Overview

Okena is a native terminal multiplexer for running multiple CLI agents and projects in one workspace. It is best suited to developers who organize work around several repositories and command-line sessions. Its strongest case is the combination of persistent layouts, Git worktree management and companion access; teams seeking a simpler terminal multiplexer may not need the added workspace layer.

Key features

Workspace organization

Project columns, tabs and split panes let users keep parallel tasks visible in one window, while detachable terminals and fullscreen mode offer alternate ways to focus. Custom pane layouts make the arrangement adaptable to a recurring workflow. This is useful when a developer is coordinating several projects or CLI agents; it adds less for someone who uses one terminal session at a time.

History and persistence

GPU-accelerated rendering and up to 100,000 lines of scrollback accommodate sessions with substantial output. Okena can save and restore terminal sessions and workspace layouts across app restarts, reducing the need to rebuild a working arrangement. Persistence is local, so it should not be mistaken for shared cloud workspace state.

Project context and integrations

Git worktrees can be managed as projects, with branch and change statistics visible in the workspace. Documented integrations cover Claude Code and OpenAI Codex status or usage, Docker Compose project services, and opening files in an editor. These connections make Okena more project-aware than a terminal arrangement alone, though the documented scope is focused on those integrations.

Remote access and customization

A local HTTP and WebSocket remote-control API, browser client, and iOS and Android companion apps extend access beyond the desktop. Remote pairing uses HMAC-SHA256 token authentication and rate-limited pairing codes; downloaded updates are SHA256 verified. Users can also customize shortcuts, themes, shell settings, per-project preferences and lifecycle hooks. The remote API offers an integration path, while local persistence means it is not a cloud-hosted workspace service.

Pricing

Okena's Free and open source plan costs 0.00 USD per free and is licensed under MIT. It supports macOS, Linux and Windows, with web, Android and iOS companion access. There are no paid tiers described, so the free plan does not trade away a paid feature tier. Its local persistence is an important boundary for teams expecting centrally shared sessions or hosted administration.

Shell installation commands are provided for macOS and Linux, with a PowerShell command for Windows; building from source is also documented. The maker describes Okena as free and open source and says it was made by the creators of Contember.

Platforms

The primary applications run on macOS, Linux and Windows. Web, Android and iOS are companion access options, and the documented remote-control API provides another route for connecting to a local workspace. This mix suits developers who want desktop project management with mobile or browser access, rather than a service whose core workspace is hosted remotely.

Who it's for

Okena is a strong fit for individual developers and small teams coordinating several CLI projects, Git worktrees or coding agents from a desktop. Its persistent layouts and project views can help keep parallel work organized, while its API and companion clients suit workflows that need remote control. It is a weaker fit for users who only need a basic terminal multiplexer or teams that require shared, cloud-persisted sessions.

Pros and cons

Pros: Multiple layout modes, detachable terminals and persistent sessions bring parallel project work into one workspace.
Pros: Git worktree management, branch and change statistics, and documented agent integrations add project context beyond terminal panes.
Pros: MIT-licensed and free, with desktop apps plus web and mobile companion access.
Pros: A local remote-control API and documented pairing safeguards support access beyond the desktop.
Cons: Persistence is local, which limits its appeal for teams needing centrally shared workspace state.
Cons: Its project and agent features add little for developers who want only a lightweight, conventional multiplexer.

Alternatives

Explore Terminal Multiplexers for a broader comparison. Choose tmux if you want a free option for Linux, macOS or self-hosted environments with no paid tiers or usage limits stated. muxel is another free, open-source choice for Linux, macOS and Windows, under GPL-3.0.

p2pmux is a free MIT-licensed option for Linux and macOS. Byobu is free and open source for Linux and macOS, and requires tmux 1.5 or later and/or GNU Screen. Choose Quil if you want a free local option for Linux, macOS or Windows without a hosted version or paid tier.

Zellij is a free, open-source alternative with Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS and web platforms and no account requirement; its Zellij.online hosted session-sharing option is in closed beta. Ferrix and Plux are also free options for Linux and macOS.

Verdict

Choose Okena if your work centers on multiple CLI projects or agents and you want persistent desktop layouts, Git worktree context and companion access without a subscription. Its clearest limitation is local-only persistence: teams that need a shared hosted workspace, or developers who want only a minimal terminal multiplexer, should look elsewhere.

	Okena	WMUX
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	Free	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	Android, api, iOS, Linux, macOS, Web, Windows	Linux, macOS, Windows
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Persistence scope	local	local
Custom pane layouts	Yes	Yes
Access platforms	macOS, Linux, Windows; web, Android, and iOS companion access	Windows, Linux, macOS

Okena vs WMUX

Okena

WMUX