Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

tmux VS Things

Compare tmux VS Things and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

tmux logo tmux

tmux is a terminal multiplexer: it enables a number of terminals (or windows), each running a...

Things logo Things

Things is an easy to use task manager.
  • tmux Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-19
  • Things Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-17

tmux features and specs

  • Session Management
    tmux allows users to manage multiple terminal sessions from a single window, making it easier to multitask and organize workflows.
  • Persistent Sessions
    Sessions in tmux can persist even after disconnecting from the host. You can detach from a session and reattach later without losing your work.
  • Window and Pane Splitting
    tmux supports splitting windows into multiple panes, allowing users to have different programs or terminal instances side-by-side within the same window.
  • Customization
    Highly customizable with support for configuring key bindings, status lines, color schemes, and more through a configuration file.
  • Scripting and Automation
    Provides extensive scripting capabilities which can be used to automate routine tasks and workflows.
  • Remote Use
    Particularly useful for remote work, as it can be used to manage sessions on remote servers efficiently over SSH.
  • Performance
    Relatively lightweight and performant, consuming minimal system resources.
  • Community and Documentation
    A large and active community providing extensive documentation, tutorials, and plugins to extend functionality.

Possible disadvantages of tmux

  • Learning Curve
    Can be difficult to learn and memorize all the commands and key bindings, especially for new users.
  • Configuration Complexity
    The configuration can be complex and might require significant effort to customize according to individual needs.
  • Compatibility
    Might have compatibility issues with certain terminal emulators or applications, requiring workarounds or special configurations.
  • Resource Limits
    While lightweight, extensive use with many windows and panes can still consume significant system resources, potentially impacting system performance.
  • Copy-Pasting
    Copy-pasting within tmux can be less straightforward compared to using a regular terminal, requiring specific key bindings and knowledge of tmux buffers.
  • Clipboard Integration
    Integration with the system clipboard can require additional configuration and might not work seamlessly out-of-the-box.
  • Frequent Updates
    Frequent updates and changes can sometimes introduce bugs or break existing configurations, requiring users to adapt and troubleshoot.

Things features and specs

  • User Experience
    Things is known for its clean, intuitive, and beautifully designed user interface, making it easy to use.
  • Integration with Apple Ecosystem
    Seamlessly integrates with macOS and iOS devices, offering features like Handoff and deep Apple Calendar integration.
  • Powerful Task Management
    Supports projects, areas, headings, and tags, providing a robust system for managing complex tasks and workflows.
  • Quick Entry
    Provides a quick entry function allowing users to capture tasks efficiently, which can later be categorized and detailed.
  • Updates and Support
    Regularly updated with new features and enhancements, backed by reliable customer support.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
    Offers extensive keyboard shortcuts for power users to navigate and manage tasks quickly.
  • Natural Language Processing
    Allows users to input tasks using natural language, which is then intelligently parsed and scheduled.

Possible disadvantages of Things

  • Cost
    Things requires a one-time purchase for each platform (macOS, iOS), making it relatively expensive compared to some subscription-based competitors.
  • Platform Limitation
    Only available on Apple devices (macOS and iOS), making it inaccessible for users on Windows, Android, or other platforms.
  • No Collaboration Features
    Lacks built-in collaboration tools, which can be a drawback for teams looking to share and manage tasks collectively.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, fully utilizing advanced features can require time and a deeper understanding.
  • Limited Automation
    Offers fewer automation options and integrations compared to some competitors like Todoist or Microsoft To Do.

Analysis of tmux

Overall verdict

  • Yes, tmux is considered a valuable tool by many in the tech community. Its features make it particularly useful for developers, system administrators, and power users who work extensively within the command-line environment.

Why this product is good

  • Tmux is a highly regarded terminal multiplexer that allows users to manage multiple terminal sessions from a single window. It facilitates productive workflows by enabling users to switch between different programs easily, run multiple applications, and keep programs running in the background. Tmux also supports session persistence, which allows users to disconnect from a session and reconnect later without losing their work state. Additionally, it is highly customizable and can be tailored to meet specific user needs, enhancing efficiency and usability.

Recommended for

  • Developers
  • System Administrators
  • Power Users
  • Linux Enthusiasts
  • Anyone who works extensively in the terminal

Analysis of Things

Overall verdict

  • Things is widely regarded as an excellent productivity tool, especially for Apple ecosystem users. It combines elegance with functionality, making it a top choice for those who prefer a minimalist but powerful task manager.

Why this product is good

  • Things by Cultured Code is highly acclaimed for its clean, intuitive design and effective task management features. It provides a seamless user experience with its natural language input, powerful integration with macOS and iOS, and features like projects, areas, deadlines, and reminders that help users organize their tasks efficiently. The app is particularly praised for its focus on simplicity and ease of use, which allows users to focus on their tasks without being overwhelmed by features.

Recommended for

    Things is ideal for individuals who are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and appreciate a minimalist design approach. It's perfect for users who prefer a straightforward, no-frills task management system that emphasizes ease of use, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.

tmux videos

How I Work: Tmux

More videos:

  • Tutorial - You need to know how to use TMUX
  • Review - Getting Started with tmux Part 1 - Overview and Features

Things videos

Brandon's Cult Movie Reviews: THINGS

More videos:

  • Review - Things 3: Full Review (2019)
  • Review - OmniFocus vs. Things 3 review: which is best for you?

