Herdr
Herdr: An open-source multiplexer for persistent, agent-aware terminal workflows. Ranked #11 of 29 in Terminal Multiplexers by our editors (8.2/10); pricing: Open source; best for agent-focused cross-platform sessions.
At a glance
- Editor score8.2 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forAgent-focused cross-platform sessions
- Paid fromFree
- Persistence scopeLocal
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Persistent workspaces with tabs, panes, and configurable layouts
- Coding-agent detection, status tracking, and supported session restoration
- SSH access, CLI automation, and executable workflow plugins
Where it doesn't
- Local persistence keeps session state tied to the local environment
- Remote access currently relies on SSH rather than Herdr Cloud
- Native restoration is limited to supported agent integrations
Our verdict on Herdr
Herdr is an open-source terminal multiplexer and agent runtime for developers running coding agents, shells, servers, tests, and other processes. It keeps terminal panes and agents active in a background server, allowing users to detach and reconnect later. Workspaces, tabs, panes, named sessions, and configurable layouts make it suitable for developers who need organized, persistent terminal sessions across Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Its strongest distinction is the combination of terminal persistence and coding-agent support. Herdr detects coding agents, tracks their status, and provides native session restoration for supported integrations. Named sessions use separate runtime namespaces, while the local socket API and CLI automation support scripted workflows. Executable plugins add manifest actions and hooks, giving teams a way to extend workflows beyond basic pane management. Developers focused on agent-driven work should find this broader than a multiplexer limited to shells and processes.
Herdr also fits workflows that span local and remote machines. Stable binaries are available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, and remote machine connections use SSH. The published category specifications include local persistence, session sync, collaboration, custom layouts, and plugins or extensions. Remote access currently depends on SSH, while Herdr Cloud is described as coming soon, so users seeking a hosted control plane may prefer a product built around cloud access. Herdr is a strong choice for developers who want open-source, cross-platform sessions with agent-aware restoration and automation; it is less suitable for teams requiring hosted remote management or restoration across unsupported integrations.
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Herdr pricing
Herdr fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Persistence scope | Local |
| Session synchronization | Yes |
| Collaboration features | Yes |
| Custom pane layouts | Yes |
| Plugins or extensions | Yes |
| Access platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows, and SSH-accessible remote machines |
| Maximum sessions | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | herdr.dev |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Herdr
- ZellijA free, open-source multiplexer with layouts, plugins, persistence, and collaboration.9.4
- tmuxA free, scriptable way to manage persistent local terminal sessions across Unix platforms.9.2
- muxelA free, open-source workspace for managing multiple local and remote coding sessions.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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