Zellij review
A free, open-source multiplexer with layouts, plugins, persistence, and collaboration.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Zellij pros and cons
- 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
Zellij fact sheet, pricing and score →
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