SSH Client and Connection Managers are applications that are availed to securely connect to a remote host or a computer over the network. Secure Shell (SSH) is one of the essential remote connection protocols in the networking world today.

Here is our list of the best SSH client and connection managers:

Solar-PuTTY – EDITOR’S CHOICE A free SSH client that helps you to manage remote sessions professionally. You can open multiple sessions with the tabbed interface of this console and store connection details for managed devices. Runs on Windows Server. Download this free tool.
PuTTY A client program for SSH that allows you to run secure remote sessions over a network. Made initially for Windows, the tool also runs on Linux and Mac machines.
WinSCP A popular, secure file transfer software (SCP, SFTP, etc.), but it also has an SSH client that helps remote connections over the network.
Bitvise An SSH client tool that works only for Windows. It supports all versions up to the latest Windows 10. It is free and supports an unlimited number of user connections.
SecureCRT Designed for use with Windows, Linux, and Mac, SecureCRT is a commercial product that provides terminal emulation for computers.
AbsoluteTelnet SSH, dial-up, Telnet, and many more in a single session or tabbed multi-session interface.
DropBear An open-source application and is comparatively a smaller SSH server and client.
Termius A paid SSH client tool that works on Windows, Linux, and Mac. With Termius, you can organize host groups.
KiTTY Α fork edition of PuTTY, which is considered the best SSH and Telnet client in the world. It is designed for Windows and has all the features of the original PuTTY application.
mRemoteNG Α fork edition of mRemote, and it is an open-source, multi-protocol, tabbed remote connection manager for Windows operating system.
MobaXterm Α toolbox for a remote computing system. It is a Windows application with functions used by webmasters, programmers, IT administrators, and anybody who needs to manage remote jobs.
SmarTTY Α multi-tabbed free SSH client that allows you to copy directories and files with SCP besides SSH connections.
ZOC Terminal A terminal emulation software for both Windows and macOS. The application is professional in approach and has many features that make it reliable and secure.
Xshell One of the most potent SSH clients. The tool allows users to easily create, launch, and edit sessions with Session Manager and Inheritable Session Properties.
ShellNGN A web-based SSH client that offers an all-in-one server management. The application includes SFTP, RDP, VNC, and many more.

SSH Client uses the Secure Shell protocol to encrypt the connection. It is the key element to providing a secure and flexible SSH tunnel connection to any remote resource. In addition, SSH Client and Connections Manager lets you execute any command to fix issues or monitor by providing access through the command line of the remote resource.

This tool was created to replace Telnet. SSH is a cryptographic network protocol that has several different client options available.

Several SSH clients are available for free, but most of them do not fulfill the basic standards that everyday users look for in these types of tools.

This article will talk about some of the best SSH Client tools for Windows, Mac, and Linux. However, before we give you a head start, know what to look for in a secure SSH Client.

The Best SSH Client And Connection Managers

Our methodology for selecting network monitoring tools and software:

We reviewed the SSH client and connect manager market and analyzed the options based on the following criteria:

An encrypted password storage system
A secure remote terminal utility
Session resume and pause functions
A system for storing connection settings to allow point & click immediate contact
The capacity to have multiple sessions open
A free trial
A paid tool that has value for money or a free tool that is worth the time

With these selection criteria in mind, we have defined a list of the best SSH client and connection managers.

1. Solar-PuTTY – FREE TOOL

Developed by the popular vendor SolarWinds, Solar-PuTTY is a free SSH client. The application helps you to manage remote sessions professionally. You can control the tool from one console with a tabbed interface.

To make logins very easy, you can save private keys or credentials to any session. Additionally, you can automate all the scripts you are using when the connection is set, and Solar-PuTTY is integrated with Windows Search so that you can easily retrieve your saved sessions.

Key Features:

Free SSH client
Secure file transfer with SFTP and SCP
Stored connection settings
Secure password storage
Multiple open sessions

Solar-PuTTY supports SSH, SCP, SFTP, and Telnet. You can also do graphical SFTP file transfers with Solar-PuTTY. In addition, it includes over 1200 application performance monitoring templates, and it monitors hardware health and server performance.

Pros:

Completely free to use
Integrates with SCP and SFTP giving it more functionality than PuTTY
Offers secure credential storage for fast and frequent access
Can color-code multiple sessions to help organize simultaneous connections
Can automatically reconnect if the connection is interrupted

Cons:

Like PuTTY, this tool is designed for technical professionals and requires basic networking knowledge before use

SolarWinds Solar-PuTTY is available completely free.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

SolarWinds Solar-Putty is our top pick for an SSH client and connection manager because it is free to use and it is the product of a highly respected provider. Despite costing nothing, this tool gives you all of the features that you need to manage a fleet of devices. The system allows you to store connection settings, creating a menu of devices, which you can connect to at the touch of a button. The interface allows you to maintain several sessions open simultaneously, so this is ideal for tasks that require consent bouncing between devices. The console includes two secure file transfer options as well – SFTP and SCP.

Download: Download this tool for free

Official Site: https://www.solarwinds.com/free-tools/solar-putty

OS: Windows Server

2. PuTTY

PuTTY is a client program for SSH that allows you to run secure remote sessions over a network. Made initially for Windows, the tool also runs on Linux and Mac machines.

Key Features:

Well-established and reliable
SSH, Telnet, and Rlogin
SFTP and SCP for file transfer
Store connection data and credential

The tool gives you control over the SSH encryption key and uses its format of critical files. PuTTY allows the users to use remote machines. The best part is, it is free and open-sourced.

