Shpool
Shpool: A focused open-source option for persistent SSH sessions without panes or layouts. Ranked #23 of 29 in Terminal Multiplexers by our editors (7.0/10); pricing: Open source; best for minimal persistent SSH sessions.
At a glance
- Editor score7.0 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forMinimal persistent SSH sessions
- Paid fromFree
- Persistence scopeLocal
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Named sessions survive SSH connection drops
- Native scrollback and copy-paste remain available
- JSON listing, TTLs, templates, and Unix-socket events
Where it doesn't
- No pane splitting or custom layouts
- Local persistence without session synchronization
- No collaboration features
Our verdict on Shpool
Shpool is an open-source shell session persistence service for Linux and macOS. It creates named shell sessions owned by a daemon, allowing developers and system administrators to detach from a shell and reattach later without losing running processes when an SSH connection drops. Its focus is persistence rather than full terminal multiplexing, making it suited to users who want durable remote shell sessions without adding panes or layouts to their terminal workflow.
The product's terminal behavior is a defining strength. Shpool sends terminal output directly to the local terminal, preserving native scrollback and copy-paste behavior instead of introducing a separate multiplexed display model. Named sessions make recurring shell environments easier to identify, while configurable detach keybindings support different terminal habits. Session time-to-live limits, variable-based session-name templates, and JSON session listing add useful control for scripted or managed workflows. An event stream over a Unix socket extends that control to local tooling, and SSH, systemd, and Homebrew are part of its stated platform and integration fit.
Shpool is a good choice when the main requirement is keeping shell processes alive across interrupted SSH connections on Linux or macOS. It is also a practical fit for users who prefer native terminal behavior and want a narrow persistence layer rather than a larger terminal workspace. The trade-off is scope: Shpool does not provide pane splitting, custom layouts, session synchronization, or collaboration. Users who need multiple terminal views in one session, shared access, or synchronized sessions should choose a terminal multiplexer or another tool built around those capabilities instead.
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Shpool pricing
Shpool fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Persistence scope | Local |
| Session synchronization | No |
| Collaboration features | No |
| Custom pane layouts | No |
| Plugins or extensions | Not verified |
| Access platforms | Linux, macOS, SSH and command-line shells |
| Maximum sessions | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: SSH, systemd, Homebrew |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Shpool integrations
Shpool lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- SSH
- systemd
- Homebrew
Alternatives to Shpool
- 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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