iTerm2 vs Tabby
iTerm2
iterm2.com
Tabby
tabby.shSide by side
| Figure | iTerm2 | Tabby |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Terminal apps | 8.3 (#9) | 8.9 (#2) |
| Spec score · Terminal Emulators | 8.0 (#20) | 8.3 (#13) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| GPU acceleration | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | The documentation lists integrations for tmux, shells, Claude Code, and the iTerm2 Buddy companion app. | Includes WinSCP integration and shell profiles. |
| Password manager | The built-in password manager stores data encrypted in macOS Keychain and has a mechanism to enter passwords only at a password prompt. | Offers an optional built-in password manager with a master passphrase. |
| Scripting API | Yes | Yes |
| Split panes | A tab can be divided into vertically or horizontally arranged panes, each showing a different session. | Yes |
| SSH support | Yes | Yes |
| Supported platforms | macos | Windows, Mac, and Linux. |
Plans
In their own words
Tabby
Tabby is a free, open-source terminal app for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It connects to local shells, serial devices, SSH servers, and Telnet hosts, and supports shell environments including PowerShell, WSL, Git-Bash, Cygwin, and CMD. Its SSH2 client has a connection manager, while the serial terminal offers connection profiles and input modes. SSH sessions support SFTP and Zmodem file transfers, X11 and port forwarding, jump hosts, and agent forwarding. Tabby can restore open tabs and split panes after you leave the app, and nested panes support simultaneous input. SSH secrets and configuration can be stored in an encrypted container; an optional password manager uses a master passphrase. Customization includes CSS themes, color schemes, shortcuts, and plugins. Other listed capabilities include GPU acceleration, session sync, scripting, portable mode, Explorer integration, and WinSCP integration. The app is described as forever-free FOSS. The page provides download and GitHub links but states no dedicated support terms.