claude-multi vs claude-squad
claude-multi uses config-directory isolation for each Claude Code instance. claude-squad uses git worktrees. Both manage multiple Claude Code sessions, but the isolation model is different.
| claude-multi | claude-squad | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | claude-multi | claude-squad |
| Website | claude-multi.hmziq.xyz | github.com/smtg-ai/claude-squad |
claude-multi
Pros
- Config-directory isolation: each instance gets its own .claude/ directory
- Provider switching per instance
- Plugin sync across all running instances
- CLI-native, easy to script and automate
- Works with any terminal setup
Cons
- No built-in TUI. You manage sessions from the terminal
- Config isolation means each instance maintains its own settings
- Focused on Claude Code specifically
- No automatic branch-per-session workflow
claude-squad
Pros
- Git worktree isolation: each session works on its own branch
- Built-in TUI for visual session management
- Agent-agnostic: works with Claude Code, Aider, and other tools
- Clean git history per session
- Simple mental model: one branch per task
Cons
- Git worktrees can be confusing if you are not familiar with them
- Disk usage grows with each worktree
- No provider management or switching
- No plugin sync between sessions
- Limited to git-based projects
When to choose claude-multi
You want config-level isolation between instances, the ability to use different providers per session, or plugin sync. Good for developers who work across multiple projects or providers.
When to choose claude-squad
You want git-branch isolation where each session has its own working tree. Good for feature-branch workflows where each task gets a clean git history.
Verdict
Use claude-multi if you want config-directory isolation and provider flexibility. Use claude-squad if you prefer git worktree isolation and a TUI-based interface for managing sessions.
Isolation models compared
This is the main difference. claude-multi isolates instances at the config directory level. Each instance gets its own .claude/ directory with its own settings, history, and provider config. They can all work on the same working directory.
claude-squad isolates at the git worktree level. Each session gets its own working copy of the repository on its own branch. Changes in one session don’t affect the files in another session.
When config isolation is better
You want all instances to see the same codebase. Maybe one instance is writing code and another is running tests against it. Maybe you want different providers looking at the same files. Config isolation lets instances share the working directory while keeping their own settings separate.
When worktree isolation is better
You want each task to have its own clean branch. When the work is done, you merge or discard the branch. No risk of one session overwriting another’s files. The git history stays clean.
Agent support
claude-squad works with multiple agents: Claude Code, Aider, and other terminal-based AI tools. claude-multi is built specifically for Claude Code.
The practical choice
If your workflow is branch-per-task and you want clean git separation, claude-squad fits well. If you want provider flexibility, plugin sync, and shared codebase access across instances, claude-multi is the better fit.