Tabby vs iTerm2: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Tabby 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.
Bottom line: iTerm2 wins this matchup. Our overall Terminal Tools pick is Podman. Our free Terminal Tools pick is Podman. Pick Tabby if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Tabby
A customizable terminal with built-in SSH and plugins
Best for you if:
- • You want modern terminal experience
- • You want cross-platform support
iTerm2
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Tabby requires payment)
- • You want free and powerful
- • You want split panes
| At a Glance | Tabby | iTerm2 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | - | 4.7/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Tabby or iTerm2?
Choose Tabby if
A customizable terminal with built-in SSH and plugins
- You want modern terminal experience
- You want cross-platform support
Choose iTerm2 if
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
- You want a fully free tool (Tabby requires payment)
- You want free and powerful
- You want split panes
| Feature | Tabby | iTerm2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 51 reviews |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Tabby
A customizable terminal with built-in SSH and plugins
Tabby's pricing is quite generous, especially with its robust free Community tier supporting up to 5 users and local-first operation.
Watch out
Team tier likely has user minimums
Strengths
- +Modern terminal experience
- +Cross-platform support
- +Highly customizable
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Can be resource-heavy
- -Some features require setup
- -Less lightweight than alternatives
Key features
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
Pricing: Tabby vs iTerm2
| Plan | Tabby | iTerm2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Community (Free) | N/A |
| Tier 2 | $19 Team | N/A |
| Tier 3 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Tabby pricing and iTerm2 pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
iTerm2 is free. Tabby is freemium.
Go with: iTerm2
Want the highest-rated option?
iTerm2 is rated 4.7/5. Tabby has no ratings yet.
Go with: iTerm2
Value user reviews?
Tabby: no ratings yet. iTerm2: 51 reviews (4.7/5).
Go with: iTerm2
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Tabby is freemium. iTerm2 is free. Go with iTerm2 if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are terminal tools tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
iTerm2 is rated 4.7/5; Tabby has no ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
iTerm2
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
Tabby
- Choose if you want a customizable terminal with built-in SSH and plugins
The Bottom Line
iTerm2 wins this matchup. Our overall Terminal Tools pick is Podman. Our free Terminal Tools pick is Podman.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tabby or iTerm2 better?
iTerm2 is rated in our evaluation. Tabby is freemium and iTerm2 is free.
What are Tabby and iTerm2 used for?
Tabby: A customizable terminal with built-in SSH and plugins. iTerm2: The macOS terminal replacement for power users.
What does Tabby cost vs iTerm2?
Tabby is freemium (free tier + paid plans). iTerm2 is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.