Ghostty vs WezTerm
Ghostty vs WezTerm: Zig terminal with native UI on Linux and macOS vs Rust terminal with a built-in multiplexer and Lua config.
Updated
short verdict
Pick Ghostty if you use Linux or macOS and want a GPU-accelerated terminal with platform-native UI and a focus on correct VT handling. Pick WezTerm if you need Windows support, a built-in multiplexer with tabs, panes, workspaces and SSH, or a Lua configuration you can script.
Ghostty and WezTerm are both GPU-accelerated, MIT-licensed terminal emulators, but they aim at different jobs. Ghostty, written in Zig, concentrates on being a fast, native, correct terminal on Linux and macOS. WezTerm, written in Rust, adds a multiplexer and a Lua configuration system, and runs on Linux, macOS and Windows.
this page is for
- Developers choosing a primary terminal on Linux or macOS
- Windows users who need a GPU-accelerated terminal
- People deciding between native UI and scriptable configuration
- Users who want panes and workspaces without a separate multiplexer
Better pick when you are on Linux or macOS and want a native-feeling, GPU-rendered terminal that prioritizes correct VT behavior.
best for
- Linux and macOS users who want platform-native UI
- Anyone who cares about VT correctness
- Users who want to avoid Electron-based terminals
strengths
- Uses platform-native UI elements instead of a custom cross-platform toolkit
- GPU rendering for speed, written in Zig
- Explicit focus on correct VT handling
- MIT licensed
weaknesses
- No Windows support; platforms are Linux and macOS only
- No built-in multiplexer documented, so you need a separate terminal multiplexer for session management
- No scripting language for configuration is documented
Better pick when you need Windows support, a built-in multiplexer, or configuration written as Lua code.
best for
- Users who want scripted, programmable configuration
- Remote workflows that need a multiplexer over SSH
- Anyone working across Linux, macOS and Windows
strengths
- Lua configuration with a full programming language
- Built-in multiplexer with tabs, panes and workspaces
- Multiplexer works over SSH
- Runs on Linux, macOS and Windows with ligatures and image support
weaknesses
- Lua config is a language to learn rather than a simple settings file
- Cross-platform consistency means it is not described as using platform-native UI
- Combining terminal and multiplexer gives a larger scope than a plain terminal emulator
Key differences
- Language: Ghostty is written in Zig; WezTerm is written in Rust.
- Platforms: Ghostty runs on Linux and macOS; WezTerm also runs on Windows.
- Scope: WezTerm is a terminal plus multiplexer; Ghostty is a terminal emulator.
- Configuration: WezTerm is configured in Lua; Ghostty's config format is not described by the project.
- Interface: Ghostty uses platform-native UI; WezTerm aims for a consistent experience across operating systems.
- Remote use: WezTerm's multiplexer works over SSH; Ghostty documents no equivalent.
Choose Ghostty when
- You run Linux or macOS only and want native platform UI elements.
- You value correct VT handling as a stated project goal.
- You already use a separate terminal multiplexer and only need the terminal itself.
Choose WezTerm when
- You use Windows, or move between Linux, macOS and Windows and want one terminal.
- You want tabs, panes and workspaces built into the terminal.
- You attach to remote machines and want the multiplexer to work over SSH.
- You want to script your configuration in Lua.
When not to use these
- You want a terminal with no GPU dependency; both tools are GPU-accelerated.
- You need a standalone session manager independent of any terminal window; neither is described as one.
FAQ
- Which is faster, Ghostty or WezTerm?
- Both are GPU-accelerated, and Ghostty lists speed as a core goal. Neither project provides benchmark numbers here, so this comparison does not settle which is faster.
- Can I use Ghostty and WezTerm on the same machine?
- Yes, they are independent terminal emulators, and both run on Linux and macOS. WezTerm additionally runs on Windows, while Ghostty does not.
- Which is easier to configure?
- WezTerm is configured with Lua, which allows scripting but means writing code. Ghostty's configuration format is not described by the project, so this comparison does not settle which is easier.
- Do I still need a terminal multiplexer?
- WezTerm includes tabs, panes and workspaces, and its multiplexer works over SSH. Ghostty does not document a built-in multiplexer, so you would use a separate one.