Orbit vs Commander
Commander gives you a native UI for multiple AI agent CLIs. Orbit is a development environment with its own agent. Both are macOS apps — the scope is different.
At a glance
Free macOS app (Tauri + React). Unified workspace for Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, OpenCode, and other agent CLIs. Review diffs, manage branches, commit changes — all from one window.
Native desktop app (Tauri + React) with its own AI agent. One agent across editor, browser, terminal, and docs. The agent takes screenshots of your running app.
Key differences
A workspace wrapper. No AI of its own — it provides a native UI for agent CLIs you already have installed.
A development environment with its own agent (Claude SDK). Editor, browser, terminal, and vault in one window.
Works with Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, OpenCode, and Pi. Switch between them in one interface.
Uses its own Claude-based agent. One model, deeply integrated across every surface.
Prompt agents → review diffs → commit. Focus on code review and git management across multiple agents.
Describe what you want → agent edits code, checks the browser, reads terminal output → you review.
No built-in browser. Agents work on code only.
Embedded browser. The agent takes screenshots, navigates, clicks, and fills forms.
Free. You pay for the agent CLIs you bring (Claude Code, Codex, etc.).
Free during early access. Sign in with Claude (any plan) or bring your own API key.
macOS 15+ only.
macOS only (Apple Silicon). Windows and Linux coming.
Where Commander is better
Multi-agent support. Use Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, and OpenCode from one interface. Orbit uses its own agent only.
Bring your own agent. Commander doesn't lock you into a model or provider. Use whatever agents you already have installed.
Review-first workflow. Built around reviewing diffs before committing. Native git integration with worktree isolation per agent.
Completely free. No subscription. Commander itself costs nothing — you only pay for the agents you use.
Where Orbit is different
The agent sees your running app. Embedded browser with screenshots, navigation, and click-to-select. Commander's agents work on code but can't see the result.
Full development environment. Editor, browser, terminal, and vault in one window. Commander is a UI layer on top of CLI agents — not an editor.
Built for non-developers too. Founders, PMs, and vibe coders can describe what they want and direct the agent. Commander assumes you work with CLI tools.
No setup required. Sign in and start building. Commander requires at least one agent CLI installed and configured on your machine.
The honest take
Commander and Orbit are different layers. Commander is a workspace for the agents you already use — it doesn't replace them, it organizes them. Orbit is a development environment with its own integrated agent.
If you use multiple AI coding CLIs and want one interface to manage them all with diff review, Commander is a great free option. If you want the agent to see your running app and work across editor, browser, terminal, and docs, try Orbit.
Free during early access
Sign in with your Claude account or bring your own API key.