Macterm review
A focused macOS terminal workspace for persistent local and SSH projects.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Macterm is an open-source terminal emulator for macOS, built on libghostty. It is aimed at developers who want a native terminal workspace for local shells and remote projects over SSH, with session restoration, pane layouts, tabs, and project organization. The published distribution options include Homebrew and downloadable DMG releases, while the open-source model makes it suitable for users who prefer inspectable software without a paid tier.
Its standout capability is persistent workspace continuity. Macterm can restore shell sessions with scrollback and running processes, while pinned tabs restore on launch. The native vertical project sidebar, tabs, live-preview tab switcher, and split panes in multiple directions support projects that involve several concurrent terminal contexts. Declarative YAML layouts add a repeatable way to define workspaces, and the control CLI extends that model to scripting panes, commands, and layouts.
Macterm’s focus is narrower than a cross-platform terminal product: it supports macOS, with SSH projects and Ghostty configuration compatibility shaping its ecosystem fit. That focus should appeal to Mac users who want persistent local and remote terminal projects in one organized interface. Users who need terminal support beyond macOS, or who only want a basic command-line window without project, layout, and scripting features, should look elsewhere. For developers working across recurring SSH sessions and structured terminal workspaces, Macterm’s combination of persistence, panes, and automation is the central reason to choose it.
Macterm pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Restores shell sessions, scrollback, and running processes
- Supports SSH projects, panes, tabs, and YAML layouts
- Offers scripting controls through a dedicated control CLI
- Where it doesn't
- Available only on macOS
- Its workspace features may exceed simple terminal needs
- The ecosystem integration listed is limited to Ghostty
Macterm fact sheet, pricing and score →
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