Zellij
Zellij: A free, open-source multiplexer with layouts, plugins, persistence, and collaboration. Ranked #1 of 29 in Terminal Multiplexers by our editors (9.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for feature-rich cross-platform terminal multiplexing.
At a glance
- Editor score9.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFeature-rich cross-platform terminal multiplexing
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Persistence scopeLocal
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Runs across Linux, macOS, Windows, and the web
- Combines panes, tabs, layouts, floating, and stacked panes
- Adds plugins, session resurrection, and collaborative sharing
Where it doesn't
- Session resurrection is local rather than a hosted persistence layer
- Browser access requires an optional self-hosted web client
- Does not include AI features
Our verdict on Zellij
Zellij is a free, open-source terminal workspace for developers, operations-focused users, and people who work primarily in terminals. Its core multiplexing features include panes, tabs, floating and stacked panes, configurable keybindings and modes, sessions, and custom layouts defined with KDL. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows terminals, while an optional self-hosted web client provides browser access, remote attachment, and collaborative terminal sessions.
The platform fit is broader than a terminal multiplexer limited to one desktop environment. Zellij supports Linux, macOS, and Windows, and its browser client extends access beyond local terminal applications. The WebAssembly plugin system adds an extension path, while configurable layouts and keybindings allow terminal workspaces to reflect different workflows. These features make Zellij a strong match for users who want one open-source workspace across operating systems and need more structure than basic pane splitting.
Its standout strength is the combination of workspace organization and continuity. KDL-defined layouts, tabs, floating panes, stacked panes, and modes cover different ways to arrange terminal work, while session resurrection can restore sessions after an exit or crash. Collaborative session sharing adds a team-oriented option, but browser access is tied to an optional self-hosted client, and local persistence is not the same as a hosted persistence service. Zellij suits terminal-centric users who value control, extensibility, and cross-platform access; users seeking a managed browser service or built-in AI features should look elsewhere.
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Zellij pricing
Zellij fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| 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 terminals; browser web client |
| Maximum sessions | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | zellij.dev |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Zellij
- 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
- TUIOSAn open-source multiplexer with workspaces, persistence, layouts, scripting, and web terminal access.8.9
Zellij vs the competition
Compare Zellij with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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