maka vs Orkas
Local-first AI agent workspaces compared
maka and Orkas are local-first applications for working with AI agents using user-configured model connections. maka centers on a shared runtime and an inspectable record of agent activity, while Orkas centers on a Commander coordinating specialist agents through a desktop app.
maka: Keep a Complete Record of AI Agent Work
Apache Maka is a high-performance agent workspace that records every model message, tool call, permission decision, and turn ending. It runs as a desktop app, with TUI and CLI clients, on macOS and preview builds for Windows and Linux.
Orkas: Coordinate AI Agent Teams from a Desktop App
Orkas is a local-first desktop app for directing a Commander and specialist AI agents from one chat. It suits people who want to coordinate research, document work, and coding tools locally, using their own model keys.
| maka | Orkas | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | TypeScript | JavaScript |
| License | Apache-2.0 | MIT |
| Stars | 5.8k | 2.1k |
| Forks | 557 | 88 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 19, 2026 | Oct 4, 2026 |
Key differences
- maka records messages, tool calls, permission decisions, and turn endings in an append-only event log; Orkas emphasizes delegation among a Commander and specialist agents.
- maka offers Desktop, TUI, CLI, and evaluation tools backed by one Runtime Host; Orkas is a desktop workspace with support for running external CLI agents as local subprocesses.
- maka is written in TypeScript and uses the Apache-2.0 license; Orkas is written in JavaScript and uses the MIT license.
- maka lists macOS without a preview qualifier and describes Windows and Linux as preview platforms; Orkas documents packaged builds for macOS and Windows, with Linux use from source.
- maka is an Apache Incubator project and has not made an Apache release; Orkas documents local knowledge-base search, agent memory, and a marketplace for additional agents.
Choose maka if you…
- need an inspectable event record of agent actions and permission decisions.
- want desktop, terminal, and evaluation workflows sharing one runtime.
- prefer to configure a cloud API, local model, or compatible gateway while keeping workspace records local.
Choose Orkas if you…
- want a desktop Commander to delegate multi-step work to specialist agents.
- need local document retrieval, agent memory, or supported external CLI agents.
- prefer configurable model providers per agent and packaged macOS or Windows builds.
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This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.