Okena

Okena is a native terminal multiplexer for running multiple CLI agents and projects in one window. Users can arrange work in side-by-side project columns, tabs, split panes, detachable terminal windows, or fullscreen mode. Its terminal supports GPU-accelerated rendering and scrollback of up to 100,000 lines. Workspace layouts and terminal sessions can be saved and restored across app restarts, with persistence described as local. Git worktrees can be managed as projects, with branches and change statistics available to view. Documented integrations include status or usage information for Claude Code and OpenAI Codex, Docker Compose project services, and opening files in editors. Remote control is documented through a local HTTP and WebSocket API, a browser client, and iOS and Android companion apps. Okena is free and open source under the MIT License. Installation options include shell commands for macOS and Linux, a PowerShell command for Windows, and instructions for building from source.

Okena brings terminal layouts, project organization, and session restoration into one workspace. It is free under the MIT License, with persistence described as local.

Okena suits people who want to organize multiple CLI agents or projects in one terminal workspace. Its Git worktree management and local session persistence may be useful to users working across several projects.

Overview

Okena is a terminal multiplexer for people running several command-line agents or projects side by side. It is best suited to developers who want project organization and restored sessions in one desktop workspace. Its broad set of layout and integration features is compelling, though it may be more workspace than someone seeking only a basic multiplexer needs.

Key features

Workspace layouts and history

Columns, tabs, split panes, detachable windows, fullscreen mode, and custom pane layouts let users arrange terminals around parallel work. GPU-accelerated rendering and scrollback of up to 100,000 lines help keep substantial command output accessible. Session restoration saves both layouts and terminal sessions across app restarts, reducing the need to rebuild a working setup.

Project and tool integrations

Git worktrees can be managed as projects, with branches and change statistics visible. Repository documentation also covers Claude Code and OpenAI Codex status or usage integrations, Docker Compose project services, and opening files in an editor. These project-aware tools make Okena a stronger fit for development workflows than a multiplexer focused solely on arranging shells.

Remote control and customization

A local HTTP and WebSocket API, browser client, and iOS and Android companion apps provide remote access. Pairing uses HMAC-SHA256 token authentication and rate-limited pairing codes; downloaded updates are SHA256 verified. Users can also tailor shortcuts, themes, shell settings, per-project preferences, and lifecycle hooks. Remote access adds flexibility, while security-conscious users should consider the pairing model as part of their setup.

Pricing

Free and open source: free under the MIT License for macOS, Linux, and Windows. Okena has a free plan and no paid plan is described. Persistence is local, so session restoration is tied to the local workspace rather than a stated hosted sync service.

Platforms

The desktop app is available for macOS, Linux, and Windows. Web, Android, and iOS provide companion access. The maker supplies shell installation commands for macOS and Linux, a PowerShell command for Windows, and instructions for building from source.

Who it's for

Okena is a good choice for developers coordinating multiple projects, Git worktrees, or CLI agents who value persistent layouts and project context. Its remote controls may also suit people who want companion-device access to a local workspace. Someone who needs only a lightweight terminal multiplexer, or wants hosted persistence, should consider other options.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Multiple layout modes and session restoration combine organization with continuity across restarts.
• Pro: Git worktree management and project-level branch and change visibility keep useful context near the terminals.
• Pro: Remote API and companion clients extend access beyond the desktop, with documented pairing authentication and update verification.
• Con: Persistence is local, which does not provide a stated hosted workspace-sync option.
• Con: The range of layout, integration, and customization features is less relevant to users who want only a straightforward multiplexer.

Alternatives

Terminal Multiplexers is the broader category to browse when comparing this style of software.

• Zellij is another free, open-source option across iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows; its hosted Zellij.online session-sharing tier is in closed beta.
• Terminalz is a free alternative spanning iOS, Linux, macOS, self-hosted use, and web.
• TermStation is a free option for Android, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows.
• muxel is free and open source under GPL-3.0 for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
• p2pmux is a free, MIT-licensed option for Linux and macOS.
• Séance is a free, MIT-licensed Linux option for X11 or Wayland.
• Byobu is free and open source for Linux and macOS, and requires tmux 1.5 or later and/or GNU Screen.
• Quil is free for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted use, with no paid tier or hosted version.

Verdict

Choose Okena if you want a free, MIT-licensed workspace that combines flexible terminal layouts, local session restoration, and project-aware Git tools. Its strongest reason to choose it is the way those features bring parallel CLI work together; look elsewhere if you need hosted persistence or only want a simpler multiplexer.