IkunaIkuna vs Cove
Both save and restore Mac work sessions including browser tabs. Cove is simpler and cheaper (one-time, macOS 15+). Ikuna adds Firefox/Opera support, focus analytics, and runs on macOS 13+.
Cove and Ikuna share the same core idea: save a work session and bring it back later. Both restore apps, window positions, and browser tabs (Cove supports Safari, Chrome, Brave, Edge, and Arc; Ikuna adds Firefox and Opera). Cove also restores Terminal and iTerm working directories. It's $19.99 once, requires macOS 15+, and is focused purely on session restore with no analytics layer. Ikuna captures the same window and tab state, adds a focus-analytics dashboard and Focus Shield distraction blocking, and runs on macOS 13+ with a free tier and €9/mo Pro. If you want a simple session saver for macOS 15+ and don't need Firefox/Opera or focus analytics, Cove is cheaper. If you need broader browser and OS support plus focus analytics, Ikuna covers that ground.
Side by side
| Ikuna | Cove | |
|---|---|---|
| Save & restore window layout | Yes | Yes |
| Relaunches closed apps | Yes | Yes |
| Restores browser tabs | Yes — Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, Arc, Brave, Edge | Yes — Safari, Chrome, Arc, Brave, Edge |
| Multi-monitor restore | Yes — Device Link | Yes — per-session layout |
| Focus analytics dashboard | Yes — context-switch patterns | Not listed on its site |
| Distraction blocking | Yes — Focus Shield | Not listed on its site |
| Rituals (wallpaper, sound cue) | Yes | Not listed on its site |
| Mobile continuity | Coming Q3 2026 (Trigger) | Not listed on its site |
| Pricing | Free tier · Pro €9/mo | $19.99 one-time |
| macOS requirement | 13+ | 15+ (Sequoia) |
Where Ikuna has the advantage
Firefox and Opera support
Cove restores tabs for Safari, Chrome, Brave, Edge, and Arc. Ikuna adds native Firefox and Opera tab restoration, so if you use those browsers, Ikuna covers them.
Focus analytics and distraction blocking
Cove is a session saver with no analytics layer. Ikuna's Focus Intelligence dashboard tracks your context-switching patterns, and Focus Shield blocks distracting apps when you're trying to concentrate.
Broader macOS support
Cove requires macOS 15 (Sequoia). Ikuna runs on macOS 13 and above, so it's available to a wider range of Macs.
Where Cove has the advantage
Terminal working directory restore
Cove preserves your working directory per window for Terminal and iTerm, so you drop straight back into the right project folder when restoring a session.
One-time price, simpler tool
Cove is $19.99 paid once. Ikuna Pro is €9/month. For users who just want the save/restore core without the focus analytics, Cove is cheaper over time.
Minimal setup
Cove does exactly what it says: parks and restores work sessions. No dashboard, no analytics, no extra complexity to configure.
The bottom line
Cove is a straightforward session restore tool at a one-time price — it does its job well, including browser tab restoration for the most popular browsers, and the lower price is genuinely attractive. The honest gaps are Firefox and Opera support, broader macOS support, and any kind of focus analytics or distraction blocking — Ikuna covers all three. Which tool makes more sense depends on whether those gaps matter in your workflow.
Frequently asked questions
Does Cove restore browser tabs?
Yes. Cove natively restores browser tabs for Safari, Chrome, Brave, Edge, and Arc. Ikuna also restores tabs and adds support for Firefox and Opera.
Is Cove or Ikuna better value?
That depends on how long you keep the tool. Cove is $19.99 once — it's cheaper than a year of Ikuna Pro (€9/mo). Ikuna covers more functionality (Firefox/Opera support, analytics, Focus Shield, broader OS support) and has a free tier. The right answer depends on which features you'll actually use.
Does Cove work on macOS 13 or 14?
No. Cove requires macOS 15 (Sequoia) or later. Ikuna supports macOS 13 and above.
Which is better for deep work?
Ikuna, if you want focus analytics and distraction blocking in addition to session restore. Cove is simpler and only handles the save/restore core. If that's all you need, Cove is a clean, affordable choice.