Head-to-head · Terminal Emulators
Ghostty vs WezTerm
Ghostty leads on 0 checks, WezTerm on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreGhostty · 8.3/10
- Free planboth
Ghostty scores higher on our rubric for terminal emulators: 8.3 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #10 and #16.
Ghostty is the better fit for macOS and Linux users wanting a modern GPU terminal. WezTerm is the better fit for developers wanting a programmable cross-platform terminal.
- Ghostty fits best
macOS and Linux users wanting a modern GPU terminal
- WezTerm fits best
Developers wanting a programmable cross-platform terminal
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Side by side
| Feature | Ghostty 8.3/10 Visit ↗ | WezTerm 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.3 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #10 in Terminal Emulators | #16 in Terminal Emulators |
| Best for | macOS and Linux users wanting a modern GPU terminal | Developers wanting a programmable cross-platform terminal |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Features Ghostty 4/5 · WezTerm 4/5 | ||
| Split panes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Session sync | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| GPU acceleration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scripting API | ✓ | ✓ |
| SSH support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Ghostty is a free, open-source terminal emulator for macOS and Linux. It is aimed at developers, system administrators, and command-line users who want a native terminal with GPU-accelerated rendering and a modern workspace layout. The… Read the review → |
WezTerm is an open-source terminal emulator and multiplexer for developers and system administrators. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, combining GPU-accelerated rendering with tabs, split panes, searchable scrollback, shell… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Ghostty — where it wins
- GPU rendering with Metal on macOS and OpenGL on Linux
- Tabs, windows, split panes, themes, ligatures, and Kitty graphics
- Shell integration, SSH environment forwarding, and macOS AppleScript automation
Where it doesn't
- Supports macOS and Linux, but not Windows
- Session synchronization is not a verified capability
- AppleScript automation is limited to macOS
WezTerm — where it wins
- GPU rendering, tabs, split panes, and searchable scrollback
- Embedded SSH with local and remote multiplexing
- Lua configuration plus iTerm2, Kitty, and Sixel graphics support
Where it doesn't
- Its broad configuration surface may exceed basic terminal needs
- Lua scripting adds setup work for users who prefer point-and-click settings
- No AI features for assisted terminal workflows
- Ghostty8.3/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source GPU terminal with strong macOS and Linux workflows.
Visit GhosttyFull verdict → - WezTerm7.9/10 · Free plan
A deep, programmable terminal for developers who need panes, remote sessions, and graphics support.
Visit WezTermFull verdict →
All terminal emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update