Alacritty as a Linux alternative to MobaXterm
Updated
Our verdict
Alacritty can replace the terminal part of MobaXterm for users who only need a fast, GPU‑accelerated terminal with SSH support. It does not provide the bundled X server, RDP/VNC, or Unix utilities that MobaXterm offers, so it is best suited for developers who already use separate tools for those tasks. For power users who rely on MobaXterm’s integrated environment, Alacritty will require additional setup.
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.17.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both run on Linux and support SSH connections
- Both can be configured via a JSON or YAML file
- Both support true color and 24‑bit RGB
- Both are open‑source projects
What is different
- Alacritty lacks built‑in tabbed or split‑view UI; splits need tmux or screen
- No X server or remote GUI forwarding; cannot run remote X apps directly
- No RDP or VNC clients; those must be installed separately
- Alacritty does not bundle Unix utilities; rely on system packages
- Alacritty does not provide a session manager; sessions must be handled externally
Opening your MobaXterm files
MobaXterm uses its own .MobaXterm session files, which are not compatible with Alacritty. Alacritty can read SSH host entries from standard OpenSSH config (~/.ssh/config) or from its own config file, but you cannot import MobaXterm session files directly.
Switching from MobaXterm to Alacritty, step by step
- 1. Export your SSH hosts from MobaXterm to a plain text file or copy the host entries.
- 2. Add the hosts to your ~/.ssh/config or to Alacritty’s config under "ssh:" section.
- 3. Install tmux or screen if you need split panes or tabbed sessions.
- 4. Install an X server (e.g., XQuartz on macOS, Xming on Windows, or a local X server on Linux) and configure SSH X11 forwarding via "ForwardX11 yes" in ~/.ssh/config.
- 5. If you need RDP/VNC, install a client such as Remmina or Vinagre and set up the connections manually.
Key features of Alacritty
- OpenGL-based rendering for high performance
- Written in Rust for memory safety
- Minimalist design with no internal tabs
- Supports true color and 24-bit RGB
- Cross-platform support for Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Simple JSON configuration file
- No built-in X11 forwarding or SFTP
- Relies on external multiplexers for splits
How to install Alacritty on Linux
sudo apt install rust-alacrittysudo apt install rust-alacrittysudo dnf install rust-alacrittysudo pacman -S alacrittysudo zypper install alacrittyFrequently asked questions
Does Alacritty support SSH out of the box?
Yes, Alacritty can launch an SSH session directly from the terminal, but it does not provide a graphical session manager; you must type the SSH command yourself or use a wrapper script.
Can I use Alacritty to run remote GUI applications?
No, Alacritty does not include an X server or X11 forwarding. You need to run an external X server and enable X11 forwarding in your SSH config.
Is Alacritty suitable for Windows users?
Alacritty runs on Windows as well, but on Linux it replaces only the terminal component of MobaXterm; other features still require separate tools.
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