Beam vs iTerm2: Which macOS Terminal is Right for You?
iTerm2 has been the go-to terminal replacement for macOS developers for over a decade. It's powerful, highly configurable, and free. So why would you consider Beam instead?
Both are full terminal emulators. Both have tabs and split panes. The difference is in how they approach workspace organization.
The key difference: Workspaces
In iTerm2, you have one window (or multiple separate windows), and within each window you have tabs and splits. It's a familiar model.
Beam introduces workspaces – floating windows within the main app window. Think of them as lightweight, project-specific workspaces that you can:
- Drag and position anywhere within Beam
- Overlap, minimize, or tile however you want
- Each contains its own tabs and splits
- Save the entire arrangement as a "layout"
This lets you organize by project: one workspace for your frontend, one for your backend API, one for your database tools. When you're done for the day, save the layout. Tomorrow, restore it and pick up exactly where you left off.
Think of it this way
iTerm2 is a terminal with great tab/split management. Beam is a terminal with workspace management built on top – like having a window manager inside your terminal app.
Beam's Quick Switcher lets you jump between workspaces instantly.
Feature comparison
| Feature | iTerm2 | Beam |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal emulation | Full (proprietary) | Full (SwiftTerm) |
| Tabs | Yes | Yes |
| Split panes | Yes | Yes (Pro) |
| Workspaces | No (use separate windows) | Yes – floating windows within app |
| Saveable layouts | Window arrangements only | Full workspace layouts with names |
| Quick switcher | Requires scripting/plugins | Built-in (⌘P) |
| Rename tabs easily | Possible but not obvious | Double-click or ⌘⇧I |
| Undo close | No | Yes (⌘Z) |
| Configuration | Extensive preferences panel | Minimal (opinionated defaults) |
| Price | Free | Free tier / $10/mo Pro |
When iTerm2 is the better choice
- You need extensive customization – iTerm2's preferences are legendary. If you want to tweak every detail, it's unmatched.
- You use iTerm2-specific features – shell integration, Triggers, Automatic Profile Switching, etc.
- You want free with no limitations – iTerm2 is 100% free. Beam's free tier limits workspaces and layouts.
- You're already happy with your setup – if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
When Beam is the better choice
- You juggle multiple projects – workspaces let you group terminals by project and switch contexts with ⌘P
- You want saveable workspaces – save your "day job" layout separately from your "side project" layout
- You prefer simplicity – Beam has opinionated defaults; less configuration means less friction
- You close things accidentally – ⌘Z to undo close is a lifesaver
- You use Claude Code or similar AI tools – Beam's organization shines when running multiple AI sessions
What about Ghostty?
Ghostty is a newer terminal focused on speed and correctness. It's excellent, but like iTerm2, it's a traditional terminal emulator – tabs and splits within windows.
The same distinction applies: Ghostty is a fast, minimal terminal; Beam is a terminal with workspace management. Different tools for different needs. If raw speed is your priority and you don't need the organizational features, Ghostty (or Alacritty, or Kitty) might be better fits.
Can I migrate from iTerm2?
Beam doesn't import iTerm2 profiles or configurations. But there's not much to migrate:
Your shell, aliases, and dotfiles work the same way. Beam is just a different container for your terminal sessions.
The bottom line
iTerm2 is a powerful, mature terminal with deep customization options. If you've invested time configuring it and you're happy, there's no pressing reason to switch.
Beam is for developers who want workspace organization without configuration. If you find yourself with too many terminal windows and tabs, losing track of what's running where, Beam's workspaces and layouts can help.
The easiest way to decide? Try Beam for a day. The free tier is functional enough to test the workflow. If it clicks, great. If not, iTerm2 will still be there.