Best iTerm2 alternatives in 2026
8 direct alternatives to iTerm2, compared on pricing, features, and best-for use cases. Pick the right replacement without the marketing fluff.
LCCurated by Louis Corneloup · UpdatedWhy people consider alternatives to iTerm2
iTerm2 is the definitive terminal replacement for macOS, packed with features power users need. Split panes let you run multiple sessions in one window. Search, autocomplete, and instant replay boost productivity. Teams most often switch away when one of these starts to bite:
- •Pricing at scale (rare for this tool, but feature limits push teams out)
- •Missing integrations with the rest of your stack.
- •Performance or scale limits as your needs grow.
- •A specific feature gap you have hit in terminal tools.
The 8 alternatives below cover the same core job (terminal tools) with different trade-offs. Ranked by real-signal score: G2 and Capterra ratings, media mentions, and editor review. No paid placement.
8 alternatives to iTerm2
Ranked by real-signal composite (rankingScore + community + reviews) and direct relevance to iTerm2.
- 1
Alacritty
FreeGPU-accelerated terminal emulator for blazing-fast performance
Direct alternative4.3(12)Compare iTerm2 vs Alacritty → - 2
Kitty
FreeThe fast, feature-rich, GPU-based terminal emulator for power users.
Direct alternativeCompare iTerm2 vs Kitty → - 3
WezTerm
FreeA GPU-accelerated cross-platform terminal emulator and multiplexer.
Direct alternativeCompare iTerm2 vs WezTerm → - 4
Hyper
FreeA beautiful, extensible terminal built with web tech
Direct alternativeCompare iTerm2 vs Hyper → - 5
Tabby
FreemiumA customizable terminal with built-in SSH and plugins
Direct alternativeCompare iTerm2 vs Tabby → - 6
Google Drive
FreemiumBattle-tested at scaleCloud storage and collaboration with 15GB free
Direct alternative4.8(28,494)Compare iTerm2 vs Google Drive → - 7
Google Workspace
PaidBattle-tested at scaleAll-in-one business productivity suite with real-time collaboration
Direct alternative4.6(64,912)Compare iTerm2 vs Google Workspace → - 8
Microsoft Teams
FreemiumBattle-tested at scaleUnite chat, meetings, and files with Microsoft 365
Direct alternative4.4(17,741)Compare iTerm2 vs Microsoft Teams →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to iTerm2?
Based on real-signal scoring (G2 and Capterra ratings, media mentions, and editorial review), the top alternatives to iTerm2 are Alacritty, Kitty, WezTerm. Each solves the same core job with different trade-offs on pricing, features, and integrations.
Is there a free alternative to iTerm2?
Yes. Alacritty is one of the free alternatives to iTerm2 listed here (GPU-accelerated terminal emulator for blazing-fast performance). Other free options are flagged in the list below.
Why do people look for iTerm2 alternatives?
Common reasons teams switch away from iTerm2: pricing that scales aggressively, missing integrations with the rest of their stack, performance or scale limits, or a specific feature gap in terminal tools. The alternatives on this page solve the same core problem with different trade-offs.
Side-by-side comparisons
In-depth comparison pages for iTerm2 versus each alternative.
Still considering iTerm2?
See the full review, pricing breakdown, and community feedback before you decide.