Compare software

fishXonsh

Best for: An interactive shell that is pleasant immediately, with nothing to configure

Best for: Python users who want to script and work at the command line in one language

Free

Free and open source under the GPL.

 Free

Free to use, with optional sponsorship through GitHub Sponsors.

macOS, Linux, Command line Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Command line
  • Autosuggestions from history appear as you type with no plugins
  • Syntax highlighting shows an invalid command before you run it
All 4 strengths
  • Autosuggestions from history appear as you type with no plugins
  • Syntax highlighting shows an invalid command before you run it
  • Tab completions generated from man pages, so they cover real options
  • Works well with no configuration file at all
  • Python code and shell commands mix in one language
  • Access to the full Python library ecosystem from the prompt
All 4 strengths
  • Python code and shell commands mix in one language
  • Access to the full Python library ecosystem from the prompt
  • Runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, BSD and Android
  • Extensible through xontrib plugins
  • Not POSIX-compatible, so bash snippets and scripts often need changing
  • No official Windows build
All 4 limitations
  • Not POSIX-compatible, so bash snippets and scripts often need changing
  • No official Windows build
  • A smaller plugin ecosystem than zsh
  • Minimum supported macOS version is 10.12
  • Syntax differs from POSIX shells, so existing Bash scripts need changes
  • Most useful to people who already know Python
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL-2.0 License not stated
No account needed No account needed
Offline features available Offline features available
Sources

Catalog checked September 21, 2026
Sources

Catalog checked September 24, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.