List of the Top 25 Terminal Emulators for Linux in 2025

Rio is a terminal application engineered with Rust, WebGPU, and the Tokio runtime, focused on delivering outstanding frames per second while allowing for reduced GPU consumption. Its rendering engine is built on a Redux state machine, which ensures that lines that remain unchanged are not redrawn, thus optimizing the rendering process most of the time. Additionally, Rio is designed to be compatible with a WebAssembly runtime, which opens avenues for future features like customizable tab systems through WASM plugins created in various programming languages. Furthermore, Rio incorporates WGPU, a WebGPU implementation tailored for non-browser contexts, and serves as a backend for Firefox's own WebGPU implementation, enabling more efficient use of contemporary GPUs in comparison to WebGL alternatives. This commitment to performance and flexibility positions Rio as an adaptable terminal choice, catering to users who value both speed and customization options. Users can expect a seamless experience that balances resource efficiency with powerful functionality.

WhippyTerm is a modern and highly adaptable terminal application designed for embedded developers working on Windows and Linux operating systems. It provides a clean, intuitive user interface alongside comprehensive support for various communication protocols critical in embedded development, such as serial ports (RS232, RS485, RS422, TTL UART) and network protocols like TCP/IP and UDP. The application’s architecture allows extension through plugins, enabling support for additional protocols such as I2C and SPI, expanding its versatility. WhippyTerm includes unique features like bookmarks for easy navigation, built-in hex dump visualization for in-depth data inspection, and native handling of binary protocols tailored to the needs of embedded device communication. It supports sending and receiving blocks of binary or ASCII data to facilitate complex interactions with hardware devices. The software also supports terminal emulations, with ANSI available by default and other options like VT100 accessible via plugins. These emulations help developers simulate and troubleshoot device communications effectively. WhippyTerm’s plugin-based approach ensures that users can customize and enhance functionality to suit specific project requirements. Its blend of modern UI design and robust protocol support makes it a powerful tool for debugging and managing embedded systems. Overall, WhippyTerm is engineered to simplify and improve communication with embedded devices for developers.

PuTTY is a free software application that provides SSH and Telnet capabilities for both Windows and Unix platforms, also acting as an xterm terminal emulator. This client application is compatible with various protocols such as SSH, Telnet, Rlogin, and SUPDUP, enabling users to establish remote sessions on computers across a network. Functioning primarily from the client side, it allows individuals to view and interact with remote systems seamlessly. For example, when you open PuTTY on a Windows machine and connect to a Unix server, a dedicated window appears for your use. Any commands you input into this window are sent straight to the Unix server, with the resulting responses being displayed back to you in the same interface. This capability means you can work on the Unix system as if you were right in front of its terminal, despite possibly being miles away. Besides this, PuTTY allows users to save configurations under named session profiles, while also providing the ability to adjust default settings for new connections. This adaptability enhances its utility, making it an invaluable tool for efficiently managing remote sessions, and its user-friendly interface further contributes to its appeal among users.

Muon provides an intuitive and enjoyable way to oversee remote servers using SSH. This graphical SSH client features a sophisticated SFTP file browser, an SSH terminal emulator, a remote resource and process manager, a server disk space analyzer, a remote text editor, a comprehensive remote log viewer, and many other utilities that aid in remote server management. Operating like web-based control panels, Muon connects directly over SSH from a local machine, thus removing the necessity for any installations on the server side. It is compatible with both Linux and Windows operating systems and has been tested with a range of Linux and UNIX servers, including Ubuntu server, CentOS, RHEL, OpenSUSE, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, and HP-UX. This tool primarily caters to web and backend developers who frequently deploy and troubleshoot their applications on remote servers, while also appealing to system administrators who handle multiple remote servers. Muon's user-friendly design and powerful capabilities significantly enhance productivity by streamlining server management tasks, making it an essential tool in the toolkit of anyone who needs efficient server oversight. As remote work continues to grow, tools like Muon are becoming increasingly vital for effective server management in various environments.

