Alacritty as a Linux alternative to Windows Terminal (legacy)
Updated
Our verdict
Alacritty is a good replacement for Windows Terminal (legacy) if you prioritize speed, simplicity, and a clean interface. It handles Unicode, true color, and fast rendering excellently, making it solid for daily shell use. However, it lacks built-in tabs and panes, requiring tmux or similar tools for advanced layouts. Users comfortable with external tools and terminal multiplexers will adapt well. Those expecting native tabs or GUI-based split panes will be disappointed. It works reliably in GNOME, KDE, and other desktop environments.
- License
- Apache-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.17.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both support multiple shell backends including bash, cmd, and PowerShell via WSL
- Support for true color, 24-bit RGB, and proper Unicode rendering
- Highly customizable via configuration files
- Fast startup and responsive scrolling
- Cross-platform availability on Linux, Windows, and macOS
What is different
- Alacritty has no built-in tabs or split panes; relies on tmux or external tools
- Windows Terminal (legacy) includes native tab management and GUI splits
- Alacritty uses OpenGL rendering; Windows Terminal uses DirectX on Windows
- Alacritty config is JSON-based; Windows Terminal uses JSON with schema support
- No built-in X11 forwarding or SFTP in Alacritty
Opening your Windows Terminal (legacy) files
Alacritty does not read Windows Terminal (legacy) config files directly. However, both use JSON for configuration, so manual translation is straightforward. You’ll need to map color schemes, font settings, and keybindings manually. There’s no automated import tool, but the structure is simple enough to port with basic editing. Terminal profiles in Windows Terminal must be recreated as separate Alacritty instances or handled via shell or multiplexer scripts.
Switching from Windows Terminal (legacy) to Alacritty, step by step
- Install Alacritty using your distro’s package manager (e.g., apt install alacritty on Debian/Ubuntu)
- Copy your shell environment (e.g., .bashrc, .zshrc) to ensure familiar prompts
- Edit ~/.config/alacritty/alacritty.yml or alacritty.toml to set fonts, colors, and keybindings
- Use tmux or zellij for tab and pane management
- Test Unicode, emoji, and color output in your preferred shell
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 tabs like Windows Terminal?
No, Alacritty has no built-in tab support. Use tmux, zellij, or a terminal multiplexer to simulate tabs and splits.
Can I use the same config file as Windows Terminal?
No. Alacritty uses its own JSON or YAML config format. You must manually recreate settings like fonts, colors, and keybindings.
Is Alacritty slower or faster than Windows Terminal?
Alacritty is generally faster due to GPU-accelerated rendering with OpenGL, especially with high scroll loads. Performance is comparable in typical use, but Alacritty feels more responsive under heavy output.
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