Skip to content
Fish Shell logo

Fish Shell

Claim this tool

A smart and user-friendly command line shell for Linux, macOS, and more.

Free, no paid tierVisit Website
Reviews on SourceForge
1 review tracked

The Bottom Line

Price
Free, no paid tier. Compare plans

Key facts

  • User-friendly command line shell with smart features.
  • Offers out-of-the-box tab completions and syntax highlighting.
  • Features sensible scripting and web-based configuration.

Pros

  • User-friendly and intuitive for beginners
  • Powerful features work out of the box
  • Clean and consistent scripting syntax
  • Modern terminal features like true color support
  • Web-based configuration for ease of use

Cons

  • Syntax is different from Bash/Zsh, requiring a learning curve for existing users
  • May require some effort to migrate existing shell scripts

What is Fish Shell?

fish (friendly interactive shell) is a command line shell designed for ease of use and powerful features. It aims to provide a more intuitive and helpful experience compared to traditional shells, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users on Linux, macOS, and other Unix-like systems. The shell comes with out-of-the-box features like intelligent tab completions and syntax highlighting, which simplify command entry and reduce errors. Its scripting language is designed to be simple, clean, and consistent, offering a more approachable way to automate tasks. Additionally, fish includes smart auto-suggestions based on history and completions, and supports modern terminal features like 24-bit true color. For users who prefer a graphical interface, fish offers web-based configuration for settings like colors, functions, variables, and history. It's an open-source project with active development and a supportive community, providing a modern and efficient alternative for command-line interaction.

Available on: Linux, macOS, Windows

Ratings Across the Web

5 (1 reviews)

Fish Shell holds an aggregate rating of 5 out of 5 from 1 reviews across SourceForge, last checked March 19, 2026.

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

  • Smart auto-suggestions based on history and completions
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Tab completions
  • Simple, clean, and consistent scripting language
  • Support for 24-bit true color (Glorious VGA Color)
  • Web-based configuration interface
  • Abbreviations for commands

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Oct 3, 2026

Fish Shell plans and prices, checked October 2026
PlanPriceDetails
Free

Free

  • Tab completions
  • Syntax highlighting
  • Scriptable
+4 more
  • Command suggestions
  • Abbreviations
  • 24 bit true color support
  • Web based configuration

Is Fish Shell worth the price?

Great value

Fish Shell offers an incredibly generous pricing model, as it is entirely free.

This makes it an exceptional value compared to any paid alternatives for command-line shells. It's best for anyone looking for an enhanced shell experience without any financial commitment.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

No mandatory integrations or add-ons

Full Fish Shell pricing: every plan, hidden costs and alternatives

Reviews

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

Review Fish Shell, get a free AI guide

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

Write a review

Best Fish Shell Alternatives

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

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

Explore More

Fish Shell FAQ

How does Fish Shell assist with command entry and error reduction?

Fish Shell includes intelligent tab completions and syntax highlighting as out-of-the-box features. It also provides smart auto-suggestions based on command history and completions, which collectively simplify command entry and help reduce errors.

Which teams would benefit most from using Fish Shell?

Teams focused on development or those requiring robust terminal tools would find Fish Shell beneficial. Its user-friendly design and powerful features make it suitable for both new command-line users and experienced developers looking for enhanced productivity.

How is Fish Shell priced?

Fish Shell is free to use, as it is an open-source project. There is no paid plan required to access its features or ongoing development.

What kind of trade-offs might users encounter when switching to Fish Shell?

Users migrating to Fish Shell may experience a learning curve due to its scripting syntax differing from traditional shells like Bash or Zsh. Additionally, existing shell scripts might require some effort to be migrated to the fish scripting language.

Can Fish Shell be configured using a graphical interface?

Yes, Fish Shell offers web-based configuration options. This allows users to easily adjust settings such as colors, functions, variables, and history through a graphical interface rather than solely through command-line edits.

How does Fish Shell compare to Nushell regarding scripting language?

Fish Shell features a scripting language designed to be simple, clean, and consistent, offering an approachable way to automate tasks. While Nushell also provides a modern shell experience, Fish Shell's scripting aims for ease of use and consistency.

Guides & Articles