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xterm vs kitty: catalog facts
xterm	kitty
Free Free to download as source or from distribution packages.	Free Free and open source under the GPL.
Linux	macOS, Linux
Very thorough DEC VT and Tektronix emulation Maintained continuously for decades	Inline image display through its own graphics protocol Kittens add diffing, hints, remote control and SSH integration
Configured through X resources, which is dated and awkward No tabs or split panes	No Windows build Configuration is a text file with no graphical settings
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Open source	Open source
License not stated	License: GPL-3.0
No account needed	Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 22, 2026

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