal with AI
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.6/10 vs 8.0/10)
- • You need terminal tools features specifically
- • Modern terminal rebuilt in Rust with IDE-like features
- • Block-based output with AI-powered command suggestions
| At a Glance |  Warp | |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free + Paid |
Best For | Font Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 80/100 | 86/100 |
| Feature | Kitty | Warp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 80 | 86 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Font ToolsIDE & Code Editors | Terminal ToolsAI Coding |
How Kitty and Warp Compare
Kitty
The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users.
Free · 80/100 score
Warp
Modern terminal with AI
Free tier available · 86/100 score
Kitty is a font tools tool. Warp is in terminal tools.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Kitty is free. Warp is freemium.
Go with: Kitty
Want the highest-rated option?
Kitty: 80/100. Warp: 86/100.
Go with: Warp
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Warp
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Kitty is free. Warp is freemium. Go with Kitty if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Kitty is a font tools tool. Warp is in terminal tools. Pick the category that matches your needs.
How important are ratings?
Warp scores higher: 86/100 vs 80/100.
Key Takeaways
Warp
- Higher score: 86/100 vs 80
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Kitty
- Completely free
- Better fit for font tools
The Bottom Line
Warp (86/100) is our pick. That said, Kitty is free — hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kitty or Warp better?
Warp scores 86/100 in our evaluation. Kitty is free and Warp is freemium.
What are Kitty and Warp used for?
Kitty: The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users.. Warp: Modern terminal with AI.
What does Kitty cost vs Warp?
Kitty is completely free. Warp is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.