WezTerm vs Kitty: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between WezTerm and Kitty 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:
WezTerm
A GPU-accelerated cross-platform terminal emulator and multiplexer.
Best for you if:
- • GPU-accelerated terminal emulator.
- • Cross-platform and open-source.
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.
| At a Glance |  WezTerm | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | Free |
Best For | Terminal Tools | Terminal Tools |
Rating | - | - |
Choose WezTerm or Kitty?
Choose WezTerm if
A GPU-accelerated cross-platform terminal emulator and multiplexer.
- Modern terminal
- GPU accelerated
- Good features
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
| Feature | WezTerm | Kitty |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Free |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools | Terminal ToolsDeveloper Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
WezTerm
A GPU-accelerated cross-platform terminal emulator and multiplexer.
Strengths
- +Modern terminal
- +GPU accelerated
- +Good features
- +Active development
- +Cross-platform
Weaknesses
- -Configuration complex
- -Learning curve
- -Resource usage
- -Feature gaps
- -Smaller community
Key features
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
Pricing: WezTerm vs Kitty
| Plan | WezTerm | Kitty |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on WezTerm pricing and Kitty pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are free. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: WezTerm
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: WezTerm
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Kitty
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
Kitty
- Completely free
- Our pick for this comparison
WezTerm
- Choose if you want a GPU-accelerated cross-platform terminal emulator and multiplexer
The Bottom Line
Kitty is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is WezTerm or Kitty better?
Kitty is rated in our evaluation. Both are free.
What are WezTerm and Kitty used for?
WezTerm: A GPU-accelerated cross-platform terminal emulator and multiplexer.. Kitty: The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users..
What does WezTerm cost vs Kitty?
WezTerm is completely free. Kitty is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.