10 Best PuTTY Alternatives for SSH Remote Connection

If you're a system administrator, developer, or network engineer, chances are you've used PuTTY at some point. PuTTY is a popular SSH client for Windows that's been around for over two decades. However, there are several PuTTY alternatives that offer more features and better user experience. In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best PuTTY alternatives for SSH remote connections.

What is PuTTY?

PuTTY is a free and open-source terminal emulator and SSH client for Windows. It supports a variety of network protocols, including SSH, Telnet, rlogin, and SCP, and can also act as a serial console client. PuTTY is lightweight, fast, and easy to use, making it a favorite among system administrators and developers.

However, there are some limitations to PuTTY. For example, it doesn't support tabs or split panes, which can make it challenging to work with multiple sessions. It also doesn't have a built-in file transfer feature, and its interface can be a bit dated.

Here are some of the best PuTTY alternatives for SSH remote connections −

MobaXterm

MobaXterm is a comprehensive terminal emulator and SSH client for Windows that offers a variety of advanced features. It supports multiple tabs and split panes, making it easy to work with multiple sessions simultaneously. It also has built-in file transfer capabilities, which can save you time and hassle.

MobaXterm also offers a range of advanced features, such as X11 forwarding, session management, and a built-in SFTP client. It also has a built-in X server, which allows you to run graphical applications remotely.

Bitvise SSH Client

Bitvise SSH Client is a powerful SSH client for Windows that's designed for security and ease of use. It supports SSH, SFTP, and SCP protocols and provides advanced features such as terminal emulation, tunneling, and file transfer.

Bitvise SSH Client also has a built-in SOCKS and HTTP proxy server, which can be used to bypass firewalls and access blocked websites. It also has a portable version that can be run from a USB drive, making it easy to take your sessions with you.

SecureCRT

SecureCRT is a popular SSH client for Windows that's designed for advanced users. It offers a range of advanced features, such as tabbed sessions, split panes, and a built-in file transfer feature. It also supports a wide range of protocols, including SSH, Telnet, and Rlogin.

SecureCRT also has a powerful scripting language that allows you to automate tasks and customize your workflow. It also has support for advanced authentication methods such as smart cards and Kerberos.

KiTTY

KiTTY is a fork of PuTTY that adds several new features and improvements. It supports tabs and split panes, making it easy to work with multiple sessions simultaneously. It also has a built-in SCP client, which allows you to transfer files securely between remote and local machines.

KiTTY also has a range of advanced features, such as session filtering, automatic password saving, and support for advanced authentication methods such as public key authentication.

Termius

Termius is a modern and user-friendly SSH client that's available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It supports SSH, Telnet, and Mosh protocols and offers a range of advanced features such as tabbed sessions, split panes, and built-in file transfer.

Termius also has a powerful sync feature that allows you to synchronize your sessions, credentials, and settings across all your devices. It also has a built-in SSH key manager, which makes it easy to manage your SSH keys.

ZOC Terminal

ZOC Terminal is a professional terminal emulation software that's available for Windows and macOS. It supports a wide range of protocols, including SSH, Telnet, Rlogin, and serial connections, and offers a range of advanced features, such as tabbed sessions, split panes, and built-in file transfer.

ZOC Terminal also has a powerful scripting language that allows you to automate tasks and customize your workflow. It also supports advanced authentication methods such as smart cards and Kerberos.

Xshell

Xshell is a powerful terminal emulator and SSH client that's available for Windows. It supports SSH, Telnet, Rlogin, and serial connections and offers a range of advanced features, such as tabbed sessions, split panes, and built-in file transfer.

Xshell also has a powerful scripting language that allows you to automate tasks and customize your workflow. It also has support for advanced authentication methods such as smart cards and Kerberos.

PuttyTray

PuttyTray is a fork of PuTTY that adds several new features and improvements. It supports tabs and split panes, making it easy to work with multiple sessions simultaneously. It also has a built-in SCP client, which allows you to transfer files securely between remote and local machines.

PuttyTray also has a range of advanced features, such as session filtering, automatic password saving, and support for advanced authentication methods such as public key authentication.

SuperPuTTY

SuperPuTTY is a PuTTY-based terminal emulator and SSH client that adds several new features and improvements. It supports tabs and split panes, making it easy to work with multiple sessions simultaneously. It also has a built-in SCP client, which allows you to transfer files securely between remote and local machines.

SuperPuTTY also has a range of advanced features, such as session filtering, automatic password saving, and support for advanced authentication methods such as public key authentication.

Remote Desktop Manager

Remote Desktop Manager is a powerful remote connection management software that's available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports a wide range of protocols, including SSH, RDP, VNC, and Telnet, and offers a range of advanced features, such as tabbed sessions, split panes, and built-in file transfer.

Remote Desktop Manager also has a powerful credential management system that allows you to securely store and manage your usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information. It also has support for advanced authentication methods such as smart cards and Kerberos.

WinSCP

WinSCP is a free and open-source SCP, FTP, and SFTP client for Windows that's designed for secure file transfers. It has a simple and intuitive interface and supports a range of advanced features, such as tabbed sessions, built-in file editor, and directory synchronization.

WinSCP also has a powerful scripting language that allows you to automate tasks and customize your workflow. It also supports advanced authentication methods such as public key authentication and Kerberos.

Solar-PuTTY

Solar-PuTTY is a PuTTY-based terminal emulator and SSH client that's designed for solar-powered devices. It supports tabs and split panes, making it easy to work with multiple sessions simultaneously. It also has a built-in SCP client, which allows you to transfer files securely between remote and local machines.

Solar-PuTTY also has a range of advanced features, such as session filtering, automatic password saving, and support for advanced authentication methods such as public key authentication.

Conclusion

PuTTY is a great SSH client for Windows, but it's not the only option available. If you're looking for a more feature-rich and user-friendly SSH client, there are several PuTTY alternatives that you can try.

When choosing a PuTTY alternative, it's important to consider your specific needs and requirements. For example, if you're a system administrator or developer, you may need a client that supports advanced authentication methods and scripting capabilities. If you're looking for a more user-friendly option, you may prefer a client with a modern and intuitive interface.

Overall, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting with SSH, there's a PuTTY alternative out there that's perfect for you. By trying out different clients and finding the one that works best for your needs, you can improve your productivity and streamline your workflow.