PuTTY Alternatives
PuTTY is described as 'free and open-source terminal emulator, serial console and network file transfer application. It supports several network protocols, including SCP, SSH, Telnet, rlogin, and raw socket connection. It can also connect to a serial port' and is a leading terminal emulator in the os & utilities category. There are more than 50 alternatives to PuTTY for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, Mac, Android and iPhone. The best alternative is OpenSSH, which is both free and Open Source. Other great apps like PuTTY are KiTTY, MobaXterm, mRemoteNG and Tabby Terminal.
PuTTY alternatives are mainly Terminal Emulators but may also be SSH Clients or Remote Desktop Tools. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of PuTTY.- Free • Open Source
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- iPhone
- BSD
- Cygwin
- Haiku
OpenSSH is a free version of the SSH connectivity tools that technical users rely on. OpenSSH encrypts all traffic (including passwords) to effectively eliminate eavesdropping, connection hijacking, and other attacks.
No screenshots yetOpenSSH vs PuTTY opinions
Brioni1988Up to date. One of the most trustworthy dev teams on the intenet.
Harty1978Totally standardized on all platforms (ok, not Windows, but catching up there).
There is no gui for connection management.
It is a SSL-Protocol-Implementation not a Terminal Emulator
JTDiminoNot a terminal emulator like PuTTY is.
fejOpenSSH is an implementation of the SSH protocol. Putty is a GUI application for connecting to other devices via SSH and Telnet.
ICBOpenSSH is a server for the SSH protocol and not a client to handle SSH sessions like PuTTY.
KiTTY is an opensource terminal emulator, forked from PuTTY , that adds many extra features to the original software.
KiTTY vs PuTTY opinions
VladFork of putty. But more recently updated and fresher.
pablosezparraThe same functionality than PuTTY but prettier, and seems faster for me too
XeoginIt's a more actively developed fork.
It's pretty much stock Putty, but upgraded to modern standards.
MobaXterm is an enhanced terminal app that brings the advanced features of a Unix-like command-line to Windows. It takes the power of Cygwin and wraps it in a sleek, visual interface that's super easy to use, lightweight and portable.
MobaXterm vs PuTTY opinions
Arguably the best remote access program out there. Great compact interface, most features I've ever seen, works amazingly fast out of the box. The 10 session limit is what makes this Freemium, so if that is not a big deal for you, this is the software for you.
It's never let me down and is feature rich.
tihedomecuIt's okay, but sessions are constantly disconnected after like a few minutes later. it also has some random cartoons all over the screen so annoying. not recommended.
mRemoteNG is a fork of mRemote , an open source, tabbed, multi-protocol, remote connections manager.
mRemoteNG vs PuTTY opinions
If multiwindow (think 10+ ssh sessions at a time) is your thing this is the best alternative by far -- as a Linux admin and typically on 25+ servers at a crack this free app managed all servers no sweat.
Free with premium features
- Free • Open Source
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
Tabby is an infinitely customizable cross-platform terminal app for local shells, serial, SSH and Telnet connections.
ZOC is a powerful and well-established terminal emulator and telnet client, well known for its outstanding user interface with tabbed multi session support.
ZOC vs PuTTY opinions
hansolo1988Just let me say one thing: Try managing 200 hosts for 10+ clients in the host directory of Putty and ZOC.
externitoritusMore features. Cleaner user interface. Actual support.
foworaxMuch nicer user interface.
grercltabs, ease of use, very easy to customize
Fast, multi-session support, stable.
davidstaschoverEasy to use, flexible and includes scp
Brioni1988One of the few options available on the mac.
- Freemium • Proprietary
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- Chrome OS
- iPad
Termius is more than a mere SSH client – it’s a complete command-line solution that’s redefining remote access for sysadmins and network engineers. Securely access Linux or IoT devices and quickly fix issues from the comfort of your couch via laptop or phone.
Termius vs PuTTY opinions
Can be used on Linux, has a cleaner Interface compared to PuTTY & it's free for students.
- Free Personal • Proprietary
- Windows
SSH client for file transfer, terminal and tunneling.
Bitvise SSH Client vs PuTTY opinions
akanealwVery handy program. I have my ssh connection connect automatically at login. Does my reverse ssh tunnel and socks proxy and stays minimized in the system tray.
OKTAYMERCANEasy to use also have sftp
ConnectBot is a Secure Shell client for the Android platform. Its ultimate goal is to create a secure connection through which you can use a shell on a remote machine and transfer files back and forth to your phone.
MSYS2 is an independent rewrite of MSYS, based on modern Cygwin (POSIX compatibility layer) and MinGW-w64 with the aim of better interoperability with native Windows software.
MSYS2 vs PuTTY opinions
It is a shell not SSH client
it is a shell not a ssh client