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WezTerm vs Kitty

WezTerm and Kitty are both serious power-user terminals, but they organize complexity differently.

Short Verdict

Choose WezTerm when you want Lua-programmable cross-platform behavior and built-in multiplexing. Choose Kitty when you want a mature, fast terminal with strong terminal graphics and a Unix-first feel.

details

Better programmable cross-platform terminal.

Best For

  • Lua config
  • Cross-platform dotfiles
  • Built-in multiplexing

Strengths

  • Scriptable
  • Cross-platform
  • Advanced configuration

Weaknesses

  • Configuration can become complex
pick

Kitty

details

Better terminal-native graphics and mature Unix workflow.

Best For

  • Terminal graphics
  • Unix-like systems
  • Performance-heavy terminal workflows

Strengths

  • Fast
  • Mature
  • Feature-rich

Weaknesses

  • Less centered around one cross-platform config story

Key Differences

  • WezTerm puts programmability and multiplexing at the center.
  • Kitty puts terminal-native speed and graphics at the center.
  • Both reward users who enjoy configuration.

Choose WezTerm When

  • You want one Lua config across operating systems.
  • You want built-in multiplexing.
  • You like programming your terminal behavior.

Choose Kitty When

  • You want Kitty's graphics protocol and ecosystem.
  • You mostly work on Linux or macOS.
  • You want the more established power-user terminal.

Related

Best terminal emulators
WezTerm details
Kitty details