Side by side
kitty vs Tabby (formerly Terminus)
Both stand on terminal apps. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMac
Choose kitty if you use Linux or macOS and want a keyboard-oriented terminal that combines configurable layouts with session files and shell control. Its GPU rendering and extension framework add further options for terminal workflows. Look elsewhere if you need a platform beyond Linux or macOS.
Visit kitty
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2
Visit Tabby (formerly Terminus) The facts
| kitty | Tabby (formerly Terminus) | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | sw.kovidgoyal.net | tabby.sh |
| On terminal apps | #7 of 41 | #3 of 41 |
kitty: what it does well
- Free and open source, with pre-built Linux and macOS binaries.
- GPU acceleration and OpenGL rendering support Unicode and true color.
- Tabs, windows, split panes, layouts, and saved sessions organize programs.
- Shell-based remote control works over SSH.
- Kittens add tools for image viewing, file diffing, and remote editing.
What to know first
- Available platforms are limited to Linux and macOS.
- The official installer describes manual DMG and tarball installation routes.
Tabby (formerly Terminus): what it does well
Alternatives to kitty Alternatives to Tabby (formerly Terminus) The whole list