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Wave Terminal review — The Jouster's verdict

Wave Terminal review: open source visual terminal with built-in AI. Pricing, alternatives, and who it's actually for.

J
The Jouster
Tests AI tools for real, from Paris
Updated
4 min read
Tool fact sheet
Wave Terminalwaveterm.dev0Le Jouteurprofil
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Wave Terminal
waveterm.dev
Recommended
0/ 10
Joute score
Obsolescence risk0/10 · Risky
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Wave Terminal homepage, code AI tool
Wave Terminal : homepage

Wave Terminal in brief

A modern open source terminal with a unique visual approach. Free and promising for developers who want to experiment with a new terminal experience.

  • PriceFree
  • CategoryCode & Dev
  • RecommendedYes

The Essentials

  • Open source terminal with visual interface and built-in AI
  • Free, open source
  • Visual command blocks, built-in AI, file preview
  • For developers looking for a modern open source terminal as a Warp alternative

What is Wave Terminal?

Wave Terminal is an open source terminal that takes a different visual approach. Like Warp, it organizes commands into blocks. Unlike Warp (commercial), Wave is fully open source. It includes AI for command suggestions and error debugging. Visual widgets let you preview files, images, and content directly inside the terminal. Backed by Y Combinator, it's part of the new generation of modern terminals.

Strengths

Open Source and Free

Zero cost, zero mandatory tracking. For developers who want a modern terminal without a subscription, Wave is the alternative to Warp.

Visual Widgets Inside the Terminal

Previewing an image, viewing a CSV as a table, or displaying HTML documentation directly inside the terminal is a unique approach.

Built-In AI at No Extra Cost

Wave's AI is included for free. No premium plan required for command suggestions.

Limits

Less Mature Than Warp

Wave is younger than Warp. Some features are still in development. The extension ecosystem is limited.

Windows Performance

The Windows experience can be less polished than on Mac. Check GitHub issues for the current state of Windows support.

Pricing

Free, open source. Check waveterm.dev for the latest version.

Alternatives

For the most fully-featured AI terminal: Warp (paid). For a fast classic terminal: Alacritty. For an editor-integrated terminal: VS Code terminal.

Verdict

Wave Terminal is an excellent option for developers who want a modern open source terminal for free. The visual approach is interesting. For a battle-tested production tool, Warp is more mature.

FAQ

Is Wave Terminal Available on Windows?

Yes, Wave Terminal is available on Mac, Linux, and Windows. The experience may vary across platforms.

Can You Use Wave Terminal over SSH?

Yes, SSH connections are supported with the Wave interface in remote sessions.

Does Wave Terminal Support Themes?

Themes and customizations are available. Check waveterm.dev for customization options.

Does Wave Terminal's AI Require an API Key?

AI configuration may require an API key (OpenAI for example). Check the documentation on waveterm.dev.


Joute may earn a commission on subscriptions made through links in this article. It doesn't change our ratings.

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Screenshots Wave Terminal

5
Wave Terminal homepage, code AI tool
Homepage
Wave Terminal interface in use
In use 1
Wave Terminal dashboard view
In use 2
Wave Terminal in action, code AI tool
In use 3
Wave Terminal app screen
In use 4
The Jouster's verdict

Wave Terminal : 0/10.

A modern open source terminal with a unique visual approach. Free and promising for developers who want to experiment with a new terminal experience..

Test Wave Terminal yourself

A free trial is available. Plan thirty minutes to form your own opinion.

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Wave Terminal

Free