Windows Terminal vs WezTerm

WTWindows Terminal9.3Visit WezTerm7.9Visit

Higher score WT Windows Terminal #2 in Terminal Emulators 9.3/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 5 features Visit Microsoft

vs

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

• Windows Terminal fits best

  Windows users with multiple shell environments

• WezTerm fits best

  Developers wanting a programmable cross-platform terminal

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Side by side

Feature	WTWindows Terminal 9.3/10 Visit ↗	WezTerm 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.3	7.9
Ranking	#2 in Terminal Emulators	#16 in Terminal Emulators
Best for	Windows users with multiple shell environments	Developers wanting a programmable cross-platform terminal
Pricing model	Free	Free
Starting price	Free plan	Free
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop	Desktop
Platforms	Windows	Windows, macOS, Linux
Integrations	6 integrations	6 integrations
Features Windows Terminal 4/5 · WezTerm 4/5
Split panes	✓	✓
Session sync	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
GPU acceleration	✓	✓
Scripting API	✓	✓
SSH support	✓	✓
Specs
Supported platforms	Windows	Windows, macOS, Linux
Our review
Pros	Hosts PowerShell, Command Prompt, WSL, Git Bash, and Azure Cloud Shell Tabs, split panes, profiles, themes, shortcuts, and customizable backgrounds GPU-accelerated rendering, SSH profiles, and wt.exe command-line automation	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	Runs on Windows rather than across multiple operating systems Its value depends on working primarily with command-line tools Profile and layout customization may require workflow configuration	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	Windows Terminal is Microsoft’s open-source terminal application for running command-line shells and applications on Windows. It is aimed at users who move between PowerShell, Command Prompt, Windows Subsystem for Linux distributions,… 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

• Windows Terminal — where it wins

  • Hosts PowerShell, Command Prompt, WSL, Git Bash, and Azure Cloud Shell
  • Tabs, split panes, profiles, themes, shortcuts, and customizable backgrounds
  • GPU-accelerated rendering, SSH profiles, and wt.exe command-line automation

  Where it doesn't

  • Runs on Windows rather than across multiple operating systems
  • Its value depends on working primarily with command-line tools
  • Profile and layout customization may require workflow configuration

• 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

• WTWindows Terminal9.3/10 · Free plan

  A free, open-source Windows terminal with tabs, panes, profiles, and automation.

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

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

  Visit WezTermFull verdict →