Alacritty is a cross-platform, GPU-accelerated terminal emulator focused on simplicity and performance. The fastest terminal available, using OpenGL for smooth rendering. Configuration through a simple YAML file. No tabs or splits by design - pair with tmux or a window manager. Available for macOS, Linux, Windows, and BSD. The minimal, blazing-fast terminal for developers who want nothing between them and their shell.

Available on: Linux, macOS, Windows

Louis Corneloup Updated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluate Source alacritty.org ↗

Ratings Across the Web

4.3 (12 reviews)

Alacritty holds an aggregate rating of 4.3 out of 5 from 12 reviews across G2, last checked September 3, 2026.

G2 12 reviews

4.3/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

GPU-accelerated terminal
Cross-platform
Vi mode
Search functionality
Configurable
Minimal and fast

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Oct 6, 2026

Alacritty plans and prices, checked October 2026
Plan	Price	Details
Free	$0	Open source GPU-accelerated terminal Cross-platform Vi mode +2 more Show less Configurable MIT license

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Is Alacritty worth the price?

Great value

Alacritty's pricing is exceptionally fair and generous, as it is entirely free.

There are no dollar amounts to consider, making it an outstanding value compared to any paid terminal emulator. It's best for developers and power users who prioritize performance and open-source solutions.

Full Alacritty pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

Reviews

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4.3/5

Across 12 verified user reviews on G2

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Best Alacritty Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

iTerm2 Free

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4.7

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WezTerm Free

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Hyper Free

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

Alacritty vs iTerm2 Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Alacritty vs Kitty Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Alacritty vs WezTerm Head-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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Alacritty FAQ

How does Alacritty achieve its high performance?

Alacritty achieves blazing-fast performance through GPU acceleration, utilizing OpenGL for smooth rendering. This design choice minimizes resource usage and ensures a highly responsive experience for users.

Which teams would benefit most from using Alacritty?

Alacritty is best suited for developers who prioritize speed and a minimal interface for their shell interactions. Teams focused on performance-critical development or those who prefer a streamlined terminal experience will find it highly beneficial.

Does Alacritty include a free tier?

Alacritty is entirely free to use, with no paid plans or subscriptions required. Users can download and utilize its full features without any cost.

What kind of configuration options are available in Alacritty?

Alacritty's configuration is managed through a simple YAML file, allowing users to customize various settings. This approach provides a straightforward method for personalizing the terminal emulator's behavior and appearance.

How does Alacritty compare to iTerm2 regarding built-in features?

Alacritty focuses on a minimalist design, intentionally omitting built-in features like tabs or split panes. In contrast, iTerm2 offers these functionalities directly within the application, providing a more feature-rich, albeit potentially less performant, experience.

Can Alacritty be used across different operating systems?

Yes, Alacritty is a cross-platform terminal emulator, available for macOS, Linux, Windows, and BSD. This broad compatibility allows developers to maintain a consistent terminal experience across their preferred operating environments.

Source: alacritty.org

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