Ghostty review
A free, open-source GPU terminal with strong macOS and Linux workflows.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Ghostty is a free, open-source terminal emulator for macOS and Linux. It is aimed at developers, system administrators, and command-line users who want a native terminal with GPU-accelerated rendering and a modern workspace layout. The core is written in Zig, while the application uses native platform interfaces. Its everyday interface includes multiple windows, tabs, and split panes, with hundreds of built-in themes, light and dark mode switching, and ligature-capable font rendering. Native macOS Quick Terminal adds a convenient way to access a terminal from the desktop.
Its strongest differentiator is the depth of terminal features beyond basic command entry. Ghostty supports the Kitty graphics protocol, allowing compatible terminal applications to display graphics. Shell integration covers bash, elvish, fish, nushell, and zsh. Its SSH wrapper can install remote terminfo and forward the environment, helping maintain terminal behavior across supported remote sessions. On macOS, AppleScript can automate windows, tabs, terminals, and split-pane layouts, making Ghostty a practical fit for repeatable local workflows and scripted desktop control.
Ghostty is a strong choice for macOS and Linux users who value speed-oriented rendering, flexible layouts, graphics support, and shell-aware behavior without a paid tier. It is less suitable for teams that require Windows support or verified session synchronization across environments. AppleScript automation also does not carry across to Linux, so cross-platform automation needs to rely on other tooling. Choose Ghostty when native platform integration and a broad terminal feature set matter more than universal operating-system coverage or synchronized sessions.
Ghostty pros and cons
- Where it wins
- GPU rendering with Metal on macOS and OpenGL on Linux
- Tabs, windows, split panes, themes, ligatures, and Kitty graphics
- Shell integration, SSH environment forwarding, and macOS AppleScript automation
- Where it doesn't
- Supports macOS and Linux, but not Windows
- Session synchronization is not a verified capability
- AppleScript automation is limited to macOS
Ghostty fact sheet, pricing and score →
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