mtm review
A focused terminal splitter for users who want essential panes without workspace extras.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
mtm, the Micro Terminal Multiplexer, is a small open-source tool for Unix-like command-line environments. It divides one terminal into multiple virtual terminals, allowing users to move directionally between them, return to the previously focused terminal, close focused terminals, redraw the screen, and scroll output. It is aimed at developers, system administrators, and command-line users who want straightforward pane splitting on Linux or macOS without a larger workspace model.
The feature set stays focused on core terminal control. mtm provides classic ANSI terminal emulation, optional mtm, mtm-256color, and mtm-noutf terminfo entries, and terminal resizing when supported by the ncursesw configuration. Users can customize the command prefix and keybindings at compile time. This makes it suitable for a deliberately minimal workflow, while users who need persistent sessions, collaboration, or broader integrations should choose a more feature-heavy multiplexer.
There is no paid tier to compare: mtm is free and open source. The published description says it is built locally from source with ncurses or compatible curses implementations, so setup is oriented toward users comfortable with Unix-like build environments rather than point-and-click installation. Linux and macOS are the listed platforms, with macOS requiring build configuration. Choose mtm when essential virtual-terminal splitting and a small scope are the priority; choose an alternative when session persistence, shared workflows, or an expanded ecosystem matter more.
mtm pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open source for Unix-like command-line environments
- Provides pane splitting, directional navigation, scrolling, and resizing
- Supports compile-time keybinding customization and ANSI terminal emulation
- Where it doesn't
- Requires building locally from source with ncurses or compatible curses
- Does not provide verified persistence or collaboration features
- Its scope does not extend to broader integrations or feature-heavy workspaces
mtm fact sheet, pricing and score →
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