Wave is an innovative terminal designed for developers, offering a free, AI-driven environment that enhances productivity. With capabilities like inline rendering, a contemporary user interface, and the ability to maintain persistent sessions, it streamlines the development process. Key Features Include: - Support for various plugins that allow rendering of audio/video, Markdown, images, and much more. - A fast coding experience using the same editor as VSCode, accessible both locally and remotely. - Persistent sessions with a searchable Universal History and the ability to manage workspaces seamlessly between local and remote environments. - Direct integration of AI features with ChatGPT, and plans to enable users to incorporate their own AI systems in the future (BYOLLM). - Available as packages for both macOS and Linux, under the Apache 2.0 License, ensuring a broad reach for developers across platforms. Wave is poised to revolutionize how developers interact with their tools, making coding more efficient and enjoyable.

Alacritty is a sophisticated terminal emulator designed for multiple operating systems, leveraging OpenGL to achieve superior GPU performance while providing practical defaults alongside extensive customization options. Rather than replicating existing functionalities, it seamlessly integrates with various applications to deliver a highly personalized user experience without sacrificing speed. It is compatible with BSD, Linux, macOS, and Windows, and although currently in beta, it has already become a preferred option for numerous users as their main terminal application. Among its standout features are Vi Mode, which allows navigation and selection creation through vi commands; a Search capability for locating text within the scrollback history; Regex Hints that highlight specific patterns for interaction using either mouse or keyboard; and Multi-Window support that enhances resource efficiency by functioning within a single process. The ongoing development of Alacritty indicates a commitment to expanding its feature set and enhancing overall performance, which will help maintain its appeal among terminal users. As it matures, the community eagerly anticipates even more innovative functionalities that will further solidify its position in the terminal emulator landscape.

Ghostty stands out as a rapid and feature-rich terminal emulator that operates across various platforms, harnessing native user interfaces and GPU acceleration to deliver an exceptional blend of speed and versatility. This terminal emulator complies fully with standards by integrating ECMA-48 and xterm conventions, thus facilitating smooth compatibility with existing shells and software applications. Its cutting-edge multi-renderer architecture utilizes OpenGL and supports ligatures, allowing for fluid rendering at rates of up to 60 frames per second, even under heavy workloads, while a dedicated I/O thread effectively reduces jitter. Ghostty also boasts sophisticated windowing capabilities, including support for multiple windows, tab management, and split views, all while seamlessly fitting into native platform experiences via SwiftUI and GTK4. At its foundation lies a shared library crafted in Zig, known as "libghostty," which can be utilized through a C API for embedding purposes. Users benefit from various customization options such as fonts, backgrounds, and color schemes, paired with a selection of features designed specifically for interactive command-line tools, positioning its performance alongside the leading terminal emulators available today. Additionally, Ghostty's design prioritizes user-friendliness, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned users to effectively explore its wide range of functionalities. This commitment to usability ensures that everyone can take full advantage of its robust feature set without feeling overwhelmed.

xterm functions as a terminal emulator designed specifically for the X Window System, originally created to emulate DEC VT102 and Tektronix 4014 hardware while offering a windowed interface for applications that do not have direct access to X. Each xterm process works independently, whether on a local or remote system, sharing keyboard and mouse inputs, with only the currently active window responding to user actions. It accommodates ANSI/ISO color through a novel color model for background erasure and can interpret most VT220 control sequences, integrating certain features from VT320, VT420, and VT520 terminals. Over time, the terminal description for xterm has evolved from the VT102 format (before 1996) to the VT220 format (from 1996 to 2012), and since 2012, it has embraced the VT420 standard, ensuring ongoing compatibility with modern applications. xterm is actively updated and remains flexible through additional tools like luit for encoding support and the X Toolkit for resource management, reinforcing its reputation as a robust and standards-compliant emulator suitable for Unix environments. By continually adapting, xterm not only fulfills the needs of contemporary users but also honors its legacy, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and tradition. This dual focus on progress and history makes xterm a valuable tool in the realm of terminal emulation.

