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.
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:
- • Modern terminal for developers
- • Tabs, split panes, and customization
iTerm2
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • The definitive terminal replacement for Mac, free and open source
- • Powerful split panes, search, and session management
| At a Glance |  Tabby |  iTerm2 |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | - | 4.7/5 |
Choose Tabby or iTerm2?
Choose Tabby if
A customizable terminal with built-in SSH and plugins
- Modern terminal experience
- Cross-platform support
- Highly customizable
Choose iTerm2 if
The macOS terminal replacement for power users
- Free and powerful
- Split panes
- Highly customizable
- You want a fully free tool (Tabby requires payment)
| Feature | Tabby | iTerm2 |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | ★4.7/5 50 reviews |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Tabby
A customizable terminal with built-in SSH and plugins
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
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: 50 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 is our pick.
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.