GNOME TerminalLinux
vs
AlacrittyWindows
GNOME Terminal as a Linux alternative to Alacritty
Updated
Our verdict
GNOME Terminal is a solid replacement for Alacritty if you prioritize stability and integration over raw speed. It lacks Alacritty's dedicated GPU rendering and minimalism, offering a heavier, feature-rich experience instead. If you rely on low-latency rendering for high-output tasks, you may notice a difference. However, for general shell usage, its tab support, scrollback, and GNOME integration make it a practical choice. It is best for users who want a standard, reliable terminal without managing custom configurations or extensions.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.60.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Supports standard shell integration
- Handles Unicode and wide characters correctly
- Allows custom color schemes and fonts
- Cross-distribution availability on major Linux distros
What is different
- No native GPU acceleration, relying on standard rendering
- Includes tabs and splits by default, unlike Alacritty's minimalism
- Configuration is GUI-based or dconf, not simple text files
- Lacks Alacritty's focus on low input latency for high-frequency output
Opening your Alacritty files
Alacritty uses a YAML configuration file, while GNOME Terminal uses dconf/gsettings. There is no direct file compatibility; you cannot open Alacritty's config in GNOME Terminal. You must manually recreate your color schemes, fonts, and keybindings in the GNOME Terminal preferences or via gsettings commands.
Switching from Alacritty to GNOME Terminal, step by step
- Install GNOME Terminal via your package manager.
- Open Preferences to set your preferred font and color scheme.
- Configure scrollback buffer size to match your needs.
- Set up any required keyboard shortcuts for splits or tabs.
- Test your shell environment to ensure aliases and prompts work correctly.
- Remove Alacritty if you no longer need it.
Key features of GNOME Terminal
- Tab support with independent profiles
- Unlimited scrollback buffer
- Customisable colour schemes and fonts
- Transparent background option
- Keyboard shortcuts for split panes (via extensions)
- Drag‑and‑drop of URLs and files
- Support for multiple shells
- Searchable output
How to install GNOME Terminal on Linux
sudo apt install gnome-terminalsudo apt install gnome-terminalsudo dnf install gnome-terminalsudo pacman -S gnome-terminalsudo zypper install gnome-terminalFrequently asked questions
Is GNOME Terminal as fast as Alacritty?
No, Alacritty is specifically optimized for speed with GPU acceleration. GNOME Terminal is responsive for daily use but may lag slightly under extreme output loads.
Can I use tabs in GNOME Terminal?
Yes, GNOME Terminal supports tabs natively, which is a feature Alacritty lacks. You can also use extensions for split panes.
How do I configure GNOME Terminal?
Use the GUI preferences menu for most settings. For advanced tweaks, use the dconf editor or gsettings command line tools.
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