The Best Terminals for Mac in 2024

Vitor AmaralVitor Amaral
3 min read

When it comes to development on a Mac, having the right terminal application can make a significant difference in your productivity and efficiency. Whether you're looking for advanced features, customization options, or just a more intuitive interface, this guide will help you find the best terminal for your needs. Here are our top picks:

1. Warp

Features:

  • Modern, fast terminal with a focus on productivity

  • Collaborative features allowing shared terminal sessions

  • Built-in IDE-like features and command palette

Pros:

  • Streamlined interface with a focus on efficiency

  • Unique collaborative and productivity features

  • Regular updates and active development

Cons:

  • Still in development with evolving features

  • May not suit users preferring traditional terminal setups

Link: Warp


2. iTerm2

Features:

  • Highly customizable interface

  • Advanced search capabilities

  • Split panes and tab management

  • Extensive integration options

Pros:

  • Robust feature set for power users

  • Excellent support for multiple profiles

  • Highly configurable appearance and behavior

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve for beginners

Link: iTerm2


3. Hyper

Features:

  • Electron-based, allowing for extensive customization

  • Plugin system for adding features

  • Cross-platform support

Pros:

  • Modern, sleek interface

  • Active community with a variety of plugins

  • Great for developers who love tweaking and personalization

Cons:

  • Performance can be slower compared to native apps

  • Some features may require additional configuration

Link: Hyper


4. Alacritty

Features:

  • GPU-accelerated rendering for high performance

  • Minimalistic design

  • Cross-platform support

Pros:

  • Extremely fast and responsive

  • Simple configuration and setup

  • Good performance for resource-intensive tasks

Cons:

  • Limited feature set compared to other terminals

  • Basic customization options

Link: Alacritty


5. Kitty

Features:

  • GPU-accelerated rendering

  • Advanced layout and configuration options

  • Supports multiple tabs and windows

Pros:

  • High performance with GPU acceleration

  • Highly customizable with support for various features

  • Active development and regular updates

Cons:

  • Configuration can be complex for new users

  • Some advanced features may have a learning curve

Link: Kitty


6. Terminal (Built-in)

Features:

  • Native application with seamless integration

  • Simple and straightforward interface

  • No additional installation required

Pros:

  • Lightweight and fast

  • Fully integrated with macOS

  • Easy to use for basic tasks

Cons:

  • Limited customization options

  • Lacks advanced features available in third-party apps

Link: Terminal (Built-in)


Choosing the right terminal can greatly impact your workflow and efficiency. Each of these terminals has its own strengths and unique features, so explore them to find the one that best suits your development needs.

Feel free to experiment with these options and see which one enhances your productivity the most!


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Written by

Vitor Amaral
Vitor Amaral

Hello! I am a skilled and motivated Full Stack Developer with a background in Management and Information Programming from Portugal ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น. Throughout my career, I have developed and managed a range of projects from start to finish, demonstrating my adaptability and strong communication skills. I have a diverse set of technical skills, including expertise in Serverless Computing, Cloud Management, and various forms of web, desktop, and mobile development such as React, Styled-Components, Svelte, Electron, WinForms, and React Native. In addition to these technical skills, I also have a strong understanding of UI/UX design principles and excellent problem-solving abilities.