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foot review

Free#28 of 40 in Terminal Emulators

A focused, free Wayland terminal for Linux users who value keyboard control.

6.6/10Editor score
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foot6.6 Visit foot

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

foot is a lightweight terminal emulator for Wayland environments, aimed at Linux users who want a focused terminal with keyboard-driven workflows. It supports configurable fonts and font fallback, scrollback search, URL detection and launching, 24-bit true color, Sixel images, IME input, multi-seat use, synchronized updates, and shell integration through OSC sequences. Its free and open-source distribution under the MIT license also suits users who prefer software they can inspect and adapt.

The standout capability is its operating model. foot can run as a regular single-window application or in server mode, where one process hosts multiple terminal windows launched through footclient. That arrangement can be useful when several terminal windows need to share a long-running process. Keyboard-driven URL handling, scrollback search, shell integration, and configurable font behavior add practical depth without changing the product's narrow terminal focus. There are no AI features, and the product is centered on terminal interaction rather than a broader workspace.

Platform fit is the main selection question. foot is designed for Wayland and supports Linux, making it a natural choice for users already working in that environment. Its feature set covers advanced terminal needs, including true color, Sixel, IME, multi-seat support, SSH support, and scripting support. However, users who need broader platform coverage, verified split panes, or GPU acceleration should choose an alternative with those capabilities. Pick foot for a lightweight, keyboard-oriented Linux terminal with daemon mode; look elsewhere if integrated pane management or wider desktop support matters more.

foot pros and cons

  • Where it wins
    • Native Wayland windows with server mode through footclient
    • Scrollback search, URL launching, true color, and Sixel support
    • Free, open-source software with IME and multi-seat support
  • Where it doesn't
    • Linux-only platform coverage
    • No verified split-pane support
    • No GPU acceleration

foot fact sheet, pricing and score →

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