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Head-to-head · Command-Line Shells

Bash vs OpenBSD KornShell (ksh)

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Bash #1 in Command-Line Shells 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit GNU Bash
OpenBSD KornShell (ksh) #6 in Command-Line Shells 8.1/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit site

Bash leads on 0 checks, OpenBSD KornShell (ksh) on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreBash · 9.3/10
  • Free planboth

Bash scores higher on our rubric for command-line shells: 9.3 against 8.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #6.

Bash is the better fit for linux and Unix users wanting a widely used shell. OpenBSD KornShell (ksh) is the better fit for openBSD users preferring KornShell-style scripting.

  • Bash fits best

    Linux and Unix users wanting a widely used shell

  • OpenBSD KornShell (ksh) fits best

    OpenBSD users preferring KornShell-style scripting

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature Bash 9.3/10 Visit ↗ OpenBSD KornShell (ksh) 8.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.3 8.1
Ranking #1 in Command-Line Shells #6 in Command-Line Shells
Best for Linux and Unix users wanting a widely used shell OpenBSD users preferring KornShell-style scripting
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Free plan
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial — —
Support Docs Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features Bash 2/3 · OpenBSD KornShell (ksh) 2/3
Package manager Not checked yet Not checked yet
Config file support ✓ ✓
Command completion ✓ ✓
Specs
Supported platforms GNU operating systems, Unix, and several non-Unix systems OpenBSD
Scripting language Bash shell language KornShell language (superset of sh)
Our review
Pros
  • Supports interactive sessions and non-interactive shell scripts
  • Includes Readline editing, command history, and programmable completion
  • Provides job control in interactive sessions
  • Combines interactive command use with a language superset of sh.
  • Includes arrays, functions, arithmetic expansion, and job control.
  • Offers vi or Emacs editing plus command and file-name completion.
Cons
  • Shell startup behavior requires understanding login and interactive files
  • Documentation is the listed support channel
  • Its scripting language is specific to Bash
  • Its listed supported platform is limited to OpenBSD.
  • Its command language may not suit users seeking another shell style.
  • Documentation is the listed support channel.
Our verdict

Bash is the GNU Project’s command-line shell and command-language interpreter, suited to Linux and Unix users who want one tool for interactive sessions and script execution. It can run as an interactive shell or execute scripts…

Read the review →

OpenBSD KornShell (ksh) is the OpenBSD Project's command interpreter for interactive sessions and shell scripts. It is aimed at people who want KornShell-style scripting alongside command-line work in an OpenBSD environment. Its language…

Read the review →
  1. BashCommand-Line Shells 9.3Free plan
  2. OpenBSD KornShell (ksh)Command-Line Shells 8.1Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Bash — where it wins

    • Supports interactive sessions and non-interactive shell scripts
    • Includes Readline editing, command history, and programmable completion
    • Provides job control in interactive sessions

    Where it doesn't

    • Shell startup behavior requires understanding login and interactive files
    • Documentation is the listed support channel
    • Its scripting language is specific to Bash

  • OpenBSD KornShell (ksh) — where it wins

    • Combines interactive command use with a language superset of sh.
    • Includes arrays, functions, arithmetic expansion, and job control.
    • Offers vi or Emacs editing plus command and file-name completion.

    Where it doesn't

    • Its listed supported platform is limited to OpenBSD.
    • Its command language may not suit users seeking another shell style.
    • Documentation is the listed support channel.
  • Bash9.3/10 · Free plan

    A free, open-source shell for interactive command-line work and scripting.

    Visit GNU BashFull verdict →
  • OpenBSD KornShell (ksh)8.1/10 · Free plan

    OpenBSD ksh pairs KornShell scripting with interactive editing and completion on OpenBSD.

    Visit siteFull verdict →

More comparisons

All Command-Line shells comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update