GNOME TerminalLinux
vs
MobaXtermWindows
GNOME Terminal as a Linux alternative to MobaXterm
Updated
Our verdict
GNOME Terminal can replace MobaXterm for users who only need a terminal with SSH, tabbing, and basic Unix tools. It works well on a GNOME desktop, but it lacks the integrated X server, RDP/VNC clients, and the bundled Unix utilities that MobaXterm offers. If you mainly run command‑line sessions and occasional SSH, GNOME Terminal is a solid choice. For remote GUI apps or a single‑app solution, you’ll need additional tools such as X11‑forwarding, VNC, or RDP clients.
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 3.60.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both provide a terminal emulator with SSH capability
- Both support tabbed interfaces
- Both include common Unix utilities (grep, rsync, etc.) via the system package manager
- Both allow custom colour schemes and font settings
- Both offer searchable output
What is different
- GNOME Terminal does not bundle an X server; X11 forwarding must be enabled manually
- No built‑in RDP or VNC client – separate applications required
- No session‑management scripting or saved session profiles like MobaXterm’s session manager
- No split‑pane support out of the box (requires extensions or external tools)
- GNOME Terminal relies on the underlying Linux distribution for Unix tools, not a bundled set
Opening your MobaXterm files
MobaXterm session files (.mxt) are proprietary and cannot be opened directly by GNOME Terminal. You can export session data manually by copying the SSH host, port, username, and any custom commands into a new terminal tab or a script. GNOME Terminal does not import MobaXterm configuration files, so a manual setup is required.
Switching from MobaXterm to GNOME Terminal, step by step
- Open MobaXterm and note each session’s host, port, user, and any custom commands.
- Create a new tab in GNOME Terminal and connect via ssh (e.g., ssh user@host -p port).
- If you use X11 forwarding, add the -X or -Y flag to the ssh command.
- For RDP/VNC, install separate clients (e.g., Remmina) and configure the same remote addresses.
- Save the ssh command in a shell script or use GNOME Terminal’s profile shortcuts for quick access.
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
Does GNOME Terminal support X11 forwarding?
Yes. Use the -X or -Y option with ssh. GNOME Terminal itself does not run an X server, but the host’s X server will handle the GUI apps.
Can I use GNOME Terminal for RDP or VNC?
Not directly. Install a separate client such as Remmina, Vinagre, or rdesktop and connect to the same remote host.
Will I lose the Unix utilities that MobaXterm bundles?
No. Linux distributions already provide grep, rsync, and many other tools via the package manager; GNOME Terminal can use them just like any terminal.