Skip to content
Toolradar
bat logo

bat

Claim this toolEditor reviewed

A `cat` command clone with syntax highlighting, Git integration, and more.

Terminal ToolsDeveloper ToolsDocumentation
Visit Website
Tracked since2026
0 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Better cat command

Biggest con

Learning new tool

TL;DR - bat

  • Modern `cat` replacement with syntax highlighting.
  • Integrates with Git to show file modifications.
  • Features automatic paging and can be combined with other CLI tools.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups

What is bat?

Editorial review
bat is a command-line utility that acts as a modern replacement for the standard `cat` command. It enhances the display of file contents by adding features like syntax highlighting for a wide range of programming and markup languages, and integration with Git to show file modifications. It also includes automatic paging for large files, the ability to show non-printable characters, and seamless concatenation of multiple files. Designed for developers and anyone who frequently views text files in the terminal, bat improves readability and provides useful context. It can be easily integrated with other command-line tools like `fzf`, `find`, `fd`, `ripgrep`, `tail -f`, and `git diff`, making it a versatile addition to any terminal workflow. Its intelligent behavior allows it to act as a simple `cat` replacement when piping output, while offering advanced features for interactive viewing.

Available on: Linux, Windows, macOS

how we evaluateSourcegithub.com ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Better cat command
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Git integration
  • Fast performance
  • Good defaults

Cons

  • Learning new tool
  • Different from cat
  • Config for customization
  • Large binary
  • Rust dependency

Key Features

Cat replacementSyntax highlightingGit integrationLine numbersTheme supportAutomatic paging

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Aug 20, 2026

Open Source

Free

  • Full source code access
  • Apache License 2.0 license
  • Community support
  • Self-hosted
Calculate your costView full pricing

Is bat worth the price?

100/100

The pricing for bat is exceptionally fair and generous, as it is entirely open-source and free.

There are no hidden costs or paid tiers, making it an outstanding value. This is best for developers and users who need an enhanced `cat` utility without any financial commitment.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

No hidden costs; it's completely free.

No overage fees or seat minimums.

No mandatory paid integrations.

How bat Compares to Competitors

Compared to commercial text viewers or enhanced command-line tools, bat stands out by offering all its features completely free. Tools like Sublime Text or VS Code, while offering broader IDE functionalities, typically have paid licenses or extensive ecosystems, whereas bat provides its specialized features at no cost, unlike other `cat` alternatives that might introduce paid add-ons.

Reviews

Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT cover
$99Free with your review

Review bat, get a free AI guide

Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.

Write a review

Best bat Alternatives

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

Alacritty logo
AlacrittyFree

GPU-accelerated terminal emulator for blazing-fast performance

4.3
Kitty logo
KittyFree

The fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users.

exa logo
exaFree

A modern, color-coded ls replacement with Git integration

See all terminal tools →

Still deciding?

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

bat vs AlacrittyHead-to-head: features, pricing, who winsbat vs KittyHead-to-head: features, pricing, who winsbat vs exaHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

Explore More

Best Terminal ToolsBest Developer ToolsBest Documentation ToolsBest Free Terminal ToolsBest Free Developer ToolsBest Free Documentation

bat FAQ

How does bat enhance the viewing of code and text files in the terminal?

bat improves file viewing by providing syntax highlighting for many programming and markup languages, and integrates with Git to display file modifications. It also includes automatic paging for large files, making it easier to navigate content.

Which teams would benefit most from using bat?

bat is designed for developers and anyone who frequently views text files in the terminal. It enhances readability and provides useful context, making it a valuable tool for programming and system administration tasks.

How is bat different from a tool like exa?

bat functions as a modern replacement for the cat command, focusing on enhancing the display of file contents with features like syntax highlighting and Git integration. In contrast, exa is typically used as a modern replacement for the ls command, focusing on listing directory contents with additional information and formatting.

What kind of trade-offs should users consider when adopting bat?

Users should be aware that bat is a new tool with a learning curve and behaves differently from the standard cat command. Customization requires configuration, and it is a large binary with a Rust dependency.

Does bat include a free tier?

bat is free to use, meaning there is no paid plan required to access its features. It is available for anyone to download and utilize without cost.

Can bat be integrated with other command-line utilities?

Yes, bat can be easily integrated with various command-line tools such as fzf, find, fd, ripgrep, tail -f, and git diff. This allows it to fit seamlessly into existing terminal workflows and enhance their functionality.

Source: github.com

Guides & Articles

Best Free Terminal Tools in 2026

Expert guide

Best Prompt Management & PromptOps Tools 2026

Expert guide

Best Headless CMS Platforms in 2026

Expert guide