Kaku

Kaku is an AI-friendly macOS terminal that includes preset defaults, tabs, panes, and a built-in assistant.

Kaku is a fast macOS terminal designed specifically for AI coding workflows. It comes ready out of the box with sensible defaults, including quick tabs, panes, preset shell suites, fonts, themes, and shell integration. Users do not need to write a configuration file or create an account to start using it. The terminal features a built-in AI assistant that suggests fixes for failed commands and allows users to describe shell syntax using the hash symbol. It also includes built-in tools like Lazygit, Yazi, and remote file mounting via SSH. Built as an open-source project, it runs natively on macOS and relies on the user's own AI service and model.

Kaku at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: macOS
Pricing: Free and open source under the MIT license
Released: February 2026
Category: AI coding tool
Website: kaku.fun

Key features

Quick tabs and panes with standard shortcuts
Built-in AI assistant for command fixes and syntax help
Pre-configured fonts, themes, and shell integration
Session recovery for windows, panes, and directories
Shortcuts for Lazygit, Yazi, and remote file mounting
Lua support for advanced configuration

Use it for

Executing terminal commands with AI assistance
Managing multiple tasks using tabs and splits
Fixing failed command syntax automatically
Navigating repositories with integrated tools

Alternatives to Kaku

Waku — Runs local coding agents in one fast native interface without Electron.
agterm — It organizes sessions into named workspaces and includes a local control API.
jevgrep — Reduces coding agent costs by providing targeted, relevant repository context.
cmux — It features vertical tabs, notification rings, and split panes for AI coding.
Slate Terminal — Shape your terminal workspace with custom HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and an agent CLI.
Gtree — Runs multiple AI coding agents together and flags file overlaps.
NOVA CLI v1.0 — Works directly inside the terminal with 160+ AI models and persistent project context.
Kilo Code — Open-source agent with any model and no markup on inference
Genkit — Provides unified APIs and local developer tools for AI application workflows.
Neptune — It combines a fast native terminal engine with built-in management for AI coding agents.
Reika — Manages small local models with careful context discipline and loop breakers.
FinderGit — Review and manage all your Git repositories directly in a native macOS file browser.

All Kaku alternatives