Tera Term
Tera Term: A mature Windows terminal tool for serial, SSH, Telnet, scripting, and file transfers. Ranked #29 of 40 in Terminal Emulators by our editors (6.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for windows users needing serial, legacy, and transfer protocols.
At a glance
- Editor score6.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forWindows users needing serial, legacy, and transfer protocols
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded1994
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports serial, Telnet, SSH1, and SSH2 connections
- Includes extensive file-transfer protocols and session logging
- Offers macros, Unicode, portable editions, and x86, x64, and ARM64 builds
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only platform support limits cross-platform use
- Does not provide pane-based terminal workflows
- Focused terminal features may not suit users seeking broader platform coverage
Our verdict on Tera Term
Tera Term is a free, open-source terminal emulator and communication program for Windows. It is aimed at users who connect to devices and systems through serial ports, Telnet, SSH1, or SSH2, including workflows involving legacy terminal environments. Its emulation support includes VT100, selected VT200 and VT300 modes, and TEK4010. The project also provides Unicode and multiple character sets, session logging, log replaying, and a portable edition. Tera Term Macro adds a BASIC-style scripting facility for automating connections and terminal operations.
The published product details make Tera Term particularly capable for protocol-heavy transfer and automation work without a paid tier structure. File transfers support Kermit, XMODEM, YMODEM, ZMODEM, B-PLUS, and Quick-VAN, while macros can automate terminal operations. The project describes the software as free and open source, with BSD-style licensing. Installer and portable editions are available, and documented Windows builds cover x86, x64, and ARM64 systems. That combination suits technicians, administrators, and developers who need practical access to serial equipment or older communication environments.
Its main trade-off is focus. Tera Term supports Windows rather than a broader set of operating systems, and it does not provide pane-based terminal workflows. Users who need a Windows terminal centered on serial connectivity, legacy emulations, transfer protocols, logging, or scripted sessions should find its feature set well aligned with those tasks. Users who prioritize cross-platform availability or modern multi-pane workflows should choose an alternative designed around those requirements instead.
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Tera Term pricing
Tera Term fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | windows |
| Split panes | Not verified |
| Session sync | Not verified |
| GPU acceleration | Not verified |
| Scripting API | Yes |
| SSH support | Yes |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | teratermproject.github.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Tera Term
- 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
See all Tera Term alternatives →
Also Ranked In
Tera Term is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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