Cool Retro Term
Cool Retro Term: A free, open-source terminal for users who value retro visuals over workflow depth. Ranked #39 of 40 in Terminal Emulators by our editors (5.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for users prioritizing retro terminal appearance.
At a glance
- Editor score5.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forUsers prioritizing retro terminal appearance
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Cathode-ray tube emulation with extensive visual customization
- Free and open source for Linux and macOS
- Supports multiple tabs, windows, and tab-management shortcuts
Where it doesn't
- Available for Linux and macOS, not other listed platforms
- Focuses on appearance and layout rather than broader workflow tooling
- The project currently shows beta and rolling releases
Our verdict on Cool Retro Term
Cool Retro Term is an open-source terminal emulator for Linux and macOS that recreates the appearance of vintage cathode-ray tube displays. It suits users who want their terminal to feel visually distinctive, with controls for colors, fonts, visual effects, frame size, frame color, and shininess. The application is built with Qt6 and uses a QML port of Konsole’s qtermwidget engine. Multiple tabs and windows, along with tab-management shortcuts, cover its core layout needs.
Its strongest area is visual customization. A context menu gives users access to display styling, while cathode-ray tube emulation provides the defining look. Linux users can download an AppImage, and macOS users can use a DMG. The project is also packaged by several Linux distributions, giving Linux users additional installation routes. This makes Cool Retro Term a focused choice for personal terminals, demonstrations, and retro-themed desktop setups where appearance matters as much as command-line access.
The trade-off is a narrow product focus. The published feature set emphasizes display effects, layout, and basic terminal interaction, rather than broader workflow or integration capabilities. Users seeking a terminal centered on advanced session management, extensive platform coverage, or deeper development workflows should consider a different category option. Cool Retro Term is best suited to Linux and macOS users who specifically want a CRT-inspired interface and are comfortable with a project whose current releases are labeled beta and rolling.
Your product? Our editors can test Cool Retro Term in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Cool Retro Term pricing
Cool Retro Term fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | linux, macos |
| Split panes | Not verified |
| Session sync | Not verified |
| GPU acceleration | Not verified |
| Scripting API | Not verified |
| SSH support | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Cool Retro Term
- 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 Cool Retro Term alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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