tmux
tmux: A free, scriptable way to manage persistent local terminal sessions across Unix platforms. Ranked #2 of 29 in Terminal Multiplexers by our editors (9.2/10); pricing: Free plan; best for proven Unix terminal session management.
At a glance
- Editor score9.2 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forProven Unix terminal session management
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Persistence scopeLocal
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Persistent sessions continue running after detaching
- Flexible sessions, windows, panes, layouts, and key bindings
- Open-source, free, scriptable, and supports multiple clients
Where it doesn't
- Persistence is local rather than synchronized across devices
- Requires command-line familiarity and configuration
- No formal plugin system is part of its documented model
Our verdict on tmux
tmux is an open-source terminal multiplexer for command-line users on Unix-like operating systems. It creates and controls multiple terminals from one screen, organizing them into sessions, windows, and panes. Users can detach from a session while programs continue running, then reattach later. Its audience includes Linux and macOS users, as well as users of OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, and Solaris, who want persistent local terminal management.
The core feature set is broad for a terminal multiplexer. tmux runs through a local background server and terminal clients, supports configurable pane layouts and resizing, and allows multiple clients to attach to one session. Commands, key bindings, configuration files, command mode, and scripting interfaces provide control over both everyday workflows and repeatable command-line operations. This makes tmux a strong fit for users who need structured terminal workspaces rather than a collection of independent terminal windows.
tmux is distributed as open-source software and is free to use, with no paid tier structure described. Its local server and socket model suits persistent sessions on the same system, but workflows requiring cross-device session synchronization should look elsewhere. The documented model also does not center on a formal plugin system, so users seeking a broader extension ecosystem may prefer another tool. Choose tmux for free, local session persistence, pane management, multi-client access, and scripting; avoid it when remote synchronization or a packaged, extensible platform is a primary requirement.
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tmux pricing
tmux fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Persistence scope | Local |
| Session synchronization | Not verified |
| Collaboration features | Yes |
| Custom pane layouts | Yes |
| Plugins or extensions | Not verified |
| Access platforms | OpenBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, Linux, macOS, and Solaris |
| Maximum sessions | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to tmux
- ZellijA free, open-source multiplexer with layouts, plugins, persistence, and collaboration.9.4
- muxelA free, open-source workspace for managing multiple local and remote coding sessions.9.0
- TUIOSAn open-source multiplexer with workspaces, persistence, layouts, scripting, and web terminal access.8.9
tmux vs the competition
Compare tmux with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
tmux is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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