Head-to-Head Comparison · Alternative to SoloTerm · ✨ ai assistants
SoloTerm vs WaveTerm
Enhance your terminal with AI, file previews, and web browsing. Available on MacOS, Linux, and Windows. Here is how WaveTerm ($0/mo open source) stacks up against SoloTerm ($15/mo) across cost, hosting, data privacy, and real-world trade-offs.
WaveTerm is a verified Open Source-licensed open-source replacement for SoloTerm. Switching from SoloTerm ($15/mo) saves $180/yr per solo seat, or $900/yr for a 5-person team. Deployment: Runs on Local.
The catch: Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
WaveTerm
$0.00/mo · Open Source
SoloTerm vs WaveTerm Specifications
facts verified 2026-11-07
| Dimension | SoloTerm (Paid) | WaveTerm (Replacement) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $15 / mo | $0 / mo |
| 1-Year Cost (1 seat) | $180 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $180) |
| 1-Year Cost (5 seats) | $900 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $900) |
| 1-Year Cost (10 seats) | $1,800 / yr | $0 / yr (Save $1,800) |
| Source & License | Proprietary SaaS | open source Open Source |
| Where It Runs | Vendor Cloud | Local (on your machine) |
| Platforms | Web / Cloud | desktopcross-platformone-click install |
| GitHub Stars | — | ★ 22.7k (active nov 2026) |
Deep Dive: Switching from SoloTerm to WaveTerm
Trade-offs, installation & data architecture
What you trade away
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How to deploy WaveTerm
Clone https://github.com/wavetermdev/waveterm or deploy with Docker Compose
What it takes to run
Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
Where your data lives
All application data lives locally on your own machine.
Why fork WaveTerm instead of vibe-coding a SoloTerm clone?
Instead of paying recurring SaaS fees for SoloTerm or rebuilding it from scratch, deploy one of the 11 battle-tested open-source alternatives like Orca.
SoloTerm vs WaveTerm FAQ
Is WaveTerm a good free alternative to SoloTerm?+
Yes. WaveTerm is a verified open-source (Open Source) replacement for SoloTerm. Enhance your terminal with AI, file previews, and web browsing. Available on MacOS, Linux, and Windows.
What is the catch when switching from SoloTerm to WaveTerm?+
Community-driven open source project without dedicated enterprise SLAs.
How much do you save switching from SoloTerm to WaveTerm?+
SoloTerm costs $15/mo ($180/yr) per seat, whereas WaveTerm is $0/mo. Switching saves $180/yr for a solo user, $900/yr for a 5-person team, and $1,800/yr for a 10-person team.
How do I install or self-host WaveTerm instead of SoloTerm?+
Install: Clone https://github.com/wavetermdev/waveterm or deploy with Docker Compose. Setup: Download the native package or installer for your operating system.
