iTerm2 vs WezTerm

iTerm29.2Visit WezTerm7.9Visit

Higher score iTerm2 #3 in Terminal Emulators 9.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit iTerm2

vs

WezTerm #16 in Terminal Emulators 7.9/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit WezTerm

• iTerm2 fits best

  Mac users wanting automation and rich session management

• WezTerm fits best

  Developers wanting a programmable cross-platform terminal

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Side by side

Feature	iTerm2 9.2/10 Visit ↗	WezTerm 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.2	7.9
Ranking	#3 in Terminal Emulators	#16 in Terminal Emulators
Best for	Mac users wanting automation and rich session management	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	Windows, macOS, Linux
Integrations	3 integrations	6 integrations
Features iTerm2 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	Windows, macOS, Linux
Our review
Pros	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	GPU rendering, tabs, split panes, and searchable scrollback Embedded SSH with local and remote multiplexing Lua configuration plus iTerm2, Kitty, and Sixel graphics support
Cons	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	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
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 →	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

• 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

• 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

• iTerm29.2/10 · Free plan

  A capable Mac terminal with advanced panes, profiles, session restoration, and automation.

  Visit iTerm2Full verdict →
• WezTerm7.9/10 · Free plan

  A deep, programmable terminal for developers who need panes, remote sessions, and graphics support.

  Visit WezTermFull verdict →