Comparison · Terminal emulators

Ghostty vs Warp: which is better in 2026?

Ghostty ranks higher in our list of terminal emulators (#3 against #6, score 88.0 against 82.5).

  • 88.0
    Editorial score
    82.5
  • 2
    Platforms
    3
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • Yes
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Ghostty if you want

Fast native terminal on macOS and Linux.

A fast, native terminal for macOS and Linux with GPU acceleration and search through scrollback, under the MIT license. Its download page lists no Windows build, and it is a younger project.

Choose Warp if you want

Terminal work with built-in AI agents.

A modern terminal with built-in AI agents, available for macOS, Linux and Windows, with a Free plan. Paid plans bill extra agent usage, and its focus on agents differs from a plain terminal.

The main differences

  • Only Warp runs on Windows.
  • Ghostty is free and open source; Warp is free plan, paid upgrades.

Side by side

GhosttyWarp
Score88.082.5
Rank in list#3 of 7#6 of 7
PriceFree and open sourceFree under the MIT license; source code published on GitHubFree plan, paid upgradesFree plan; Build $20 a month; Max $200 a month; Business and Enterprise on request
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceYesYes
PlatformsmacOSLinuxmacOS, LinuxmacOSLinuxWindowsmacOS, Linux, Windows
Made byNot statedNot stated
Built-in tabs and splitsYesYes
Best forFast native terminal on macOS and LinuxTerminal work with built-in AI agents
Strengths
  • Free and open source under the MIT license
  • Uses native interfaces and GPU acceleration
  • Free plan for the terminal
  • Source code published on GitHub
Limits
  • Download page lists only macOS and Linux
  • Younger project than iTerm2 or kitty
  • Paid plans bill for agent usage beyond the included amount
  • Its focus on AI agents differs from a plain terminal
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Ghostty vs Warp

Is Ghostty better than Warp?
Ghostty ranks higher in our list of terminal emulators (#3 against #6, score 88.0 against 82.5). Ghostty is best for: fast native terminal on macOS and Linux. Warp is best for: terminal work with built-in AI agents.
Which is cheaper, Ghostty or Warp?
Ghostty: Free under the MIT license; source code published on GitHub. Warp: Free plan; Build $20 a month; Max $200 a month; Business and Enterprise on request.
Do Ghostty and Warp run on the same platforms?
Ghostty supports macOS, Linux. Warp supports macOS, Linux, Windows.