Wave Terminal

Name: Wave Terminal
Brand: Wave

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The open-source, AI-native terminal that integrates file management, AI, and web browsing.

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Tracked since2026

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The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Enhances productivity by integrating multiple tools into one environment

Biggest con

Being in beta, it might have occasional bugs or incomplete features

TL;DR - Wave Terminal

Open-source terminal with integrated file management, AI, and web browsing.
Manages remote machines with SSH, supports remote file editing, and offers customizable dashboards.
Available for macOS, Linux, and Windows, with all data stored locally for privacy.

Pricing: Free forever

Best for: Individuals & startups

What is Wave Terminal?

Editorial review

Wave Terminal is an open-source, AI-native terminal designed to enhance the command-line experience by integrating a suite of powerful features. It combines traditional terminal functionality with file previews, a built-in VSCode-like editor for remote files, AI capabilities, and an inline web browser. This allows users to manage remote machines, browse the web, and edit files without leaving their terminal environment. The tool is built for developers, system administrators, and anyone who frequently interacts with the command line, especially those working with remote servers and clusters. It aims to streamline workflows by providing a unified workspace where users can split screens, arrange terminals, editors, and web views into customizable dashboards. Key benefits include improved productivity through integrated tools, enhanced remote file management, and the ability to visualize information quickly with graphical widgets.

Available on: macOS, Linux, Windows

LCLouis CorneloupUpdated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluateSourcewaveterm.dev ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

Enhances productivity by integrating multiple tools into one environment
Open-source and stores all data locally, ensuring privacy and control
Provides a rich set of features for remote machine management and file editing
Highly customizable with dashboards, widgets, and themes
Cross-platform availability (macOS, Linux, Windows)

Cons

Being in beta, it might have occasional bugs or incomplete features
The extensive feature set might have a learning curve for new users
Reliance on community support for an open-source project

Preview

Key Features

SSH connection manager with WSL supportScreen splitting and customizable layouts for workspaces and dashboardsRemote file navigation, preview (markdown, images, audio/video, HTML, CSVs), and managementBuilt-in VSCode-like editor for remote files with syntax highlightingInline web browser for accessing web resourcesGraphical widgets and stickers for visualizing informationAbility to build custom reusable widgets with HTMLTheming and styling customization

Pricing

Free

Wave Terminal is completely free to use with no hidden costs.

View pricing

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Best Wave Terminal Alternatives

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iTerm2Free

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Rio TerminalFreemium

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Still deciding?

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Wave Terminal FAQ

How does Wave Terminal enhance file management for developers?

Wave Terminal integrates file previews and a built-in VSCode-like editor for remote files directly within the terminal environment. This allows users to manage and edit files on remote machines without needing to switch applications, streamlining their workflow.

What kind of user benefits most from Wave Terminal?

Wave Terminal is best suited for developers, system administrators, and anyone who frequently uses the command line, particularly those managing remote servers and clusters. It provides a unified workspace that integrates various tools to improve productivity.

How does Wave Terminal compare to Extraterm?

Wave Terminal distinguishes itself from Extraterm by offering an AI-native experience and integrating an inline web browser, alongside its terminal functionality. It also includes a VSCode-like editor for remote files, aiming for a more comprehensive all-in-one environment.

What are the main trade-offs when adopting Wave Terminal?

As Wave Terminal is currently in beta, users might encounter occasional bugs or features that are still under development. Its extensive feature set may also present a learning curve for new users, requiring time to master its capabilities.

How is Wave Terminal priced?

Wave Terminal is open-source and free to use, meaning there is no cost associated with its use and no paid plan is required to access its features.

Can Wave Terminal be customized to fit specific workflows?

Yes, Wave Terminal is highly customizable, allowing users to create dashboards, arrange terminals, editors, and web views, and apply various themes. This enables users to tailor the environment to their specific needs and preferences.

Does Wave Terminal support managing remote machines?

Yes, Wave Terminal is designed with robust features for managing remote machines. It allows users to interact with remote servers and clusters, including editing files on them, all from within the unified terminal environment.

Source: waveterm.dev

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