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cool-retro-term vs xterm: catalog facts
cool-retro-term	xterm
Free Free and open source.	Free Free to download as source or from distribution packages.
Linux	Linux
Convincing CRT effects with several retro profiles Full terminal emulator, not just a screensaver	Very thorough DEC VT and Tektronix emulation Maintained continuously for decades
Visual effects make text harder to read than a plain terminal Heavier on graphics resources than ordinary terminals	Configured through X resources, which is dated and awkward No tabs or split panes
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License: GPL-3.0	License not stated
No account needed	No account needed
Works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.