Head-to-head · Terminal Emulators
WezTerm vs Contour
WezTerm leads on 0 checks, Contour on 0, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 6 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreWezTerm · 7.9/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresContour · 5 of 5
WezTerm scores higher on our rubric for terminal emulators: 7.9 against 7.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #16 and #24.
WezTerm is the better fit for developers wanting a programmable cross-platform terminal. Contour is the better fit for users needing persistent sessions across platforms.
- WezTerm fits best
Developers wanting a programmable cross-platform terminal
- Contour fits best
Users needing persistent sessions across platforms
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Side by side
| Feature | WezTerm 7.9/10 Visit ↗ | Contour 7.1/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.9 | 7.1 |
| Ranking | #16 in Terminal Emulators | #24 in Terminal Emulators |
| Best for | Developers wanting a programmable cross-platform terminal | Users needing persistent sessions across platforms |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Integrations | 6 integrations | 1 integrations |
| Features WezTerm 4/5 · Contour 5/5 | ||
| Split panes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Session sync | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| GPU acceleration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scripting API | ✓ | ✓ |
| SSH support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Windows |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | 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 → |
Contour is an open-source terminal emulator for developers and other power users. It combines GPU-accelerated rendering with tabs, split panes, configurable profiles, Unicode support, image protocols, vi-like input modes, runtime… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
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
Contour — where it wins
- Persistent sessions can reattach locally or over an encrypted network connection
- GPU rendering, tabs, split panes, and configurable terminal profiles
- Broad Linux, macOS, Windows, and BSD support with SSH and tmux interoperability
Where it doesn't
- Daemon mode, central to persistent sessions, is experimental
- Powerful configuration and command-line controls favor experienced users
- Focused on terminal workflows rather than a broader remote-development suite
- WezTerm7.9/10 · Free plan
A deep, programmable terminal for developers who need panes, remote sessions, and graphics support.
Visit WezTermFull verdict → - Contour7.1/10 · Free plan
A cross-platform terminal with strong persistent-session and tmux support.
Visit ContourFull verdict →
All terminal emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update