A free, open-source, highly configurable terminal with an integrated SSH client, serial terminal, and plugin system, for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Our take
The pick for people who want one terminal app that also replaces a separate SSH/serial client: a full connection manager with SFTP/Zmodem transfers, port forwarding, and an encrypted secrets vault, alongside the usual split panes and theming. Free and open source (MIT license) with no paid tier, maintained by Eugene Pankov under the GitHub handle "Eugeny." Previously named "Terminus" before a rename.
- Price
- Free
- License
- Open source
- Requires
- macOS; specific minimum version not published on the current homepage — check the GitHub releases page for the current build’s requirements.
- Get it via
- Homebrew · Direct · GitHub
- Developer
- Eugene Pankov
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Who made this
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What it does
Integrated SSH client
Full SSH2 connection manager with SFTP/Zmodem file transfer, X11 and port forwarding, jump hosts, and agent forwarding.
Serial terminal
Multiple connection profiles with text, readline, and byte-by-byte input modes, plus hexdump output.
Plugin system
Extensible via JavaScript plugins, with CSS-customizable themes and included color schemes.
The deal
- Free, open source (MIT license)
- No subscription or paid tier
Tabby — questions people ask
Is Tabby free?
Yes — free and open source under the MIT license, with no paid tier.
Was Tabby previously called something else?
Yes, it was formerly named Terminus before its rename to Tabby.
Who makes Tabby?
Eugene Pankov (GitHub handle "Eugeny"), with community contributions.
Is Tabby free?
Yes — Tabby is free.
Does Tabby work alongside a notch app like Alcove?
Yes — Tabby lives in the screen, so it runs happily alongside any Dynamic Island hub or notch app.
Where can I download Tabby?
Tabby is available via Homebrew, Direct, GitHub.
Is Tabby open source?
Yes — Tabby is open source.
Reviews
No public ratings yet. Reader reviews are coming to Kitsmith soon.
Listing hand-verified September 18, 2026 from the developer's site and public sources.
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