Overview of Pushary
Pushary is a developer tool that bridges the gap between your AI coding agents and your phone's lock screen. With a single command, you can connect agents like Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Hermes, or Claude Cowork to your mobile device. When an agent pauses to ask a question or request approval, you simply tap 'yes' on your phone, and the run continues without interruption. The recent launch introduced native iPhone and Android apps, making pairing as simple as scanning a QR code from your terminalâno need to paste API keys. Pushary also offers per-tool policies that auto-approve safe operations, and every decision is logged in a detailed audit trail for transparency and control.
Why Look for Alternatives
While Pushary offers a compelling remote approval experience, it may not suit everyone. Its subscription model ($9.99/month after a trial) can be a drawback for those who prefer one-time purchases. Privacy-conscious users might want a solution that runs entirely locally without any cloud dependency. Additionally, Pushary's focus on mobile approval may be overkill for developers who rarely leave their desks, or who need support for a narrower set of tools. The alternatives below address these different needs, from local-first monitoring to cloud-based agent management.
Top Alternatives
1. AgentPeek
AgentPeek is a macOS-only utility that provides real-time visibility into your Claude Code and Codex sessions. It sits in your Mac's notch, showing token usage, rate-limit warnings, and pending approvals. Priced at a one-time $15, it's a budget-friendly choice for developers who want quick access without a subscription. However, it lacks remote approvalâyou must be at your Mac to actâand it doesn't support other agents like Cursor or Gemini CLI. If you're a Mac user who primarily works with Claude Code and Codex and values local privacy, AgentPeek is a solid, cost-effective alternative.
2. AgentSky
AgentSky takes a different approach by running your agents in the cloud, so you don't need to keep your machine on. It offers access via WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram, Slack, web, and API, giving you more flexibility in how you interact. It also includes a model router and an agent arena for comparing different models. The trade-off is that your code and prompts are processed in the cloud, which may raise privacy concerns. Pushary keeps your code local and only sends decisions to your phone, offering more granular permission policies and a detailed audit trail. AgentSky is best for users who prioritize remote access and scalability over local control.
3. AgentMicro
AgentMicro is a free, open-source, local-first tool for macOS that monitors Codex tasks from your menu bar. It never uploads your prompts or code, making it ideal for strict data residency requirements. However, it's purely observationalâit doesn't allow remote approval or interaction. You still need to return to your Mac to respond to prompts. It also lacks an audit trail and policy-based auto-approval. If you run many parallel Codex tasks and want a lightweight, private way to keep an eye on them without leaving your desk, AgentMicro is a great complement, but it's not a full replacement for Pushary's remote approval workflow.
4. Agents Never Sleep
Agents Never Sleep is a simple macOS menu bar app that prevents your Mac from sleeping when the lid is closed, ensuring your agents keep running. It's a one-time purchase with a money-back guarantee and no data collection. The downside is that it doesn't provide any remote approval or interactionâyou still need to be at the machine to respond to prompts. It also lacks audit trails, policy management, and multi-agent support. If your primary pain point is that your Mac sleeps and stops your agents, this is a low-cost fix, but it won't give you the control and oversight that Pushary offers.
How to Choose
When selecting an alternative to Pushary, consider your workflow and priorities:
- Platform and Agent Support: If you're on macOS and only use Claude Code and Codex, AgentPeek or AgentMicro might suffice. For cross-platform or multi-agent support, Pushary or AgentSky are better.
- Remote Approval Needs: If you need to approve actions from your phone or Slack, Pushary is the only one that does this natively. AgentSky offers remote access but not specifically for approvals.
- Privacy and Data Control: If you want everything local, AgentPeek or AgentMicro are ideal. AgentSky runs in the cloud, which may be a concern.
- Cost Model: If you prefer a one-time purchase, AgentPeek and Agents Never Sleep are cheaper upfront. Pushary and AgentSky use subscriptions.
- Audit and Policy Features: For detailed audit trails and auto-approval policies, Pushary is the most robust. AgentPeek offers some visibility but not policy control.
Ultimately, the best alternative depends on whether you value remote control, local privacy, cost, or platform compatibility. Evaluate your daily workflow and choose the tool that fits seamlessly into your development process.