Tmux is a powerful terminal multiplexer that enables users to create, access, and manage several terminal sessions all from a single interface. A standout feature is its capability to detach sessions, which allows them to continue running in the background and be reattached later exactly as they were left. Each window in tmux functions as an independent client process, and it supports color through ANSI/ISO standards using VT220 control sequences. Users appreciate the ease of configuration offered by the example tmux.conf file and the detailed man page. With minimal dependencies, tmux operates on libevent 2.x and ncurses, needing only a C compiler, make, pkg-config, and Yacc for its compilation. Its design is lightweight and single-screen, contributing to its efficiency and standards compliance, while also being well-documented and compatible across platforms. This makes tmux an excellent choice for managing terminal workflows, particularly for those who frequently engage with command-line interfaces. Moreover, the multipurpose capabilities of tmux significantly boost productivity by allowing users to juggle multiple tasks without hassle.

WezTerm is a powerful terminal emulator and multiplexer that operates across multiple platforms, built using Rust and distinguished by its GPU-accelerated rendering features, which include support for ligatures, color emojis, true color, dynamic color schemes, and hyperlinks, as well as sophisticated window management capabilities like panes and tabs that facilitate the handling of numerous windows on both local and remote machines. The application utilizes a single-process multiplexer that enhances the user experience with features such as scrollback, a searchable history, mouse support, and a Quick Select mode for efficient item selection. Additionally, users benefit from functionalities such as Copy mode, shell integration, compatibility with the iTerm image protocol, SSH access, and support for serial devices and Arduino, all while managing sessions and workspaces through customizable Lua scripts. The configuration process is user-friendly due to the wezterm.lua file which supports hot-reloading, and a full-featured command-line interface (wezterm cli) empowers users to launch applications, manage tabs and panes, and set up domains with ease. Furthermore, WezTerm adheres to ECMA-48 and xterm specifications, ensuring compliance with ANSI/ISO standards, and it seamlessly integrates into the user interface by leveraging platform-specific APIs, thereby providing a smooth and versatile experience for terminal users. With its extensive feature set and user-friendly design, WezTerm is an exceptional choice for both novice users and developers in search of a comprehensive terminal solution that enhances productivity and workflow.

Zellij serves as a multifunctional workspace designed specifically for developers, operations specialists, and terminal enthusiasts, founded on the belief that achieving simplicity alongside robust functionality is possible without compromise, thereby delivering an impressive out-of-the-box experience enriched with advanced features. It appeals to a wide range of users, from beginners to experienced experts, by offering extensive customization and automation options through adjustable layouts, true multiplayer collaboration, and unique user interface elements like floating and stacked panes, all enhanced by a sophisticated resizing algorithm that optimally arranges new panes for maximum productivity. Furthermore, the introduction of a plugin system empowers users to develop their own pane types in any language that compiles to WebAssembly, while a comprehensive command-line interface includes Command Panes for executing and re-executing commands in dedicated environments, along with functionalities such as running, editing, and renaming panes. Zellij's single-process architecture ensures swift and responsive performance, and its holistic design provides users with a complete terminal workspace that aligns with the requirements of modern development methodologies. Consequently, Zellij not only boosts individual productivity but also cultivates a collaborative atmosphere, making it an essential resource for both solo developers and teams working together. This versatility and focus on user experience make Zellij a standout choice in the realm of terminal workspaces.

The PowerTerm InterConnect Series offers a range of robust terminal emulation tools tailored to satisfy the host access requirements of both large organizations and smaller businesses. This collection empowers companies to implement a cohesive host access solution throughout their operations. The applications in the PowerTerm InterConnect suite guarantee fast and reliable access to data stored on various host systems, such as IBM Mainframe zSeries, IBM AS/400 iSeries, UNIX, OpenVMS, Tandem, and HP. Each tool in the series supports terminal emulation via several communication methods, ensuring flexibility for users. Moreover, PowerTerm InterConnect is packed with a versatile and extensive feature set designed to maximize user productivity while providing numerous customization options. With the inclusion of Power Script Language, users can streamline their workflows and improve overall operational efficiency. The compact nature of PowerTerm InterConnect makes it an ideal, quick, and effective solution for running legacy applications, and its installation process is straightforward and swift on any PC. Ultimately, this series is distinguished by its adaptability to meet various user requirements while consistently delivering high performance. Its comprehensive capabilities ensure that businesses can effectively manage their host access needs with ease and reliability.

