Side by side
atop vs bottom (btm)
Both stand on process monitoring software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Linux
atop provides detailed Linux resource monitoring and log-based reports, including records for finished processes. Check package availability for your distribution and note the software’s experimental, as-is status.
Visit atop Free plan LinuxMacWindows
bottom combines system graphs and process controls in a customizable terminal interface. Check the platform and architecture support for your system, especially if considering an unofficial platform.
Visit bottom (btm)The facts
| atop | bottom (btm) | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | atoptool.nl | bottom.pages.dev |
| On process monitoring software | #8 of 26 | #4 of 26 |
atop: what it does well
- Reports CPU, memory, swap, disk, and network activity.
- Captures resource use for processes that finish during an interval.
- Keeps daily logs for 28 days by default.
- Reports cgroup v2 utilization and pressure.
- Free and GPL-licensed.
What to know first
- The download page lists only a limited selection of distribution-specific packages.
- The software is described as experimental and offered as-is.
- Per-process network statistics require the optional netatop kernel module.
bottom (btm): what it does well
- Graphs CPU, RAM, swap, network, and disk activity.
- Process widget supports sorting and searching.
- Supports themes, layout, and filtering customization.
- Offers read-only operation.
- Available on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What to know first
- Architecture support varies by system.
- Android support is unofficial and limited.
- Runs in a terminal.
Alternatives to atop Alternatives to bottom (btm) The whole list