diff --git a/tests/sys/shell/Makefile b/tests/sys/shell/Makefile
index eb0c8ad3151c..b38d391fa3d9 100644
--- a/tests/sys/shell/Makefile
+++ b/tests/sys/shell/Makefile
@@ -9,9 +9,6 @@ USEMODULE += ztimer_msec
 # JSON help is needed by test script
 USEMODULE += shell_builtin_cmd_help_json
 
-# Use a terminal that does not introduce extra characters into the stream.
-RIOT_TERMINAL ?= socat
-
 APP_SHELL_FMT ?= NONE
 
 # microbit qemu failing currently