Software Alternatives & Startups

iTerm2 VS BetterTouchTool

Compare iTerm2 VS BetterTouchTool and see what are their differences

iTerm2

A terminal emulator for macOS that does amazing things.

Rating
4.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Open source
BetterTouchTool

Nov 5, 2017 - BetterTouchTool is a great, feature packed app that allows you to configure many gestures for your Magic Mouse (1 & 2), Macbook Trackpad and Magic Trackpad (1 & 2) and also Mouse Gestures for normal mice.

Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, iTerm2 seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 118 times since March 2021.

social mentions
118 vs 0
Developer Tools popularity
100% vs 0%

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

iTerm2
BetterTouchTool
Website iterm2.com boastr.net
Pricing
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

iTerm2 6 features
BetterTouchTool 5 features
  • Versatility
    iTerm2 supports a wide range of features such as split panes, multiple tab management, and hotkey-activated terminal windows, making it highly versatile for different workflows.
  • Customization
    Offers extensive customization options, including themes, color schemes, and key bindings, allowing users to tailor the terminal to their preferences.
  • Advanced Features
    Includes advanced functionality like instant replay, which allows users to rewind their terminal session, and integration with automation tools like AppleScript.
  • Performance
    Designed to be efficient and responsive, ensuring it performs well even with multiple sessions and tabs open simultaneously.
  • Integrations
    Seamless integration with macOS features such as native notifications, fullscreen mode, and support for external editors.
  • Community Support
    Active community and comprehensive documentation, which can be very helpful for troubleshooting and learning advanced configurations.

Possible disadvantages

  • Mac-Only
    iTerm2 is exclusive to macOS, which means users on other operating systems cannot utilize its features.
  • Complexity
    The sheer number of features and customization options can be overwhelming for beginners, requiring a learning curve to utilize efficiently.
  • System Resource Usage
    iTerm2 may consume more system resources compared to simpler terminal emulators, which could be a concern on lower-end hardware.
  • Update Frequency
    Occasional updates can introduce bugs or unexpected behavior, requiring users to adjust settings or find workarounds.
  • Customizability
    BetterTouchTool offers extensive customization options for touch gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and mouse actions, allowing users to tailor their input devices to their specific workflows.
  • Productivity Enhancement
    By enabling custom gestures and shortcuts, BetterTouchTool can significantly boost productivity, making it easier to perform complex tasks quickly.
  • Integration with Other Applications
    BetterTouchTool integrates well with a variety of applications, enabling seamless interactions and extended functionality across different software environments.
  • Advanced Features
    The tool includes advanced features like window snapping, advanced window management, and the ability to create custom actions and macros, offering a high level of control.
  • User Community and Support
    BetterTouchTool has an active user community and provides good support, which can be helpful for troubleshooting and discovering new uses for the tool.

Possible disadvantages

  • Learning Curve
    The extensive set of features and customization options can be overwhelming for new users, requiring a significant amount of time to learn and utilize effectively.
  • Performance Impact
    On some systems, BetterTouchTool may cause a noticeable performance impact, particularly when using complex or numerous custom gestures and shortcuts.
  • Cost
    While BetterTouchTool is reasonably priced, it is not free, which might be a drawback for users looking for a no-cost solution.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Occasionally, updates to macOS or third-party applications may lead to compatibility issues, requiring users to wait for patches or workarounds.
  • Resource Intensive
    For users with limited system resources, BetterTouchTool may consume a fair amount of memory and CPU, which can be problematic on older or less powerful machines.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

iTerm2
BetterTouchTool

Overall verdict

  • iTerm2 is regarded as an excellent terminal emulator for macOS due to its robust feature set and usability, making it a top choice for power users.

Why this product is good

  • iTerm2 is often praised for its advanced features, customization options, and efficiency that enhance productivity for users who work with the command line frequently. It offers split panes, hotkey window, undo close, instant replay, and a highly configurable interface that caters to power users, making it a versatile tool for developers and system administrators.

Recommended for

  • Developers and programmers who need a highly customizable terminal.
  • System administrators who require powerful scripting and automation capabilities.
  • Users who frequently work with command-line interfaces and require multiple sessions handled efficiently.
  • Anyone seeking an enhanced, feature-rich alternative to the default macOS terminal.

Overall verdict

  • Overall, BetterTouchTool is highly regarded by users who seek to customize their Mac experience. Its versatility and extensive feature set make it a valuable tool for power users and those who like to personalize their computing environment.

Why this product is good

  • BetterTouchTool is a popular macOS utility that enhances user productivity by allowing extensive customization of input devices like the Touch Bar, Magic Mouse, and trackpad. It offers powerful features such as custom gestures, keyboard shortcuts, and actions that can significantly streamline workflows.

Recommended for

  • Mac users who want to maximize efficiency and productivity through custom gestures and shortcuts.
  • Individuals who seek to customize their Touch Bar beyond default settings.
  • Tech enthusiasts who enjoy personalizing and tweaking their user interface to better suit their workflow.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

iTerm2 1 video + Add
BetterTouchTool 1 video + Add

Customizing iterm2 with ZSH and PowerLevel9k | Z shell Tutorial

BetterTouchTool 2.851: A Quick Overview

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
iTerm2
BetterTouchTool
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
SSH
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using iTerm2 and BetterTouchTool. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

iTerm2 4.0 · 1 review
BetterTouchTool no reviews yet

We have no reviews of BetterTouchTool yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

iTerm2 118 mentions
BetterTouchTool 0 mentions

View more

Tracking BetterTouchTool since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to iTerm2 and BetterTouchTool

When comparing iTerm2 and BetterTouchTool, you can also consider the following products.