kitty
kitty: A programmable terminal with strong SSH workflows, graphics, layouts, and session control. Ranked #4 of 40 in Terminal Emulators by our editors (9.0/10); pricing: Open source; best for linux and macOS power users needing SSH tooling.
At a glance
- Editor score9.0 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forLinux and macOS power users needing SSH tooling
- Paid fromFree
- Split panesYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- GPU-accelerated rendering with tabs, windows, and split layouts
- SSH connection reuse plus remote file editing, opening, and downloading
- Programmable kittens, scripting, remote control, and saved sessions
Where it doesn't
- Documented directory support is limited to Linux and macOS
- Its extensive controls and extensions may require configuration effort
- No cross-device session synchronization is documented
Our verdict on kitty
kitty is a GPU-based terminal emulator for power users and developers who need more than a basic command-line window. It combines tabs, windows, split layouts, configurable keyboard controls, terminal graphics, ligatures, hyperlinks, shell integration, and programmable extensions called kittens. Its strongest audience is Linux and macOS users who work across local shells and remote systems, particularly through SSH.
SSH is a central strength. kitty supports shell integration and connection reuse, while its remote-control capabilities can operate over SSH. Remote file editing, opening, and downloading extend the terminal beyond command entry, and startup or saved session files can define repeatable working environments. Integration with bash, fish, and zsh also makes it suitable for users who want terminal behavior aligned with their existing shell. GPU-accelerated rendering and support for images and animations add visual capability without changing its core terminal focus.
The trade-off is a power-user-oriented scope. Multiple window arrangements, scripting, kittens, session files, and remote control provide depth, but they also create more concepts to configure than a minimal terminal emulator. The documented platform coverage for this directory is Linux and macOS, so users on other systems should verify compatibility with their preferred package or build path. kitty fits developers and administrators who value SSH tooling, automation, graphics, and repeatable layouts. Users seeking a simpler terminal with fewer configuration layers or synchronized sessions across devices should consider a more focused alternative.
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kitty pricing
kitty fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Linux, macOS |
| Split panes | Yes |
| Session sync | Not verified |
| GPU acceleration | Yes |
| Scripting API | Yes |
| SSH support | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: bash, fish, zsh |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | sw.kovidgoyal.net |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
kitty integrations
kitty lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- bash
- fish
- zsh
Alternatives to kitty
- 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
kitty vs the competition
Compare kitty with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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