Head-to-head · Terminal Emulators
iTerm2 vs Ghostty
iTerm2 leads on 0 checks, Ghostty 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 scoreiTerm2 · 9.2/10
- Free planboth
iTerm2 scores higher on our rubric for terminal emulators: 9.2 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #10.
iTerm2 is the better fit for mac users wanting automation and rich session management. Ghostty is the better fit for macOS and Linux users wanting a modern GPU terminal.
- iTerm2 fits best
Mac users wanting automation and rich session management
- Ghostty fits best
macOS and Linux users wanting a modern GPU terminal
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. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | iTerm2 9.2/10 Visit ↗ | Ghostty 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.2 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #3 in Terminal Emulators | #10 in Terminal Emulators |
| Best for | Mac users wanting automation and rich session management | macOS and Linux users wanting a modern GPU terminal |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS | macOS, Linux |
| Features iTerm2 4/5 · Ghostty 4/5 | ||
| Split panes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Session sync | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| GPU acceleration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scripting API | ✓ | ✓ |
| SSH support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | macos | macOS, Linux |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | iTerm2 is a free, open-source terminal emulator for macOS and a replacement for Apple’s Terminal. It is aimed at Mac users who want more control over terminal layouts, shell sessions, remote workflows, and automation. The feature set… Read the review → |
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 → |
Strengths and trade-offs
iTerm2 — where it wins
- Tabbed windows, split panes, profiles, and saved session arrangements
- GPU-accelerated rendering with inline image display
- Python scripting API, RPC automation, SSH workflows, and tmux integration
Where it doesn't
- Supports macOS rather than multiple desktop operating systems
- Automation features may require Python or RPC scripting knowledge
- Its focus is terminal work, not broader developer collaboration tools
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
- iTerm29.2/10 · Free plan
A capable Mac terminal with advanced panes, profiles, session restoration, and automation.
Visit iTerm2Full verdict → - Ghostty8.3/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source GPU terminal with strong macOS and Linux workflows.
Visit GhosttyFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Tabby vs iTerm2
- Windows Terminal vs iTerm2
- iTerm2 vs kitty
- iTerm2 vs PuTTY
- iTerm2 vs Warp
- iTerm2 vs MobaXterm
- iTerm2 vs Alacritty
All terminal emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update