Xshell Alternatives for Linux

Xshell is not available for Linux but there are plenty of alternatives that runs on Linux with similar functionality. The best Linux alternative is PuTTY, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to Xshell and many of them are available for Linux so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Linux alternatives to Xshell are OpenSSH, Alacritty, Terminator and WindTerm.

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Alternatives list

  1. PuTTY icon

    PuTTY

     1449 likes
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    Free and open-source terminal emulator for connecting to remote systems via SSH, Telnet, and SCP. Portable with no installation required, providing lightweight functionality. Ideal for secure connections with features like command line support and customizable settings. Works offline effortlessly.

    114 PuTTY alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    • PortableApps.com
    • ReactOS
    • Flathub
    PuTTY screenshot 1
     
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    1
    9
    Comments about PuTTY as an Alternative to Xshell
    Guest
    Negative
    2

    No post-login script per profile/session

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Xshell Icon
    PuTTY icon

    • This alternative is disputed. PuTTY is a legitimate Xshell alternative, but it might have issues that some users think are important.

    • PuTTY is the most popular Windows & Linux alternative to Xshell.

    • PuTTY is the most popular Open Source & free alternative to Xshell.

    • PuTTY is Free and Open SourceXshell is Free Personal and Proprietary
    • PuTTY is LightweightXshell is not according to our users
  2. OpenSSH icon

    OpenSSH

     384 likes
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    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.

    60 OpenSSH alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • iPhone
    • BSD
    • Cygwin
    • Haiku
     
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    11

    • Most users think OpenSSH is a great Xshell alternative.

    • OpenSSH is the most popular Mac & iPhone alternative to Xshell.

    • OpenSSH is Free and Open SourceXshell is Free Personal and Proprietary
  4. Alacritty icon

    Alacritty

     70 likes
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    Alacritty is a blazing fast, GPU accelerated terminal emulator. It’s written in Rust and uses OpenGL for rendering to be the fastest terminal emulator available. Alacritty is available on GitHub in source form.

    83 Alacritty alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • BSD
    Alacritty screenshot 1
     
  5. Terminator icon

    Terminator

     165 likes
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    Terminator enables the user to run and manage multiple terminal emulators side-by-side in the same window. The main focus is arranging terminals in a grid. (Tabs is the most common default method, which Terminator also supports.

    88 Terminator alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • BSD
    • GNOME
    Terminator is running Vim, Bash, and Python side by side.
     
  7. Termius icon

    Termius

     36 likes
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    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.

    56 Termius alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Subscription)
    • Proprietary

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Chrome OS
    • iPad
    • Flathub
    Termius screenshot 1
     

    • Termius is the most popular iPad alternative to Xshell.

    • Termius is Freemium and ProprietaryXshell is Free Personal and Proprietary
    • Termius is Security-focusedXshell is not according to our users
  9. Remote Desktop Manager icon

    Remote Desktop Manager

     82 likes
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    Remote Desktop Manager lets you centralize all your remote connections, passwords and credentials into a unique platform that can be securely shared between users. Drive security, speed and productivity through your organization while reducing risks for your IT department.

    59 Remote Desktop Manager alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Freemium (Pay once)
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    Easily Manage All Your Remote Connections
     
  10. SecureCRT icon

    SecureCRT

     34 likes
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    SecureCRT combines rock-solid terminal emulation with the strong encryption, data integrity, and authentication options of the Secure Shell protocol. SecureCRT provides secure remote access, file transfer, and data tunneling for everyone in your organization.

    60 SecureCRT alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
     

    • SecureCRT is the most popular commercial alternative to Xshell.

    • SecureCRT is Paid and ProprietaryXshell is Free Personal and Proprietary
  11. foot icon

    foot

     10 likes
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    Fast, lightweight and minimalistic Wayland terminal emulator. Supports daemon mode, Sixel, and scrollback search.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
     
  12. PAC Manager icon

    PAC Manager

     41 likes
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    PAC is a Perl/GTK Gnome replacement for SecureCRT/Putty/etc... It provides a GUI to configure SSH/Telnet connections: users, passwords, EXPECT regular expressions, macros, etc.

    52 PAC Manager alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application types

    Alerts

    • Discontinued

    Platforms

    • Linux
    PAC Manager screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about PAC Manager as an Alternative to Xshell
    Guest
    Positive
    0

    Even though it's discontinued, it still offers a huge load of features and is highly customizable.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    Xshell Icon
    PAC Manager icon
    • PAC Manager is Free and Open SourceXshell is Free Personal and Proprietary
  14. EasySSH icon

    EasySSH

     2 likes
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    A complete, efficient and easy-to-use manager. Create and edit connections, groups, customize the terminal, with multiple instances of the same connection.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • elementary OS
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    EasySSH screenshot 1
     
12 of 24 Xshell alternatives