Fastfetch

Overview

Fastfetch is a free, open-source command-line utility that prints operating-system, hardware and software details alongside a logo in the terminal. It suits people who want a tailored system readout as part of a terminal workflow, rather than a graphical dashboard. Its wide module selection and broad operating-system support are useful strengths, provided shell startup is configured with care.

Use it for a terminal greeting, a hardware audit or a compact system summary for a desktop screenshot. The command-line presentation is also its main limitation: readers seeking a visual hardware-monitoring app should look elsewhere. Browse our System Information Software directory for more options.

Key features

System details in one readout

More than 75 built-in modules span CPU, GPU, memory, disk, battery, TPM, audio and Wi-Fi information. Fastfetch can also report firmware details and installed software, making it useful for assembling a broad inventory or checking a machine without opening a separate app. TPM status is a reporting module, not evidence of a security certification or compliance program.

Tailored terminal output

Fastfetch uses JSONC configuration, and its official JSON schema supports editor autocomplete and validation. That is a practical aid for users who want to shape the output and catch configuration errors, though customization still requires working with configuration rather than a graphical interface. It supports ASCII logos and image rendering through Kitty, Sixel, iTerm2 or Chafa protocols.

Shell and media integrations

Shell startup integration covers Bash, Zsh, Fish, PowerShell and Nushell, with compatibility for Starship and Oh My Posh. A sample configuration can query Spotify, MPD, MPRIS or Apple Music for media information. These integrations make Fastfetch a natural fit for a personalized terminal, but printing it unconditionally from a shell startup file can disrupt SCP, SFTP and other non-interactive operations; startup configuration needs to account for those sessions.

Container option

A Docker command can run Fastfetch in a container to inspect host, container and runtime metrics. This gives users a container-based route alongside ordinary installation, without changing the tool's terminal-first nature.

Pricing

Fastfetch is free, with an MIT-licensed open-source command-line tool and more than 75 system-information modules. There is no paid tier to compare: the free plan is the product. The plan has no stated seat or usage quota in the published terms, and no free trial is offered because the tool itself is free. Readers who need a dedicated support service should note that Fastfetch points users to documentation and its GitHub organization rather than describing one.

Platforms

The maker lists native support for Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD and Android through Termux. Installation options include winget, Scoop, Homebrew, MacPorts, APT, Pacman, DNF, FreeBSD pkg and Termux. This range makes Fastfetch practical across varied personal systems, although the Android route is specifically through Termux.

Who it's for

Fastfetch is a strong fit for terminal users who want a configurable system summary, developers and administrators who value a broad set of hardware and software details, and people building a shell greeting or desktop screenshot. Its open-source license and multi-platform reach are particularly useful for users who want the same style of readout across different operating systems.

It is less suitable for people who expect a graphical interface, or who want a dedicated support service. Anyone adding it to shell startup should also take care not to interfere with non-interactive access such as SCP or SFTP.

Pros and cons

• Pros: More than 75 modules combine common components with details such as TPM status, firmware and installed software, supporting more than a minimal system summary.
• Pros: JSONC configuration, schema-backed editor assistance, and several logo-rendering protocols give users meaningful control over terminal output.
• Pros: Free, MIT-licensed availability and support across Windows, macOS, Linux, BSD and Android through Termux suit mixed-platform use.
• Cons: The terminal interface will not suit readers who want a graphical system-information or monitoring app.
• Cons: Unconditional startup output can disrupt SCP, SFTP and other non-interactive shell operations, so integration requires care.
• Cons: The maker points users to documentation and GitHub rather than describing a dedicated support service.

Alternatives

ASTRA32 is a Windows-only freemium option with a free plan for non-commercial use; consider it if that platform and use condition fit better.

EtreCheckPro is a macOS alternative with a free download for unlimited basic reports, diagnostics and command-line use, plus a 19.99 USD one-time Power User upgrade; choose it if you want that Mac-focused reporting route.

hw-probe is a free Linux and self-hosted project that anonymously collects Linux/BSD hardware details to help people collaboratively debug hardware problems; it is the more relevant choice for that collaborative debugging purpose.

HWMonitor offers a free Windows x86/x64 edition for monitoring PC hardware sensors, with a paid PRO option; choose it if sensor monitoring on Windows is the priority.

AppControl is a free Windows application; consider it if you want a Windows-focused alternative.

Btrfsmaintenance is a free Linux and self-hosted set of scripts for Btrfs filesystem maintenance, so it is aimed at a different task.

inxi is a free Perl-based tool focused on GNU/Linux; it is worth considering if you want a Linux-focused system-information alternative.

WinAudit is free Windows freeware that requires no setup; consider it if a no-setup Windows option is more suitable.

Verdict

Choose Fastfetch if you want a free, configurable terminal readout with broad system coverage across several operating systems. Its module range and output controls give it real flexibility for shell customization and hardware checks. Look elsewhere if you need a graphical monitoring experience or dedicated support, and configure startup carefully to keep non-interactive shell operations working.