Kitty is designed for users who favor keyboard navigation, ensuring that every control can be accessed through the keyboard while still supporting mouse interactions. Its setup is consolidated into a straightforward, human-readable file, making it easy to manage and share configurations, a practice I frequently employ alongside version control systems. The kitty architecture prioritizes simplicity, modularity, and easy customization, employing C for components that require high performance and Python for enhancements to the user interface. Rather than depending on heavy and complex UI frameworks, kitty opts for OpenGL for all rendering functions, which helps maintain a lightweight application. Tailored with contemporary terminal features in mind, kitty boasts support for Unicode, true color, and a variety of text styles such as bold and italic fonts, as well as sophisticated text formatting options. It also improves upon traditional text formatting escape codes by adding distinctive features like colored and styled curly underlines, distinguishing it from other terminal emulators. A critical component of kitty’s design is its extensibility, which permits the addition of new features as user requirements change and grow. This intentional framework not only aims to keep kitty relevant but also ensures it remains flexible and adaptable amidst the rapid advancements in technology. Furthermore, kitty's user-centric approach fosters a community around customization, encouraging users to share their configurations and enhancements.

SecureCRT is a versatile terminal emulation software compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux, designed specifically for IT professionals to improve productivity through advanced session management and automation of repetitive tasks. This powerful application guarantees secure remote access, efficient file transfers, and reliable data tunneling for all team members, making it an invaluable asset. Whether you are upgrading from Telnet or Terminal or simply looking for a more effective secure remote access tool, SecureCRT can seamlessly integrate into your daily operations. With its robust SSH security features, comprehensive session oversight, and sophisticated scripting options, it significantly enhances user efficiency. The ability to highlight specific words, phrases, or substrings in the session window greatly assists in pinpointing errors in log files or streaming outputs, while also stressing prompts for clarity. Furthermore, the inclusion of regular expressions makes it easier to emphasize elements like IP addresses, and users can customize keyword display attributes, such as bold, reverse video, and color, to improve visibility. All in all, this dynamic tool is an essential component for professionals aiming to refine their workflow and streamline their tasks. Ultimately, the capabilities offered by SecureCRT position it as a leading choice for those who prioritize effective and secure remote management solutions.

Terminator Terminal Emulator is an advanced terminal management application that enables users to operate multiple GNOME terminals inside a single consolidated window. Developed initially in 2007 by Chris Jones as a concise Python script, Terminator has since matured into a full-featured terminal multiplexer inspired by utilities such as Iterm2, Tilix, and earlier projects like quadkonsole. The platform allows users to split their terminal into multiple panes, which can be resized, rearranged, and customized to match individual workflow needs. This capability is particularly valuable for professionals who juggle numerous remote machines or command-line interfaces simultaneously. Terminator supports a variety of themes, including dark and light modes, enhancing readability and user comfort across different environments. It integrates well with the GNOME desktop, supporting a range of shells like Bash, Zsh, and others. With its efficient layout management, users can reduce desktop clutter and streamline their multitasking process. Terminator is ideal for developers, system administrators, and power users looking for a flexible yet powerful terminal emulator. Its open-source nature and ongoing community contributions keep it evolving to meet modern needs. Overall, Terminator boosts productivity by providing a versatile and customizable terminal experience.

StayLinked provides a seamless transition to cutting-edge devices while enhancing productivity through advanced business intelligence and facilitating interaction with innovative technologies like automation, robotics, and augmented reality. Maintaining employee engagement on the job is vital, yet traditional terminal emulator solutions often lead to inconsistent performance and connectivity issues. As a result, end users frequently find themselves spending more time troubleshooting with help desk support than executing essential application tasks. By eradicating lost sessions, enabling centralized configuration and management of applications, and offering efficient help desk tools, StayLinked guarantees optimal performance for both applications and users. Notably, StayLinked Terminal Emulation stands out as the quickest terminal emulation solution for mobile devices, in contrast to conventional terminal emulators that route all telnet/SSH traffic directly to the mobile device. This efficiency not only boosts productivity but also empowers users to focus on their core responsibilities without interruption.

