altbox catalogs alternative command-line tools for common Unix utilities across Linux, Unix, and macOS.
The Best fish Alternatives in 2026
Looking for something like fish? Here are 24 alternatives, ranked by how closely they match it on purpose, features and platforms. Of these, 14 are open source.
fish provides a command-line shell for Linux and macOS, with interactive features and defaults described by its project page.
Top picks at a glance
Quick comparison
| # | Alternative | Pricing | Open source | Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AltBox | — | Not stated | Linux, macOS, Web |
| 2 | nb | — | Not stated | Linux, macOS, Web |
| 3 | Kew | — | Yes | Android, Linux, macOS |
| 4 | ss64 Bash | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 5 | Terminal Guide | — | Not stated | Linux, Web |
| 6 | Bash-Oneliner | — | Not stated | Web |
| 7 | DZR | — | Yes | Android, Linux, macOS |
| 8 | Linux WiFi Hotspot | — | Yes | Linux, Windows |
| 9 | DidYouMean | — | Yes | Linux, macOS |
| 10 | Scrot | — | Not stated | Linux |
All fish alternatives
nb
xwmx.github.io/nbnb combines command-line and local web tools for plain-text notes, bookmarks, archives, and knowledge-base content.
kew plays music from a shell interface and is described on its project page.
ss64 Bash
ss64.com/bashSS64 indexes Linux command-line commands and utilities in an alphabetical reference.
Terminal Guide
terminal.guideTerminal Guide provides learning materials for Linux commands, Git, and shell scripting.
Bash-Oneliner
onceupon.github.io/Bash-OnelinerBash-Oneliner collects shell commands and terminal techniques for data processing and Linux system tasks.
DZR plays Deezer from the command line or VS Code, with support listed for Linux, BSD, macOS, Android, and Windows through WSL.
Linux Wi-Fi Hotspot creates wireless hotspots on Linux through a graphical or command-line interface.
DidYouMean corrects spelling from the command line when users are unsure how a word is written.
Scrot
github.com/resurrecting-open-source-projects/s…scrot captures screen images from a command line on Linux and Unix systems.
fcp copies large files and directories as an alternative to the Unix cp command, with a focus on faster transfer.
Basher
basher.itThe basher package manager installs and manages packages for Bash scripts.
Macchina displays system information on Linux, macOS, Windows, and other listed platforms.
Spicetify CLI customizes the Spotify client on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
howtolinux publishes Linux tips, practical tricks, and step-by-step guides for users.
Wave combines an open-source terminal with workspace context features, according to its project page.
nnn manages files from a terminal interface, according to its project description.
xplr explores files from a terminal interface, with support for plugins, integrations, and custom hacks.
Elvish
elv.shElvish combines a shell with an interactive scripting language, according to its project page.
Spicetify
spicetify.appSpicetify customizes the Spotify client with themes, extensions, and custom apps through a command-line tool.
Maestral
maestral.appMaestral supports Dropbox file access on macOS and Linux through open-source software and command-line tools.
zx helps write scripts in JavaScript with shell-command support, according to its project page.
rcm manages configuration files and dotfiles through a command-line suite.
todo manages tasks from a Rust command-line program, with package and flake installation options listed.
Alternatives to similar tools
What is the best alternative to fish?
Are there open-source alternatives to fish?
Alternatives are suggested from the purpose and features described in our listings. Different pages for the same product appear once. Read each description to check whether it fits your task. How we choose alternatives · Suggest an alternative






















