iTerm2

Free#3 of 40 in Terminal Emulators

iTerm2: A capable Mac terminal with advanced panes, profiles, session restoration, and automation. Ranked #3 of 40 in Terminal Emulators by our editors (9.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for mac users wanting automation and rich session management.

9.2/10Editor score

Visit iTerm2

iTerm29.2 Visit iTerm2

At a glance

Editor score
9.2 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Mac users wanting automation and rich session management
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Split panes
Yes
Facts checked
20 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Tabbed windows, split panes, profiles, and saved session arrangements
- GPU-accelerated rendering with inline image display
- Python scripting API, RPC automation, SSH workflows, and tmux integration
Where it doesn't
- Supports macOS rather than multiple desktop operating systems
- Automation features may require Python or RPC scripting knowledge
- Its focus is terminal work, not broader developer collaboration tools

Our verdict on iTerm2

iTerm2 is a free, open-source terminal emulator for macOS and a replacement for Apple’s Terminal. It is aimed at Mac users who want more control over terminal layouts, shell sessions, remote workflows, and automation. The feature set covers tabbed terminal windows, vertical and horizontal split panes, configurable profiles, automatic profile switching, shell integration, search, session restoration, and saved arrangements. GPU-accelerated rendering and inline image display add capabilities beyond basic command-line windows.

The published offering is straightforward: iTerm2 is distributed as free software, with no paid tier described. Its source code is publicly available under the GPL, and the project is maintained by George Nachman and contributors. For users choosing a terminal based on workflow depth rather than a subscription model, the combination of profiles, saved arrangements, session restoration, and flexible pane layouts makes it suitable for organizing recurring local or remote sessions. SSH-aware shell integration and tmux integration also fit users who move between local terminals and remote environments.

iTerm2’s strongest distinction is its automation and session-management depth. A documented Python scripting API and RPC automation provide ways to extend or control terminal workflows, while configurable profiles and automatic switching can adapt sessions to different contexts. The trade-off is platform coverage: the supported desktop platform is macOS, so users who need the same terminal across multiple operating systems should choose a broader alternative. iTerm2 is a strong fit for Mac users who value rich terminal organization, SSH-related workflows, GPU rendering, and scripting. It is less suitable for teams seeking a cross-platform terminal standard or a product centered on collaboration beyond terminal sessions.

Your product? Our editors can test iTerm2 in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

iTerm2 pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on iterm2.com

iTerm2 fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Supported platforms	macos
Split panes	Yes
Session sync	Not verified
GPU acceleration	Yes
Scripting API	Yes
SSH support	Yes
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	macOS
Integrations	3 integrations: tmux, SSH, Python
Pricing	Free plan
Website	iterm2.com
Facts checked	20 Sep 2026

iTerm2 integrations

iTerm2 lists 3 integrations on its own site.

tmux
SSH
Python

Alternatives to iTerm2

See all iTerm2 alternatives →

iTerm2 vs the competition

Compare iTerm2 with any tool side by side →

Used iTerm2? Be the first to review it

The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used iTerm2 for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.

Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears

Reviews come only from verified accounts. Sign in or create an account first — your e-mail is never shown.

Title

Your review

0 characters · at least 80, up to 3,000

Pros (optional · one per line)

Cons (optional · one per line)

Your name (shown with your review)

Role (optional)

Company (optional)

How long have you used it?

I've used iTerm2 myself and this is my honest opinion — nobody paid or asked me to write it.

Posted from your verified account. Reviews appear after an editor reads them, usually within two working days.

Featured on iTechGuides

iTerm2 is listed in our Terminal Emulators directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/iterm2/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/iterm2.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update