10 Best SSH Clients for Windows: A Comprehensive Comparison

If you’re a Windows user who needs to connect to remote servers via SSH, you’re probably familiar with Putty, one of the most popular SSH clients available for Windows. However, Putty isn’t the only option out there. Many other SSH clients offer more features, better security, and a better user experience.

When choosing an SSH client, it’s important to consider factors such as security, ease of use, and advanced features. For example, if you’re a system administrator, you may want an SSH client that includes tools for system administration, such as remote desktop and file transfer. If you’re a power user, you may want an SSH client that includes advanced features such as tabbed sessions and scripting. If you’re a casual user, you may want an SSH client that’s easy to use and doesn’t have an overwhelming amount of features.

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Another factor to consider when choosing an SSH client is whether it’s free or commercial software. While many of the best SSH clients are commercial software, there are also many free and open-source options available. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose one that fits your budget and needs.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the top alternatives to Putty for Windows.

1. OpenSSH for Windows

OpenSSH is a free and open-source SSH client that’s included with most Linux distributions. However, it’s also available for Windows as a separate download. OpenSSH is a lightweight and secure SSH client that’s easy to use and supports many advanced features.

Pros:

• Free and open-source.
• Lightweight and secure.
• Supports advanced features such as port forwarding and X11 forwarding.
• Easy to use.

Cons:

• Limited customization options.
• No graphical user interface.

2. Bitvise SSH Client

Bitvise SSH Client is a Windows SSH client that’s designed for ease of use and security. Bitvise SSH Client supports all major SSH protocols, including SSH1, SSH2, and SFTP. It also supports advanced features such as port forwarding, dynamic tunneling, and remote desktop.

Pros:

• Easy to use.
• Secure.
• Supports advanced features such as port forwarding and dynamic tunneling.
• Includes a built-in SFTP client.

Cons:

• Free version is limited in terms of features and functionality.
• Interface is not as customizable as some other SSH clients.

3. KiTTY

KiTTY is a fork of Putty that adds many new features and enhancements. KiTTY includes a tabbed interface, support for multiple sessions, and many other features. KiTTY is also more customizable than Putty, with options to change the font, color scheme, and other settings.

Pros:

• Free and open-source.
• Tabbed interface for easy management of multiple sessions.
• Includes many customization options.
• Supports advanced features such as port forwarding and X11 forwarding.

Cons:

• Interface can be overwhelming for some users.
• Lacks some of the advanced features of other SSH clients.

4. MobaXterm

MobaXterm is a powerful SSH client that’s designed for system administrators and power users. MobaXterm includes a tabbed interface, support for multiple sessions, and many other features. It also includes advanced tools for system administration, such as an X11 server, a remote desktop client, and a file transfer client.

Pros:

• Includes many advanced tools for system administration.
• Supports multiple protocols.
• Includes a tabbed interface for easy management of multiple sessions.
• Customizable interface.

Cons:

• Commercial software, not free.
• Interface can be overwhelming for some users.

5. SecureCRT

SecureCRT is a commercial SSH client that’s designed for security and productivity. SecureCRT includes advanced features such as tabbed sessions, scripting, and advanced authentication options. It also includes a file transfer client and support for many different protocols.

Pros:

• Includes advanced features such as scripting and tabbed sessions.
• Customizable interface.
• Includes a built-in file transfer client.
• Supports many different protocols.

Cons:

• Commercial software, not free.
• Interface can be overwhelming for some users.

6. Xshell

Xshell is a commercial SSH client that’s designed for power users and system administrators. Xshell includes many advanced features, such as tabbed sessions, support for multiple protocols, and a powerful scripting language. It also includes a file transfer client and support for remote desktop.

Pros:

• Includes many advanced features such as tabbed sessions and powerful scripting language.
• Supports multiple protocols.
• Customizable interface.
• Includes a built-in file transfer client.

Cons:

• Commercial software, not free.
• Interface can be overwhelming for some users.

7. PowerShell SSH Client

PowerShell is the command-line interface for Windows, and it also includes an SSH client. The PowerShell SSH client is a lightweight and secure SSH client that’s easy to use and supports many advanced features. It’s also included with Windows 10, so you don’t need to download or install anything.

Pros:

• Lightweight and secure.
• Includes many advanced features such as port forwarding and remote command execution.
• Included with Windows 10, no need to download or install.

Cons:

• Command-line interface may not be as user-friendly as graphical user interfaces.

8. ZOC Terminal

ZOC Terminal is a commercial SSH client that’s designed for power users and system administrators. ZOC Terminal includes many advanced features, such as tabbed sessions, support for multiple protocols, and a powerful scripting language. It also includes a file transfer client and support for remote desktop.

Pros:

• Includes many advanced features such as tabbed sessions and powerful scripting language.
• Supports multiple protocols.
• Customizable interface.
• Includes a built-in file transfer client.

Cons:

• Commercial software, not free.
• Interface can be overwhelming for some users.

9. Terminus

Terminus is a free and open-source SSH client that’s designed for ease of use and security. Terminus includes many advanced features, such as tabbed sessions, support for multiple protocols, and a powerful scripting language. It also includes a file transfer client and support for remote desktop.

Pros:

• Free and open-source.
• Easy to use.
• Supports advanced features such as tabbed sessions and remote command execution.
• Includes a built-in file transfer client.

Cons:

• Lacks some of the advanced features of other SSH clients.

10. SuperPuTTY

SuperPuTTY is a fork of Putty that adds many new features and enhancements. SuperPuTTY includes a tabbed interface, support for multiple sessions, and many other features. SuperPuTTY is also more customizable than Putty, with options to change the font, color scheme, and other settings.

Pros:

• Free and open-source.
• Tabbed interface for easy management of multiple sessions.
• Includes many customization options.
• Supports advanced features such as port forwarding and X11 forwarding.

Cons:

• Lacks some of the advanced features of other SSH clients.
• Interface can be overwhelming for some users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Putty is a great SSH client for Windows, but there are many other options available that offer more features, better security, and a better user experience. By trying out different SSH clients, you can find one that enhances your productivity and makes your remote access experience easier and more secure. Whether you’re a system administrator, power user, or casual user, there’s an SSH client that’s right for you.