Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsNo: terminal user interface (TUI) apps aren’t outdated just because they run in a terminal. They can be a good fit when your work already happens there and you want keyboard-driven navigation, compact views, or a structured way to handle a task alongside shell commands. That makes them worth considering—not universally faster or better than graphical apps.
What is a TUI app?
A TUI is an interactive, screen-oriented application rendered in a text terminal. It may present menus, panes, tables, or other structured views and respond to keyboard input. Unlike a command that prints a result and exits, a TUI maintains an interactive screen. Unlike a conventional graphical user interface (GUI), it works within the terminal rather than on a graphical desktop canvas. Some tools combine an interactive screen with command-line options or scriptable behavior, so the boundary between a rich CLI and a TUI can be fuzzy.
Why might a terminal user choose one?
Keep interaction in the terminal
If you are already working in a terminal, keyboard navigation can keep your hands and attention in the same environment instead of switching between keyboard and mouse-driven apps. Whether that feels smoother depends on the task and the application.
See compact information at a glance
A terminal grid can fit tables, statuses, and other text-heavy information into a compact view. GitHub’s TUIKit foundations guide describes information density as a strength of terminal interfaces. That is a design advantage, not evidence from a controlled comparison showing that TUIs present information better than modern GUIs in general.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Work alongside shell commands
Terminal tools can fit into workflows built around pipes, redirects, and scripts. As GitHub’s TUIKit foundations documentation puts it, “Composability: Pipes, redirects, and scripting let users combine their tool with others.” The practical value depends on whether a particular app exposes useful command-line behavior or otherwise works well with the rest of your setup; an interactive screen alone does not make every TUI scriptable.
Use a guided interface without leaving the terminal
A dedicated TUI can give you structured navigation for a workflow that might otherwise mean memorizing commands, while keeping you in a terminal context. That can be useful for tasks such as managing notes, email, messaging, finances, or system status—but the interface and capabilities vary from app to app.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What kinds of work have TUI options?
The Awesome TUI catalog describes itself as a curated collection of open-source TUI applications for developers, operators, and power users. Its productivity listing includes examples described as note applications, task managers, email clients, dashboards, finance tools, messaging clients, and time-management utilities. Treat the catalog as a way to discover projects, not as proof that a listed app is popular, high-quality, secure, or actively maintained.
Evaluate the individual project against the job you need it to do. Look for task coverage, understandable keyboard controls, compatibility with your operating system and terminal, accessibility, data storage and sync, export and backup options, documentation, recent releases, and how well it works with shell tools. A strong fit in one area does not guarantee a strong fit in the others.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What to check before relying on a TUI
Terminal and input compatibility
Terminals differ in their support for color, keys, rendering, and other features. GitHub’s TUIKit design guidance recommends graceful degradation when a terminal lacks a feature. Check an app in the terminal and remote setup you actually use, including whether its keyboard controls behave as expected.
Accessible cues
Do not assume that a terminal interface is accessible simply because it is text-based. TUIKit advises designers not to make color the only signal. Check whether the app’s state and actions are understandable with your color scheme and font, and whether it works with your screen reader or other accessibility setup.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Testing and project maintenance
A 2026 arXiv preprint surveyed 197 real-world TUI applications and reported that 12% of test code exercised the interface; among those interface tests, 45% never sent input and instead checked a static frame. Those figures describe the surveyed applications and test code, not every TUI or a direct measurement of software quality. For a tool you may depend on, inspect its own documentation, release history, issue handling, and tests rather than inferring reliability from the interface type.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Are TUI apps faster than GUIs?
There is no basis in the sources here for saying TUI users are universally faster than GUI users, or that power users as a group are abandoning graphical applications. The sources offer design observations and examples, not a representative survey of adoption or a controlled productivity comparison. A TUI may suit a keyboard-centered, terminal-based workflow; a GUI may better serve a task that depends on visual manipulation or features the terminal app lacks. Choose based on the work and the specific implementation, not on the idea that one interface is inherently superior.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
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