Overview of Port22
Port22 is a mobile companion app for Mac-based coding agents. It lets you monitor and approve agent actions from your iPhone, with push notifications and tap-to-approve functionality. It attaches to existing agent sessions without configuration, supporting Claude Code, Codex, and OpenCode. Port22 is free for one Mac and two sessions, with all features included.
Why Look for Alternatives
While Port22 offers a unique remote approval experience, you might consider alternatives for several reasons:
- Platform limitations: Port22 requires a Mac and an iPhone, so if you use Windows, Linux, or Android, it won't work.
- Agent support: Port22 supports a limited set of agents; if you use others, you may need a different tool.
- Privacy concerns: Port22 uses an encrypted relay and iCloud pairing, which may not suit developers who prefer fully local solutions.
- Cost or licensing: Although Port22 is free during beta, future pricing is uncertain; some alternatives offer one-time purchases or open-source options.
- Feature depth: Port22 focuses on mobile monitoring; you might want a more comprehensive desktop client with advanced features.
Top Alternatives
1. AgentPeek
AgentPeek is a local-first dashboard that lives in your Mac's notch, providing at-a-glance visibility into your coding agents. It tracks token usage, shows tool call history, and gives quick access to local servers. It's a one-time $15 purchase with no subscription.
Pros:
- Keeps agent sessions visible in the Mac notch for easy monitoring.
- Live token usage tracking with reset countdowns.
- Quick access to local servers, routes, and tool call history.
- Runs entirely locally with no cloud relay.
- One-time cost, no subscription.
Cons:
- Limited to macOS and Apple silicon.
- No mobile access or remote approval.
- Only supports Claude Code and Codex.
- Requires manual hook setup.
- No push notifications.
Use cases: Choose AgentPeek if you primarily work at your Mac and want a lightweight, local, always-visible dashboard without needing mobile access. It's ideal for privacy-conscious developers who prefer a one-time cost.
2. 1Code
1Code is a full-featured desktop and web client for coding agents, offering a visual UI, diff previews, and built-in git tools. It supports running multiple agents in parallel with worktree isolation and includes cloud sandboxes with live previews.
Pros:
- Comprehensive desktop and web client with advanced UI.
- Parallel agent execution with worktree isolation.
- Cloud sandboxes with live previews for remote access.
- Open-source and cross-platform (macOS, Windows, Linux, web).
Cons:
- Replaces your terminal workflow, requiring a new environment.
- No mobile push notifications or dedicated iOS app for approvals.
- Steeper learning curve due to many features.
- Archived and no longer actively maintained.
Use cases: Choose 1Code if you want a powerful, all-in-one desktop client to manage multiple agents locally or in the cloud, and you're okay with a more complex setup. It's good for parallel execution without needing mobile approvals.
3. AgentMicro
AgentMicro is a free, open-source, local-first tool that provides a menu-bar overview of parallel Codex tasks. It focuses on privacy, never uploading prompts or code.
Pros:
- Local-first and privacy-focused.
- Free and open source, no account or waitlist.
- Lightweight menu-bar overview for quick status checks.
Cons:
- Only supports Codex Desktop and CLI.
- No remote approval or phone interaction.
- No push notifications or mobile access.
Use cases: Choose AgentMicro if you primarily use Codex, want a privacy-first local supervision tool, and are comfortable staying at your Mac for approvals. It's ideal for quick menu-bar overviews without a phone companion.
How to Choose
When selecting a Port22 alternative, consider your workflow and priorities:
- Platform: If you're not on Mac/iPhone, 1Code (cross-platform) or AgentMicro (if you use Codex on Mac) might be better.
- Agent support: Check which agents each tool supports. AgentPeek and AgentMicro are limited to specific agents, while 1Code may support more.
- Remote access: If you need to approve actions from your phone, Port22 is unique; none of the alternatives offer full mobile approval. AgentPeek and AgentMicro are desktop-only, while 1Code's PWA is more for monitoring.
- Privacy: If you prefer local-only, AgentPeek and AgentMicro are better choices than Port22's relay.
- Cost: AgentMicro is free, AgentPeek is a one-time purchase, and 1Code is open-source (though archived).
- Feature depth: If you want a full client with advanced features, 1Code is the most comprehensive, but it's no longer maintained.
Ultimately, the best alternative depends on whether you prioritize mobile access, privacy, cost, or feature richness. For most users who need remote approvals, Port22 remains the only option, but for desktop-focused monitoring, AgentPeek is a strong contender.
