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An interactive, cross-platform process viewer for console and X terminals.

Terminal ToolsDeveloper ToolsMonitoring
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Tracked since2026
0 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

More user-friendly and interactive than 'top'

Biggest con

Requires ncurses library

TL;DR - htop

  • Interactive process viewer for system monitoring.
  • Cross-platform support for various Unix-like systems.
  • Provides real-time CPU, memory, and process management.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups

What is htop?

Editorial review
htop is a powerful and interactive text-mode application designed for monitoring system processes. It provides a dynamic and visually enhanced alternative to traditional process management tools like 'top', allowing users to view and manage running processes, CPU usage, memory consumption, and other system statistics in real-time. Its interactive nature enables users to scroll, filter, and kill processes directly from the interface, making system administration tasks more efficient. This tool is ideal for system administrators, developers, and anyone who needs a quick and detailed overview of their system's performance and running applications. Its cross-platform compatibility ensures that users across various Unix-like operating systems, including Linux, macOS, and BSD variants, can leverage its capabilities. The key benefit of htop lies in its user-friendly interface and enhanced functionality compared to older tools, offering better visibility and control over system resources.

Available on: Linux, macOS

how we evaluateSourcehtop.dev ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • More user-friendly and interactive than 'top'
  • Provides a clear visual overview of system resources
  • Supports a wide range of operating systems
  • Allows direct process manipulation
  • Open-source and free to use

Cons

  • Requires ncurses library
  • Primarily a command-line tool, may not appeal to GUI-only users

Key Features

Interactive process managementReal-time system monitoring (CPU, memory)Text-mode application for console/X terminalsCross-platform compatibility (Linux, macOS, BSD, Solaris)Process filtering and searchingAbility to kill processes directly

Pricing

Free

htop is completely free to use with no hidden costs.

View pricing

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Best htop Alternatives

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

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A fast and comprehensive resource monitor for Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD.

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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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htop FAQ

How does htop enhance process monitoring compared to older tools?

htop provides a more user-friendly and interactive interface than traditional tools like 'top', offering a clear visual overview of system resources. It allows users to scroll, filter, and kill processes directly from its dynamic interface, making system administration more efficient.

Which teams would benefit most from using htop?

htop is ideal for system administrators, developers, and anyone requiring a quick and detailed overview of their system's performance and running applications. Its capabilities are particularly useful for those managing Unix-like operating systems.

Does htop offer cross-platform compatibility?

Yes, htop is a cross-platform tool, ensuring users across various Unix-like operating systems can leverage its capabilities. It supports Linux, macOS, and BSD variants.

How is htop priced?

htop is free to use and does not require any paid plans. It is an open-source tool, making its functionalities accessible without cost.

What kind of limitations should users consider when choosing htop?

htop primarily functions as a command-line tool, which might not appeal to users who prefer graphical user interfaces. It also requires the ncurses library to operate.

How does htop compare to competitors like Btop?

htop offers a powerful and interactive text-mode application for monitoring system processes, similar to Btop. Its key benefit lies in its user-friendly interface and enhanced functionality for better visibility and control over system resources.

Source: htop.dev

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