Contour
Contour: A cross-platform terminal with strong persistent-session and tmux support. Ranked #24 of 40 in Terminal Emulators by our editors (7.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for users needing persistent sessions across platforms.
At a glance
- Editor score7.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forUsers needing persistent sessions across platforms
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Split panesYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on Contour
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 configuration reloads, and customizable key bindings. It runs on Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and Windows, making it a practical choice for users who move between operating systems while wanting a consistent terminal workflow.
Its standout capability is session persistence. Daemon mode keeps terminal sessions alive after a window closes and supports reattachment locally or over an encrypted network connection. This makes Contour particularly relevant for long-running shells, remote work, and workflows where terminal state should survive changes in the client window. The published product information identifies daemon mode as experimental, however, so users who depend on persistent sessions should account for that status. Built-in SSH profiles can connect directly to remote SSH servers, while the command-line interface covers terminal, daemon, client, capture, and shell-integration operations.
Contour also fits existing terminal tooling through tmux control-mode interoperability. Its profile system can define shells, colors, and terminal behavior, and Sixel inline images plus ReGIS vector graphics extend its display capabilities beyond basic text output. These features give experienced users considerable control, but the configuration and command-line surface is oriented toward people comfortable managing terminal environments. Choose Contour if persistent sessions, cross-platform coverage, GPU rendering, SSH profiles, and tmux compatibility matter more than a beginner-first experience. Users seeking broader remote-development tooling or a less power-user-focused terminal may prefer a narrower, simpler option.
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Contour pricing
Contour fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Windows |
| Split panes | Yes |
| Session sync | Yes |
| GPU acceleration | Yes |
| Scripting API | Yes |
| SSH support | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: tmux |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | contour-terminal.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Contour integrations
Contour lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- tmux
Alternatives to Contour
- TabbyA versatile open-source terminal for power users who automate across systems.9.4
- Windows TerminalA free, open-source Windows terminal with tabs, panes, profiles, and automation.9.3
- iTerm2A capable Mac terminal with advanced panes, profiles, session restoration, and automation.9.2
See all Contour alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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