Software Alternatives & Startups

Shells VS iTerm2

Compare Shells VS iTerm2 and see what are their differences

Shells

Shells is your personal workspace in the cloud. Join Shells now to access your own, private virtual desktop environment powered by a cloud computer.

Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Paid $4.95 / Monthly (Shells Lite)
iTerm2

A terminal emulator for macOS that does amazing things.

Rating
4.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Open source
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 119 times since March 2021.

social mentions
0 vs 119
Cloud Computing popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
51 vs 240+

Base details

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

Shells
iTerm2
Website shells.com iterm2.com
Pricing
Paid $4.95 / Monthly (Shells Lite)
Open source
Platforms
Browser Android Windows iOS Mac OSX Linux Web +4
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Listed in

About Shells and iTerm2

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

Shells
iTerm2

Shells.com offers a virtual cloud computer that can be accessed from any web-enabled device. As we offer multiple Linux distributions or Windows preloaded on the virtual desktop, it gives the user the opportunity to use the operating system that they want on the device that they want. This is...

Read more about Shells

No description of iTerm2 yet.

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Shells 5 features
iTerm2 6 features
  • Cross-device compatibility
    Shells allows users to access their virtual desktop environment from any device with an internet connection, whether it's a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. This flexibility enables seamless work and play across different devices.
  • Ease of setup
    Shells offers a straightforward and user-friendly setup process, making it accessible even for those with limited technical knowledge. Users can quickly get their virtual desktop up and running without the need for complex configurations.
  • Versatility
    Shells provides users with the ability to run multiple operating systems, including Linux and Windows, which adds flexibility for a variety of tasks and software requirements.
  • Cloud storage integration
    Shells offers cloud storage options, allowing users to easily store, access, and manage their files within their virtual desktop environment. This ensures data safety and convenience.
  • Scalability
    Users can easily scale their resources based on their needs, such as upgrading RAM or storage capacity. This ensures that Shells can grow alongside the user's demands.

Possible disadvantages

  • Dependent on internet connection
    Shells requires a stable and fast internet connection for optimal performance. Users with inconsistent or slow internet may experience lag or connectivity issues.
  • Recurring costs
    Using Shells involves a subscription-based payment model, meaning users must pay recurring fees to maintain access. This could be a con for users seeking a one-time purchase model.
  • Limited offline access
    Because Shells is cloud-based, users have limited functionality when they are offline, which could be disadvantageous for those needing constant access to their virtual desktops.
  • Potential security concerns
    Although Shells implements security measures, storing data in the cloud may still pose security risks, such as data breaches or unauthorized access, which may concern privacy-focused users.
  • Performance constraints
    Depending on the chosen plan and resource allocation, there may be performance limitations, particularly for users running resource-intensive applications compared to high-performance local machines.
  • 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.

Analysis

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

Shells
iTerm2

No analysis of Shells yet.

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.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Shells 4 videos + Add
iTerm2 1 video + Add

Shells Explainer Video

More videos

  • - Shells.com - Complete Review of Best Virtual Machine [ 2021 ]
  • - Linux Desktops in the Cloud with Shells.com
  • - Home Defense: Aguila 12ga. mini shells.

Customizing iterm2 with ZSH and PowerLevel9k | Z shell Tutorial

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
Shells
iTerm2
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
SSH
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Shells and iTerm2. 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.

Shells no reviews yet
iTerm2 4.0 · 1 review

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

  • Useful
    SaaSHub review
    · Mar 2024

    I've had so many problems with terminal in my Mac.. thanks for this tool. It's like really useful

  • MobaXterm for Mac: Best Alternatives to MobaXterm for Mac
    www.macoszon.com · Jul 2022

    You can choose a Hotkey and register it as a shortcut to open the iTerm2. When you are using other application, just press the Hotkey and it will bring iTerm (terminal) to the foreground of your screen. So the iTerm2...

  • 30 best PuTTY alternatives for SSH clients for 2020
    www.comparitech.com · Aug 2020

    The iTerm2 system is available for Macs. Specifically, the program can run on Mac OS 10.10 and higher. This interface shows different terminal sessions through a split screen method, allowing you to tile sessions side...

Social recommendations and mentions

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

Shells 0 mentions
iTerm2 119 mentions

Tracking Shells since May 2021.

View more

Alternatives to Shells and iTerm2

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