Fastfetch vs HyFetch: Which Terminal Fetch Tool Should You Use in 2026?

Fastfetch and HyFetch are popular terminal fetch tools that help users display system information from the command line. Although both tools serve a similar purpose, they provide different experiences based on speed, customization, and terminal appearance.

This comparison covers their features, performance, customization options, supported platforms, installation methods, and key differences to help you decide which tool fits your needs.

Quick Answer

Fastfetch is a good choice if you want a fast and lightweight tool to quickly check your system information. HyFetch is better for users who want colorful themes and more terminal customization. You can also use both together, with Fastfetch providing the system details and HyFetch improving the visual appearance.

What Are Fastfetch and HyFetch?

Fastfetch and HyFetch are terminal-based system information tools that allow users to view details about their computer directly from the command line. They can display information such as the operating system, CPU, memory, graphics, kernel version, and other hardware details in a readable format.

These tools are commonly used by Linux enthusiasts, developers, and power users who want a quick overview of their system without opening separate applications. They also let users customize how system information appears, including logos, colors, layouts, and displayed modules.

Fastfetch vs HyFetch: What’s the Difference?

Both show system information in the terminal, but they work differently.

Fastfetch

A system information tool that focuses on speed and control over what you see.

HyFetch

Adds more colors, styles, and personal touches to terminal output.

How they work

Fastfetch works as its own tool, while HyFetch can use other fetch tools to display information.

Main difference

Fastfetch focuses more on showing system information, while HyFetch focuses more on how that information looks.

Fastfetch vs HyFetch: Feature Comparison

Both tools show system information, but they offer different features and ways to customize the output. Here is a quick look at the main differences.

Feature	Fastfetch	HyFetch
Core technology	Native C application	Rust-based application
Backend support	Uses its own native engine	Can use Fastfetch, Neofetch, or Macchina
Configuration	JSONC-based configuration	Interactive setup and preset-based configuration
System modules	Large collection of modules for system details	Depends on the selected backend
Logo support	Large collection of distribution logos	Supports ASCII logos with color customization
Pride flags	Not a core feature	Built-in pride flag color themes
Image support	Supports multiple image protocols and display options	Depends on the backend and terminal setup
Windows support	Yes	Yes
Customization style	Detailed control over modules and layout	Strong focus on themes and visual styling

How Fastfetch and HyFetch Work

Fastfetch and HyFetch take different approaches to displaying system information.

Fastfetch

Fastfetch collects system details directly through its own modules, which helps it provide quick output with low resource usage.

HyFetch

HyFetch focuses more on presentation and customization. It can use different backends, including Fastfetch, while adding more options for colors, themes, and visual styles.

This is why Fastfetch is commonly preferred for speed, while HyFetch is popular among users who want a more personalized terminal appearance.

Which Is Faster — Fastfetch or HyFetch?

Fastfetch is generally the faster choice for users who want quick system information with minimal resource usage. It is designed to provide fast output while keeping the system load low.

Winner for Speed

Fastfetch

Performance Factor	Fastfetch	HyFetch
Startup speed	Very fast because it uses a lightweight native engine	Depends on the selected backend and customization options
Resource usage	Uses fewer system resources	May use slightly more resources because of additional styling features
Main purpose	Quickly displays detailed system information	Creates a more customized and visually attractive terminal output
Best suited for	Users who want speed, efficiency, and quick system checks	Users who prefer themes, colors, and personalized terminal designs
Overall experience	Simple, fast, and performance-focused	More colorful, flexible, and appearance-focused

Fastfetch is optimized for users who want quick system information with minimal overhead. HyFetch provides a more customized experience, but performance can vary depending on the selected backend and visual settings.

Customization and Themes: Fastfetch vs HyFetch

Both tools let you change the look of terminal output, but their customization options serve different needs.

Fastfetch Customization

You can easily change how the output looks and what information appears. You can adjust logos, colors, spacing, order, and layout. Presets also let you quickly switch between different styles.

HyFetch Customization

HyFetch focuses more on colors, themes, and visual styles. It can add Pride flag colors to logos and offers different built-in color styles. You can also choose visual settings and adjust colors to match a light or dark terminal.

Fastfetch vs HyFetch: Supported Platforms

Both work on common desktop systems, but Fastfetch also supports a wider range of less-common operating systems.

Platform	Fastfetch	HyFetch
Linux	Yes	Yes
Windows	Yes	Yes
macOS	Yes	Yes
Android	Yes	Depends on setup
FreeBSD	Yes	Depends on backend
OpenBSD	Yes	Depends on backend
NetBSD	Yes	Depends on backend
DragonFly BSD	Yes	Depends on backend
Haiku	Yes	—
SunOS / illumos / Solaris	Yes	—

How to Install Fastfetch and HyFetch

Both tools can be installed from the terminal, with the exact method depending on your operating system.

Install Fastfetch

Fastfetch is available through package managers on many Linux distributions, though the exact command depends on your distribution and version.

The Fastfetch installation guide covers complete setup steps for Linux, Windows, and macOS.

Install HyFetch

You can install HyFetch using pip or pipx.

Step 1

Install with pip

pip install -U hyfetch

Step 2

Or install with pipx

pipx install hyfetch

Use either pip or pipx; you do not need to run both commands.

Step 3

Run HyFetch

hyfetch

This launches HyFetch and displays your system information with its customized terminal styling.

Can You Use Fastfetch and HyFetch Together?

Yes, you can use Fastfetch and HyFetch together. HyFetch can use Fastfetch as a backend, which means Fastfetch collects the system information while HyFetch manages the visual presentation.

How They Work Together

Fastfetch

Fastfetch provides the system details, such as CPU, memory, operating system, and hardware information.

HyFetch

HyFetch adds customization features, including colors, themes, and visual styles.

This combination allows users to enjoy Fastfetch’s fast performance while keeping HyFetch’s customized terminal appearance.

Fastfetch or HyFetch: Which One Should You Use?

The right choice depends on what you want from your terminal experience.

Choose Fastfetch if you want:

Fast system information display
Low resource usage
Detailed control over system modules
A simple and efficient terminal tool

Choose HyFetch if you want:

More colorful terminal output
Themes and visual customization
A personalized terminal appearance
Easy styling options

Fastfetch is better suited for users who prioritize speed and efficiency, while HyFetch is a good choice for users who want a more customized and visually attractive terminal experience.

FAQs

Yes. HyFetch continues to receive updates and improvements, with support for multiple backends and customization features.

Yes. Both tools can be installed on the same system without replacing each other.

Yes. HyFetch supports Neofetch as one of its available backends.

Yes. HyFetch supports Macchina as another backend option alongside Fastfetch and Neofetch.

Yes. HyFetch supports multiple backends, so Fastfetch is not required for every setup.

HyFetch emphasises themes, colours, and visual styling, while Fastfetch focuses more on system information and terminal layout.

Conclusion

Fastfetch and HyFetch offer different approaches to terminal fetch tools. Fastfetch provides a direct system-information experience, while HyFetch puts more emphasis on visual presentation and themes.

The two tools can also work together, making it possible to combine Fastfetch’s backend with HyFetch’s visual features.

About the Author

Adam Bennett

Adam Bennett writes the Fastfetch guides on this site, researching and testing each one against official Fastfetch documentation and other reliable technical sources to keep instructions accurate and up to date. Guides are reviewed and updated as Fastfetch continues to evolve, covering everything from installation and configuration to troubleshooting and comparisons with other terminal tools.