Byobu vs TermDock
Byobu
byobu.orgTermDock
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Byobu | TermDock |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 0 |
| Spec score · Terminal Multiplexers | 8.1 (#6) | 6.9 (#27) |
| Configuration | An interactive F9 menu lets users toggle status notifications, change keybinding sets, select profiles, and switch backends. | Settings can be changed during a live session and saved to a config file on request; the product also includes a doctor command that reports setup issues and suggested fixes. |
| Integrations | Byobu integrates with tmux and GNU Screen as backends and can display system indicators including network, Wi-Fi, battery, updates, RAID status, and custom scripts. | The built-in git status segment uses the system's git binary; the project says its other built-in features need no external plugins or programs. |
| License | Byobu is GPLv3-licensed open-source software hosted on GitHub. | TermDock is distributed under the MIT License, which grants permission to use, copy, modify, distribute, and sell copies subject to its stated conditions. |
| Support | Support is largely volunteer-led; users can report bugs on GitHub Issues and ask questions on StackExchange. | The repository links to GitHub Issues for reporting issues and requests. |
Plans
In their own words
Byobu
Byobu is a free, GPLv3-licensed text-based window manager and terminal multiplexer for Linux, BSD, and macOS. It runs over tmux or GNU Screen and adds function-key controls, status notifications, profiles, and split-pane layouts. Users can create, rename, reorder, split, zoom, and synchronize windows and panes, then save layouts for restoration or define repeatable window sets in configuration files. Detaching and reattaching preserves windows, processes, and history, with up to 10,000 lines of scrollback per window. A two-line status bar can display CPU, memory, disk, network, battery, load, time, and other indicators, each independently toggleable. The interactive F9 menu changes notifications, keybinding sets, profiles, and backend selection. Byobu defaults to tmux when available but supports GNU Screen and switching through byobu-select-backend. The project requires tmux 1.5 or later and/or GNU Screen. Support is largely volunteer-led through GitHub Issues and StackExchange.