bottom (btm)

bottom (btm) is a terminal-based system monitor that combines resource graphs with process inspection and controls. It is best suited to people who work in a terminal and want to tune what they see, rather than users looking for a conventional desktop dashboard.

Overview

bottom goes beyond a process list by graphing system activity over time alongside tools for finding and managing processes. That makes it useful both for checking what is running and for following changes in resource use. Its terminal interface is a practical fit for command-line workflows, but a poor match for anyone who expects a standard graphical application.

Users can adjust themes, layout, widget behavior, and filtering through command-line options or a configuration file. An htop-inspired basic mode provides a simpler view, while focus mode lets a selected widget fill the terminal. These options accommodate different priorities and terminal layouts, though they are most valuable to users comfortable configuring a command-line tool.

Key features

Resource graphs and process controls

CPU graphs show use per core and as an average, while RAM, swap, network traffic, and disk I/O are tracked over time. Network and disk graphs support zooming the displayed interval, which helps users inspect activity at different time scales. The process widget can display, sort, and search process information, show a tree, and send kill signals. Together, these tools suit users who need both a changing resource picture and direct process controls.

Additional system views and safeguards

Widgets cover disk capacity and use, temperature sensors, and battery use, rounding out the core resource graphs with useful system details. A read-only option prevents actions that affect the system, such as stopping processes. That is a sensible choice for users who want to monitor without risking accidental process changes.

Pricing

bottom is free: its plan costs nothing. There is no free trial because the software is already free, and no usage limits are stated. That makes it easy to try without a subscription decision, though the project does not offer a paid tier for users seeking a different level of service.

Platforms

Official support covers Linux, macOS, and Windows, with architecture support varying by system. Installation is documented through package managers, Cargo, and pre-built release binaries, giving users several ways to get it. Android and some other systems may work unofficially, but testing and support there are limited; users who depend on those platforms should not treat bottom as a supported option.

For issues on officially supported platforms, the project says it will fix problems if possible and points users to troubleshooting resources and GitHub issues and discussions. The documentation identifies Clement Tsang as the maker.

Who it's for

Choose bottom if you want a free terminal monitor with graphs, process search and sorting, and the ability to send kill signals. It is especially suitable for users who want to tailor a monitoring layout or switch between a basic view and a focused widget. Look elsewhere if you require an officially supported Android app or prefer a conventional graphical interface.

Pros and cons

• Pros: CPU, memory, network, and disk graphs make activity visible over time rather than only as a current snapshot.
• Pros: Process search, sorting, tree mode, and kill signals combine inspection with practical controls.
• Cons: The terminal interface and configuration options will not suit users seeking a conventional desktop monitor.
• Cons: Unofficial platforms such as Android have limited testing and support.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Process Monitoring Software.

• Glances is a free alternative for readers who want support across Android, API, web, self-hosted, and desktop platforms; some optional features require extra dependencies.
• PM2 is worth considering when you need a process manager with a real-time web interface; its Runtime plan is free, while Plus costs $79 a month.
• Process Lasso is a Windows-only freemium option; its Single PC Monthly plan costs $4.95 a month for one PC, with recurring billing that can be canceled at any time.
• Monit is a free option for Linux, macOS, or self-hosted use under the GNU Affero General Public License.
• runit is a free alternative for Linux, macOS, and self-hosted environments.
• Ambih Monitor is a Windows alternative whose free plan includes live monitoring and five-session history per project; its Pro plan costs $10 a month, billed annually.
• AppControl is a free Windows option that requires no email or registration to download and use.
• btop is a free resource monitor for Linux and macOS under the Apache-2.0 license.

Verdict

Choose bottom if you want a free, configurable terminal monitor that pairs time-based resource graphs with process controls on Linux, macOS, or Windows. Its breadth is the main reason to pick it; if you need official Android support or a graphical desktop interface, choose another tool.