Flynet Viewer™, a terminal emulation solution, is a web-based tool designed to access essential business systems seamlessly. This innovative terminal emulator enables users to connect to Mainframe, iSeries, and Unix systems from any device without the need for client software installation. It operates from a server environment, which can be hosted either on-premises or in the cloud, and is centrally managed through the Flynet Viewer administration center. The software is universally compatible with all web browsers and devices, eliminating the need for ActiveX or Java plugins. Flynet Viewer is equipped with an array of features typical of enterprise-level terminal emulators, such as file transfer capabilities, client and server-side macros, as well as single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA). In addition to these features, it also supports keyboard remapping for enhanced user experience. While it provides the same extensive functionality as traditional desktop terminal emulation clients, Flynet Viewer delivers its services over the internet through a browser interface. This flexibility ensures that Flynet Viewer Terminal Emulation can be utilized on any device, regardless of the operating system or the browser being used, making it a versatile solution for modern business needs. Its browser-based nature allows for easy access and management, streamlining workflows and improving overall productivity.

HostAccess serves as a terminal emulator software for PC users, specifically designed for those running Microsoft Windows. It equips users with a variety of terminal emulator functionalities, enabling secure connections to platforms like Linux, Unix, and IBM systems. The primary goal of HostAccess is to facilitate connections to PICK (multivalue) databases, which include systems such as UniVerse, UniData, D3, and ONware, allowing users to leverage their custom applications developed in PICK Basic. These applications not only provide APIs for seamless data exchange but also come with robust graphical user interface features. Users can efficiently generate reports and integrate their data within Windows-based applications. Moreover, HostAccess enables connections to multiple systems from a unified interface. With all necessary terminal emulator capabilities consolidated on a single page, HostAccess stands out as a comprehensive solution, catering to varying needs such as asynchronous and synchronous connections, server-side administration, support for multiple concurrent users, and access to several sessions simultaneously. Thus, if you require a versatile terminal emulator, HostAccess is an excellent choice for enhancing your productivity.

The Terminal is a terminal emulator application that allows users to access a UNIX shell environment, enabling the execution of installed programs on their systems. It features escape sequences that control cursor positioning and color displays. Frequently dubbed the Command Line Interface (CLI), a terminal serves as a text entry point on computers. With the discontinuation of various hardware terminals, such as the IBM 3270 and VT100, terminal emulators have become essential for replicating their capabilities. Each entry made in the Terminal for execution is referred to as a command. Users can run both command-line and graphical user interface (GUI) applications directly through the terminal environment. In instances where a program crashes unexpectedly without any warning or error messages, executing it in the Terminal can be advantageous. This method allows the program to output any error messages or debugging information in the Terminal window, which is helpful for submitting bug reports. Furthermore, using the Terminal can provide users with greater control and make troubleshooting more efficient, ultimately leading to a smoother computing experience. The ability to interact directly with the system at a low level often empowers users to resolve issues that may not be immediately apparent through standard graphical interfaces.

Yakuake is a highly functional drop-down terminal emulator that leverages KDE Konsole technology, elegantly sliding down from the upper part of your screen. It boasts a tabbed interface that allows for customizable sizes and animation speed, in addition to a skinnable aesthetic and a sophisticated D-Bus interface. After launching Yakuake, users can effortlessly adjust settings by clicking the Open Menu button situated in the bottom right corner and selecting Configure Shortcuts to change the default hotkey, F12, which is used to show or hide the terminal. While many configurations can be modified through the graphical interface, some options necessitate direct alterations to the configuration file. Additionally, Yakuake can be dynamically controlled during its operation by sending D-Bus messages, enabling users to start it within a tailored session. Users can also create and name tabs, run specific commands in any active tab, or toggle the visibility of the Yakuake window as required. This level of flexibility makes Yakuake an exceptionally powerful asset for command-line operations, while also being easily customizable to suit various individual workflows, thereby enhancing productivity and user experience.

