cmux replaces 2 paid apps
One open-source tool, 2 subscriptions it can stand in for. Each pairing below is curated and verified by hand, with the honest catch spelled out. No votes, no pay-to-list.
licenseGPL-3.0+
runson your machine
installDrag the signed macOS app from its DMG into Applications, or install the Homebrew cask
enginesAny terminal-based coding agent installed on the Mac, including Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, Gemini CLI, Kiro, and Aider
dataConfiguration, workspace state, and terminal scrollback live on the Mac; the optional iOS companion connects over the user's local network or Tailscale rather than a vendor relay
setupmacOS only; each coding-agent CLI and its account or API credentials must be installed separately
facts verified 2026-08-10
A native Mac terminal for many agents; no cloud memory and no Windows version.
the verdict →
A native Mac workspace for terminals, browsers and agent notifications; repos remain folders.
the catchcmux is an excellent terminal workspace, but it does not provide Uncircle’s declarative per-project stack, one-click parallel startup, process health view, and automatic restart.
the verdict →all Uncircle alternatives →last updated 2026-08-10 · up to $216/yr replaced · no votes, no pay-to-list
