Comparison · Terminal emulators
Ghostty vs Windows Terminal: which is better in 2026?
Ghostty ranks higher in our list of terminal emulators (#3 against #4, score 88.0 against 86.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need.
- 88.0Editorial score86.5
- 2Platforms1
- YesFree to useYes
- YesOpen sourceYes
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 Windows Terminal if you want
Windows, WSL and command-line work.
Microsoft's MIT-licensed terminal for Windows, free from the Microsoft Store and built to host cmd, PowerShell and WSL sessions. It runs only on Windows.
The main differences
- Only Ghostty runs on Linux.
- Only Windows Terminal runs on Windows.
- Only Ghostty runs on macOS.
Side by side
 Ghostty |  Windows Terminal | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 88.0 | 86.5 |
| Rank in list | #3 of 10 | #4 of 10 |
| Price | Free and open sourceFree under the MIT license; source code published on GitHub | Free and open sourceFree from the Microsoft Store; MIT-licensed source on GitHub |
| Free to use | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Platforms | macOSLinuxmacOS, Linux | WindowsWindows |
| Made by | Not stated | Microsoft |
| Built-in tabs and splits | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Fast native terminal on macOS and Linux | Windows, WSL and command-line work |
| Strengths |
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| Limits |
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| Links | Visit site | Visit site |
Questions about Ghostty vs Windows Terminal
- Is Ghostty better than Windows Terminal?
- Ghostty ranks higher in our list of terminal emulators (#3 against #4, score 88.0 against 86.5), but the gap is small and the better choice depends on what you need. Ghostty is best for: fast native terminal on macOS and Linux. Windows Terminal is best for: Windows, WSL and command-line work.
- Which is cheaper, Ghostty or Windows Terminal?
- Ghostty: Free under the MIT license; source code published on GitHub. Windows Terminal: Free from the Microsoft Store; MIT-licensed source on GitHub.
- Do Ghostty and Windows Terminal run on the same platforms?
- Ghostty supports macOS, Linux. Windows Terminal supports Windows.
Choosing between the two
Learning Center
1:17How to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.
1:20How to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.