Sessions can be customized through the use of hotspots and keyboard mapping, while web frameworks are specifically designed for mainframe applications. Applications can be centrally installed and deployed, ensuring they are readily available to users. When users connect to your server, they automatically receive the latest updates without any manual intervention. You can connect with any major GDS for seamless integration. The Airlines Printer component enables the generation of tickets, baggage tags, and boarding passes, enhancing operational efficiency. Host systems can be accessed to provide IBM, UNIX, and Unisys data directly to browsers from any location, eliminating the necessity for Java. The new Reflection for the Web Launcher facilitates user access to mainframe and other applications, effectively removing dependency on Oracle Java. Additionally, users are empowered to work according to their preferences by accessing terminal sessions, performing file transfers, and utilizing printing capabilities. This flexibility greatly enhances productivity and user satisfaction across various platforms.

FlexTerm is a C# .NET creation that presents a long-awaited contemporary interface for terminal emulation enthusiasts. This modern design boasts a unique ribbon command bar that neatly categorizes the program’s features into tabs positioned at the top of the window. By improving the visibility of tools and functionalities, it significantly shortens the learning curve for users while enhancing their overall sense of command over the application. The ribbon not only serves as a replacement for the traditional menu and toolbars but is also customizable, allowing users to create personalized tabs and groups to match their individual preferences. Moreover, a FlexTerm workspace can consist of either a single session or multiple sessions, which users can dock as tabs or let float freely. The intuitive drag-and-drop interface enables effortless rearrangement of sessions, allowing users to customize their workspace according to their specific requirements. This adaptability guarantees that users can organize their terminal settings in a manner that maximizes both productivity and efficiency, ultimately leading to a more streamlined user experience. Additionally, the modern interface encourages users to explore and utilize features they might not have previously engaged with, thereby enhancing their overall usage of the software.

Imagine yourself immersed in your favorite text editor, prepared to execute commands like running unit tests, reviewing manual pages, or tweaking configuration files, all while your fingers remain on the keyboard. By simply pressing your configured "Show Guake" hotkey, you can quickly carry out your command and hit it once more to conceal the terminal, allowing you to seamlessly resume your tasks. Guake operates flawlessly in a multi-monitor setup, enabling you to open it on the screen where your pointer is located or on a dedicated display. You can create various named tabs, with names automatically assigned based on the commands you execute, or tailor them to suit your personal preferences. Furthermore, Guake can be set to launch automatically upon system login, and you can establish a script to run at startup, which allows for the customization of your Guake tabs to match your individual requirements. This exceptional degree of integration positions Guake as an invaluable asset for anyone aiming to enhance their coding efficiency and workflow. In a world where productivity is key, tools like Guake empower users to focus on what truly matters: their creative process.

Inventu Viewer+ delivers a robust solution for web terminal emulation, characterized by its speed and security. This cutting-edge technology harnesses Zero-Footprint browser functionality, which removes the necessity for plug-ins, ensuring smooth operation. It stands out as a superior option for businesses seeking to move away from outdated Java or ActiveX solutions like Host-on-Demand, Reflections for the Web, and BlueZone. Furthermore, it effectively replaces traditional desktop terminal emulators, catering to organizations that wish to lower administrative expenses while enhancing user access flexibility. The system facilitates web-based connections to IBM Mainframes and IBM i systems utilizing TN3270 and TN5250 protocols. In addition, it boasts a diverse range of satisfied clients who connect to LINUX/UNIX/VMS/PICK systems, employing protocols such as VT100, VT220, VT440, SCO-ANSI, and ADDS-ViewPoint. With this powerful terminal emulation tool, users can experience greater accessibility and a more efficient interaction. The combination of these features positions Inventu Viewer+ as an essential asset for modern organizations looking to streamline their terminal access solutions.

You can efficiently enable browser-based access from a single, centralized point without the hassle of overseeing Java runtime environments. It's crucial to identify who is allowed access to your mainframe and ensure that only those with the right permissions can reach the login page. Transitioning from a potentially vulnerable eight-character password to a more secure one-time pass ticket can be achieved by utilizing enterprise credentials. Why go through the process of reinventing solutions? By utilizing the corporate user directory, you can implement terminal emulation just like any other corporate resource. Ensure the secure deployment of browser-based sessions that are tailored with quick keys, macros, and compatible keyboards. Access a variety of applications, including HTML5 to 3270, 5250, VT, Unisys, and Airline host applications, all from a single location—eliminating the need to manage workstation dependencies or Java runtime environments. This not only streamlines access but also enhances overall security and efficiency.