GNU Screen vs byobu

Struggling to choose between GNU Screen and byobu? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

GNU Screen is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like terminal, multiplexer, ssh, remote-access.

It boasts features such as Multiplexing, Session management, Copy and paste between sessions, Session logging, Customizable status line and pros including Allows using multiple shells/programs from one terminal, Sessions can be detached and reattached later, Sessions continue running when detached, Easy to manage many connections.

On the other hand, byobu is a Network & Admin product tagged with terminal, multiplexer, session-management.

Its standout features include Session management, Configuration profiles, Status notifications, Window splitting, Scrollback buffer, Keybindings, Customizable menus, and it shines with pros like Improves productivity when working with multiple terminals, Saves terminal sessions so work is not lost, Easy to customize and extend, Lightweight and low resource usage.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

GNU Screen

GNU Screen

GNU Screen is a terminal multiplexer that allows a user to access multiple separate terminal sessions inside a single terminal window or remote SSH session. It enables switching between multiple programs in one terminal, detach them and reattach them to a different terminal, and more.

Categories:
Os & Utilities Terminal Utilities
terminal multiplexer ssh remote-access

GNU Screen Features

  1. Multiplexing
  2. Session management
  3. Copy and paste between sessions
  4. Session logging
  5. Customizable status line

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Allows using multiple shells/programs from one terminal

Sessions can be detached and reattached later

Sessions continue running when detached

Easy to manage many connections

Cons

Steep learning curve

Configuration can be complex

Not installed by default on most systems

byobu

byobu

Byobu is an open-source text-based window manager and terminal multiplexer that provides convenient access to multiple terminals and windows. It enhances standard terminal emulators with useful features like session management, configuration profiles, status notifications, and more.

Categories:
Network & Admin Terminal Tools
terminal multiplexer session-management

Byobu Features

  1. Session management
  2. Configuration profiles
  3. Status notifications
  4. Window splitting
  5. Scrollback buffer
  6. Keybindings
  7. Customizable menus

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Improves productivity when working with multiple terminals

Saves terminal sessions so work is not lost

Easy to customize and extend

Lightweight and low resource usage

Cons

Text-based interface may not appeal to some users

Configuration can be complex for new users

Not installed by default on most systems

Relies on underlying terminal emulator