Sakura
Sakura: A focused, open-source tabbed terminal for Linux users who value minimal dependencies. Ranked #36 of 40 in Terminal Emulators by our editors (5.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux users wanting a minimal tabbed terminal.
At a glance
- Editor score5.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux users wanting a minimal tabbed terminal
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source under the GNU GPL v2 license
- Combines multiple terminals in one window through tabs
- Uses GTK and libvte with few dependencies
Where it doesn't
- Supports Linux rather than multiple desktop platforms
- Feature breadth is limited compared with broader terminal tools
- Configuration is accessed through a contextual menu
Our verdict on Sakura
Sakura is an open-source terminal emulator for Linux, built with GTK and libvte. It is aimed at users who want multiple terminal sessions in one window without requiring a complete GNOME desktop environment. Its design favors a small dependency footprint and a focused interface over a wide feature set. Tabs keep separate terminals together, while the GTK-based presentation gives the application a familiar Linux desktop foundation.
The core experience centers on tabbed terminals, libvte-based emulation, and configuration through a contextual menu. That narrow focus makes Sakura relevant for Linux users who need straightforward terminal access and basic session organization rather than an extensive ecosystem of integrations or advanced tooling. Development and distribution run through Launchpad, and the project is distributed as source archives under the GNU GPL v2 license. The project page lists version 3.8.9, released in April 2025.
Sakura is a sensible pick when free, open-source software, Linux support, tabs, and few dependencies matter most. Its trade-off is scope: the published positioning emphasizes a lightweight terminal with a limited verified feature breadth, not a broad cross-platform application with a large collection of specialized capabilities. Users who need support beyond Linux or expect a more expansive terminal feature set should consider another option. For a minimal tabbed terminal with GTK and libvte foundations, Sakura keeps the product choice clear and focused.
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Sakura pricing
Sakura fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Linux |
| Split panes | Not verified |
| Session sync | Not verified |
| GPU acceleration | Not verified |
| Scripting API | Not verified |
| SSH support | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | pleyades.net |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Sakura
- 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
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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