Head-to-head · Command-Line Shells
Bash vs Zsh
Bash leads on 0 checks, Zsh 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 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #2.
Bash is the better fit for linux and Unix users wanting a widely used shell. Zsh is the better fit for users who want advanced Unix shell customization.
- Bash fits best
Linux and Unix users wanting a widely used shell
- Zsh fits best
Users who want advanced Unix shell customization
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Side by side
| Feature | Bash 9.3/10 Visit ↗ | Zsh 8.8/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.3 | 8.8 |
| Ranking | #1 in Command-Line Shells | #2 in Command-Line Shells |
| Best for | Linux and Unix users wanting a widely used shell | Users who want advanced Unix shell customization |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Support | Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Bash 2/3 · Zsh 2/3 | ||
| Package manager | Not published | Not published |
| Config file support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Command completion | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | GNU operating systems, Unix, and several non-Unix systems | Unix; Windows via Cygwin |
| Scripting language | Bash shell language | Zsh shell scripting language |
| Our review | ||
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| 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 → |
Zsh is a freely available command interpreter designed for interactive use and scripting. It suits people who want to tailor a Unix command-line environment, from individual users to teams across company sizes. Its shell scripting language… Read the review → |
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
Zsh — where it wins
- Programmable completion and multi-line command editing
- Advanced filename globbing, arrays, arithmetic, and spelling correction
- Customizable prompts and options through startup files
Where it doesn't
- Windows support is through Cygwin rather than a standalone current port
- Requires compiling from source on modern Unix systems
- Community and documentation are the listed support channels
- Bash9.3/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source shell for interactive command-line work and scripting.
Visit GNU BashFull verdict → - Zsh8.8/10 · Free plan
A free, customizable shell for users who want advanced command-line control.
Visit ZshFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Bash vs Fish
- Bash vs Dash
- Bash vs BusyBox ash
- Bash vs OpenBSD KornShell (ksh)
- Bash vs tcsh
- Bash vs PowerShell
- Zsh vs Fish
- Zsh vs Dash
All Command-Line shells comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update