Key takeaways
- Free, open-source agent orchestrator supporting Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, and Factory Droid
- Auto Run feature enables autonomous sessions lasting hours to days with checklist execution
- Mobile remote control via built-in web server lets you monitor agents from your phone
FAQ
What is Maestro (RunMaestro)?
Maestro is a free, open-source desktop app for orchestrating multiple AI coding agents with autonomous long-running sessions, playbook automation, and mobile remote control.
How much does Maestro cost?
Maestro is completely free and open-source. Users only pay for their own AI provider API usage.
Who created Maestro?
Maestro was created by Pedram Amini, a security researcher and Chief Scientist at OPSWAT.
Executive Summary
Maestro is a free, open-source desktop application for orchestrating AI coding agents across long-running autonomous sessions. Created by security researcher Pedram Amini, Maestro enables developers to run multiple Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, or Factory Droid instances in parallel, with features for autonomous execution, mobile monitoring, and playbook-based task automation. The project claims a record of nearly 24 hours of continuous autonomous runtime.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Company | Independent (side project) |
| Founded | 2025 |
| Funding | None (personal project) |
| Employees | 1 (solo developer) |
| Headquarters | Austin, TX |
Product Overview
Maestro addresses the challenge of managing multiple AI coding agents across complex, long-running tasks. While other tools focus on parallel sessions or context engineering, Maestro specializes in autonomous execution—setting agents loose on detailed specifications and monitoring them over hours or days.
The application provides a "command center" interface for orchestrating agents, with a keyboard-first design inspired by productivity tools like Linear and Superhuman. Developers can create detailed specification documents, convert them into playbooks, and let Auto Run execute tasks automatically while they sleep or work on other things.
Key Capabilities
| Capability | Description |
|---|---|
| Auto Run | Autonomous execution of markdown checklists for hours |
| Playbooks | Reusable task specifications for common workflows |
| Multi-Agent | Run Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, and Factory Droid in parallel |
| Mobile Remote | Built-in web server with QR code access for phone monitoring |
| Git Integration | Automatic repo detection, branch display, diff viewer, worktrees |
| Group Chat | Collaborative conversations with multiple AI agents |
Product Surfaces
| Surface | Description | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| macOS App | Native desktop application | GA |
| Windows | Native desktop application | GA |
| Linux | Native desktop application | GA |
| CLI | Headless operation for CI/CD | GA |
| Mobile Web | Remote control interface | GA |
Technical Architecture
Maestro is an Electron-based desktop application that wraps multiple CLI agent processes. It acts as a pass-through to AI providers—your prompts go directly to the underlying agents without modification.
The Auto Run system processes markdown checklists, executing each task in a fresh session with clean context. Playbooks are pre-defined markdown files that can be shared and reused across projects.
Key Technical Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Deployment | Local desktop application |
| Model(s) | Via Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, Factory Droid |
| Integrations | Git, Cloudflare Tunnel (remote access) |
| Open Source | Yes (MIT License) |
Strengths
- True autonomous operation — Auto Run enables hours-long sessions without intervention, with records up to 24 hours
- Cross-platform — Full support for macOS, Windows, and Linux unlike many competitors
- Mobile monitoring — Built-in web server allows checking on agents from your phone anywhere
- Keyboard-first UX — Designed for power users with extensive keyboard shortcuts
- Playbook ecosystem — Symphony feature lets users contribute to open source with AI assistance
- Zero cost — Completely free and open-source under MIT license
Cautions
- Solo developer project — Created by one person as a side project, limiting development velocity
- Early-stage stability — Users report issues, particularly on Windows
- Agent dependency — Requires separate installation of Claude Code, Codex, etc.
- No cloud sync — Sessions and state are local-only
- Pass-through architecture — Limited optimization since it wraps existing CLI tools
Pricing & Licensing
| Tier | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Open Source | Free | All features |
Licensing model: MIT License (permissive open source)
Hidden costs: Users must pay for their own AI provider subscriptions/API usage. Maestro adds no direct cost.
Competitive Positioning
Direct Competitors
| Competitor | Differentiation |
|---|---|
| Crystal | Crystal focuses on comparing approaches; Maestro on autonomous execution |
| Conductor | Conductor is paid SaaS; Maestro is free and cross-platform |
| Tembo | Tembo targets enterprise; Maestro is for individual power users |
When to Choose Maestro Over Alternatives
- Choose Maestro when: You want free, cross-platform autonomous agent execution with mobile monitoring
- Choose Crystal when: You need to compare multiple AI approaches before merging
- Choose Conductor when: You want polished commercial software with support
- Choose Tembo when: You need enterprise-scale orchestration with team features
Ideal Customer Profile
Best fit:
- Power users comfortable with keyboard-driven interfaces
- Developers running long autonomous tasks overnight
- Cross-platform teams needing Windows/Linux support
- Users who value mobile monitoring of agent sessions
Poor fit:
- Teams needing collaboration and access control
- Users wanting polished, stable software
- Developers who prefer visual, mouse-driven interfaces
- Enterprise teams requiring support and SLAs
Viability Assessment
| Factor | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Financial Health | N/A (personal project) |
| Market Position | Niche |
| Innovation Pace | Rapid |
| Community/Ecosystem | Small but engaged |
| Long-term Outlook | Uncertain |
Maestro is a passion project from a well-known security researcher. Pedram Amini has significant technical credibility (former TippingPoint, iDEFENSE Labs, current Chief Scientist at OPSWAT), which lends credibility to the project. However, as a side project without funding, long-term maintenance depends on continued personal interest.
Bottom Line
Maestro fills a unique niche as the free, cross-platform option for autonomous agent orchestration. Its Auto Run and mobile monitoring features address real workflow gaps that other tools don't emphasize. The keyboard-first design and playbook system show thoughtful UX for power users.
Recommended for: Power users who want autonomous, long-running AI agent sessions with mobile monitoring, especially those needing cross-platform support.
Not recommended for: Teams requiring enterprise features, users who prefer polished UX over power-user tools, or those uncomfortable relying on a solo developer's side project.
Outlook: Maestro has strong potential as the power user's agent orchestrator. The main risk is sustainability—as a side project, development could slow or stop based on the creator's priorities. If it gains more community contributors, the outlook improves significantly.
Research by Ry Walker Research • methodology