WezTerm vs Alacritty: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between WezTerm and Alacritty 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:
WezTerm
A GPU-accelerated cross-platform terminal emulator and multiplexer.
Best for you if:
- • GPU-accelerated terminal emulator.
- • Cross-platform and open-source.
Alacritty
GPU-accelerated terminal
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.4/10 vs 7.9/10)
- • GPU-accelerated terminal
- • Cross-platform support
| At a Glance |  WezTerm |  Alacritty |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free | Free |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | 79/100 | 84/100 |
| Feature | WezTerm | Alacritty |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| Editorial Score | 79 | 84 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
How WezTerm and Alacritty Compare
WezTerm
A GPU-accelerated cross-platform terminal emulator and multiplexer.
Free · 79/100 score
Alacritty
GPU-accelerated terminal
Free · 84/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: WezTerm
Want the highest-rated option?
WezTerm: 79/100. Alacritty: 84/100.
Go with: Alacritty
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Alacritty
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?
Alacritty scores higher: 84/100 vs 79/100.
Key Takeaways
Alacritty
- Higher score: 84/100 vs 79
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
WezTerm
The Bottom Line
Alacritty (84/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WezTerm or Alacritty better?
Alacritty scores 84/100 in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are WezTerm and Alacritty used for?
WezTerm: A GPU-accelerated cross-platform terminal emulator and multiplexer.. Alacritty: GPU-accelerated terminal.
What does WezTerm cost vs Alacritty?
WezTerm is completely free. Alacritty is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.