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Extraterm

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A powerful, open-source terminal emulator with advanced features for command-line users.

Terminal ToolsDeveloper ToolsProductivity
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Tracked since2026
0 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Open source with MIT license

Biggest con

Currently in steady development, not yet 1.0 release

TL;DR - Extraterm

  • Enhances terminal experience with modern features.
  • Includes built-in SSH, image support, and shell integration.
  • Open-source and compatible with Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups

What is Extraterm?

Editorial review
Extraterm is an open-source terminal emulator designed to enhance the traditional terminal experience with modern features. It provides a comprehensive toolbox for interacting with your terminal and command-line applications, aiming to improve productivity and workflow for developers and power users. Key functionalities include a built-in SSH client, image support within the terminal, a mini-map for navigation, and robust shell integration. This tool is ideal for users on Linux, macOS, and Windows (supporting WSL, CMD, and PowerShell) who seek a more feature-rich and keyboard-centric terminal environment. It focuses on compatibility with existing terminal applications while introducing innovations like command output framing, easy file transfers, and the ability to reuse previous command output as new input. Extraterm is currently in active development, with a focus on stability and continuous improvement.

Available on: Linux, macOS, Windows

how we evaluateSourceextraterm.org ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Open source with MIT license
  • Feature-rich terminal experience
  • Keyboard-friendly design
  • Cross-platform support (Linux, macOS, Windows)
  • Shell integration for enhanced workflows

Cons

  • Currently in steady development, not yet 1.0 release
  • Occasional bugs may be present
  • Some features only in older Electron version (as noted on features page)

Key Features

Built-in SSH clientImages in terminalMini-mapCommand PaletteShell integration (bash, zsh, fish)Output colorizingMultiple windows and tilingConfigurable key bindings

Pricing

Free

Extraterm is completely free to use with no hidden costs.

View pricing

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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.

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Extraterm FAQ

How does Extraterm enhance the command-line experience for developers?

Extraterm improves the command-line experience by offering features like a built-in SSH client, image support directly within the terminal, and a mini-map for easier navigation. It also includes robust shell integration and the ability to reuse previous command output as new input, streamlining developer workflows.

Which teams would benefit most from using Extraterm?

Teams that rely heavily on the command line for development and system administration would benefit from Extraterm. Its advanced features, cross-platform compatibility, and keyboard-centric design are ideal for developers and power users across Linux, macOS, and Windows environments.

How is Extraterm priced?

Extraterm is free to use. It is an open-source project released under the MIT license, meaning there are no paid plans or subscription fees required to access its features.

Can Extraterm display images directly within the terminal interface?

Yes, Extraterm supports displaying images directly within the terminal. This feature enhances the visual feedback and utility of the terminal, especially for tasks involving graphics or quick previews.

What are the main trade-offs when choosing Extraterm?

The main trade-off when choosing Extraterm is that it is currently in steady development and has not yet reached a 1.0 release. This means occasional bugs may be present, and some features are only available in older versions.

How does Extraterm compare to iTerm2 for macOS users?

Extraterm, like iTerm2, aims to provide a feature-rich terminal experience. While iTerm2 is a popular choice for macOS, Extraterm offers cross-platform support for Linux, macOS, and Windows, along with unique features like command output framing and easy file transfers.

Does Extraterm offer integrations with existing shell environments?

Yes, Extraterm provides robust shell integration designed to enhance workflows with existing terminal applications. This allows for a more seamless and productive interaction with your command-line tools and scripts.

Source: extraterm.org

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