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to tmux and Things)
Terminal Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Task Management
0 0%
100% 100
SSH
100 100%
0% 0
Project Management
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare tmux and Things

tmux Reviews

Top 13 Best Tiling Window Managers For Linux In 2022
Tmux makes the most of the available space and is simple to use thanks to keybindings that may be used to divide windows and create extra panes. Individual shell instances can also be shared throughout various sessions and utilised for different purposes by different users.
Source: www.hubtech.org
13 Best Tiling Window Managers for Linux
tilix is a multiplexing terminal, not a tiling window manager. tmux is a terminal multiplexer, not a tiling window manager either. jwm is a lightweight STACKING window manager. I guess you could call tmux a tiling wm for a console only system (along with gnu screen and dvtm), but thatโ€™s really stretching your definition, and the other two certainly donโ€™t qualify.
Source: www.tecmint.com

Things Reviews

11 Ayanza Alternatives
Things 3 is a multi-award-winning personal task manager that assists you in keeping track of your tasks. The environment of the application is attractive with a fresh new look, delightful integrations, and powerful features. It has been completely effective to boost efficiency with easy to use and is attractive to the eye. The themes are a creative and powerful feature that...
Five of the Best To-Do Apps for iOS
Things 3 is one of the few to-do apps that's not subscription based, and it costs $9.99 to purchase. Things 3 is also available for Mac and iPad, though each app must be purchased individually.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Things should be more popular than tmux. It has been mentiond 58 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

tmux mentions (34)

  • Herding AI Agents: A Weekend with Herdr, Tmux, and Remote Fleets
    Running multiple agents is easy on paper: open up a bunch of terminal windows, fire them up, and you're good to go. The challenge begins when you step away from your desk and wonder what they're up to. Sure, you could pay extra for hosted cloud platforms or mobile clients from AI providers, but that's expensive and too easy. Per paragraph one, I like making life harder for myself, so I'm not paying for that... - Source: dev.to / 6 days ago
  • 5 CLI Tools I Use to Keep Terminal Workflows Less Annoying
    Tmux is still hard to beat when you need persistent terminal sessions, panes, and project workspaces. - Source: dev.to / 4 months ago
  • [2026-04] How I Currently Use Claude Code
    I display the macOS built-in Terminal.app in full screen and use tmux. I don't split tmux windowsโ€”instead, I switch between tabs (windows). I haven't (yet?) switched to Ghostty or iTerm2. - Source: dev.to / 4 months ago
  • 10 More CLI Tools for AI Coding: Part 2 Terminal Workflow Guide
    Tmux is the terminal multiplexer โ€” it lets you run persistent, multi-pane terminal sessions that survive disconnects. If you close your laptop and come back, your tmux sessions are still running. - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • Down the Rabbit Hole with Claude Code: My Journey to Window Key Switcher
    First, I tried tmux, again. It wasn't my first attempt with it, but like the last time, I didn't click with the shortcuts. They're too weird and complex for me. Also, I don't need the session system, and the mouse support doesn't really work natively. - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
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Things mentions (58)

  • We don't need startups, we need Digital-Mittelstand
    Correct: https://culturedcode.com/things/ Looks like the different apps (desktop, mobile, iPad) have different prices, but all are one-time payments of $10-$50. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Essential Software for Mac Users: Three Recommended Efficient Tools
    Things 3is an award-winning task management application known for its clean, elegant interface and intuitive usability. It employs a minimalist design style, allowing users to easily add, organize, and view tasks, helping individuals efficiently manage daily affairs. While Things 3 does not support team collaboration features, it provides a smooth user experience on macOS as a personal task management tool. - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago
  • Show HN: I built a task manager that separates "Do" & "Due" dates
    How badly do Twos want to SEO rank on searches for Things? https://culturedcode.com/things/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: What macOS apps/programs do you use daily and recommend?
    Alfred - Productivity App for macOS [1] iTerm2 - macOS Terminal Replacement [2] Dropshare App - upload anything anywhere on macOS [3] Mimestream - A native macOS email client for Gmail [4] Things - To-Do List for Mac & iOS [5] [1] https://www.alfredapp.com [2] https://iterm2.com [3] https://dropshare.app [4] https://mimestream.com [5] https://culturedcode.com/things. - Source: Hacker News / about 2 years ago
  • Ready to advance from Evernote, looking at Obsidian
    Currently, I use Things (https://culturedcode.com/things/) for tasks and Evernote for notes, and experimented with Freeform (I love the visual aspect and simplicity). At work, I've used Notion, Mural, Miro, LucidChart, Quip, and many other collaboration-based knowledge systems. I never researched the best of personal knowledge systems until now. Source: almost 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing tmux and Things, you can also consider the following products

wezterm - GPU-accelerated cross-platform terminal emulator and multiplexer made with Rust.

Todoist - Todoist is a to-do list that helps you get organized, at work and in life.

fzf - A command-line fuzzy finder written in Go

TickTick - TickTickis a cross-platform to-do list app & task manager helps you to get all things done and make life well organized.

Alacritty - Alacritty is a blazing fast, GPU accelerated terminal emulator.

Remember The Milk - Remember The Milk is a task and time management application for mobile devices.