It is easy to use and can support several network protocols such as SSH, Telnet, Serial, SFTP, SCP, Rlogin, and Raw Socket connections. PuTTY is a light application. It allows you to save session logging, session configuration, proxy setting, and screen customization.

With this application, you can do remote, local, or dynamic port forwarding. PuTTY is the most popular SSH Client tool in the market, and you can use it even without installing it (portable version).

Pros:

Completely free to use
Transparent open source project
Supports multiple common network protocols like rlogin, SSH, Telnet, and raw socket connection
Easy to use syntax

Cons:

Does not support session tabs naively

Website Link: https://www.putty.org/

3. WinSCP

WinSCP is a popular, secure file transfer software (SCP, SFTP, etc.), but it also has an SSH client that helps remote connections over the network. The tool is easy to access and provides everything needed to connect remotely to a host or transfer a file smoothly.

Key Features:

Free tool
Widely used and reliable
Mainly for SFTP and SCP file transfers

The best part is that the tool is easy for beginners to use and has a very user-friendly graphical interface. In addition, WinSCP is free, and you can select the primary interface you want to use before installing the software.

WinSCP also gives you a primary file manager and file synchronization functionality. In addition, it has an in-built text editor, and the tool allows you to have all the regular SSH authentication types like public key, password, and others.

Optionally, WinSCP also stores session information, and it can retain the timestamp and the original dates on the uploaded files. Whatmore, the tool can also be used as a remote editor.

Pros:

Simple interface – easy to use and lightweight
Open-source transparent application
Supports a CLI as well as basic GUI

Cons:

Only available on Windows
Lacks some in-depth text editing features

Website Link: https://winscp.net/eng/download.php

4. Bitvise

Bitvise is the following SSH client tool that works only for Windows. It supports all versions up to the latest Windows 10. It is free and supports an unlimited number of user connections.

Key Features:

Free SSH client
Paid SSH server available
HIPAA, PCI DSS, and FIPS compliance

Bitvise has secure SFTP client capabilities and SSH features. It is compatible with all major SSH/SFTP servers and has an easy installation and setup process. With a user-friendly interface, Bitvise complies with HIPAA, FIPS, and PCI requirements.

The application gives you scripted connections, and it supports authenticity via an active directory. Bitvise allows secure remote entrance via GUI and Console. It has a locked file transfer mode as well as two-factor authentication.

Bitvise supports virtual accounts and helps you to limit spare capacity for user groups.

Pros:

Offers a GUI, a nice change from the CLI
Supports both virtual and native Windows users, allowing better ad-hoc access
Supports disabling shell access for improved security in Windows environments

Cons:

The GUI can take some time to find menu items and get used to overall

Website Link: https://www.bitvise.com/

5. SecureCRT

Designed for use with Windows, Linux, and Mac, SecureCRT is a commercial product that provides terminal emulation for computers.

Key Features:

Lightweight client
Can be integrated into scripts
Customizable session appearance

With SecureCRT, you can configure, organize, and manage all your sessions with total control over critical mappings, colors, fonts, scrollback, and more. You also get secure remote access, data tunneling, and file transfer.

The best part is that with SecureCRT, you can access all your network devices from a singular client with SSH. In addition, it uses a high productivity GUI with tabbed sessions, multi-session launches, tiled sessions, cloned sessions, tab groups, and more.

SecureCRT helps you to automate repetitive tasks and implement intelligent cards for secure two-factor authentication.

Pros:

Provides additional functionality while remaining lightweight
Supports terminal emulation for Windows
A good option for managing multiple open sessions
Available cross-platform on Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it a more flexible option than other tools

Cons:

The interface could use an update
Is a paid tool that requires a license

Website Link: https://www.vandyke.com/products/securecrt/

6. AbsoluteTelnet

AbsoluteTelnet provides SSH, dial-up, Telnet, and many more in a single session or tabbed multi-session interface. In addition, it supports single sign-on through advanced security authentication and has encryption in many protocols such as TwoFish, BlowFish, AES, etc.

Key Features:

Choice of encryption ciphers
Multiple open sessions
SFTP for file transfer

In AbsoluteTelnet, you get several options, including SFTP, port forwarding, file transfer, dynamic port forwarding, and IDNA. In addition, the application has a variable scrollback size and provides maximum security. It also supports connections on serial ports greater than COM9.

Pros:

Supports Telnet, SSH, SFTP, and a variety of other protocols
Supports tabbed sessions
Is best for those who specifically use Telnet over other protocols often
Uses color well to keep organized
Offers free and paid version

Cons:

Not the best option for those using multiple connection protocols often

Website Link: http://www.celestialsoftware.net/

7. DropBear

DropBear has a smaller memory footprint that is appropriate for environments that lack substantial memory. In addition, DropBear is an open-source application and is comparatively a smaller SSH server and client.

Key Features:

Efficient code
Offers SSH server and well as client
Free tool

It can run from standalone or inetd, and the server, keygen, client, and key converter can be compiled into a single binary. In addition, DropBear offers X11 forwarding and authentication agent forwarding for OpenSSH clients.

The features in DropBear can be disabled when you are looking to save space. Also, it can tunnel through several SSH hosts in a single command. The application is available for many ‘nix’ platforms, including Mac OSX, Linux, etc.

Pros:

Offers an extremely lightweight deployment option that can run on embedded systems
Can operate on POSIX-based platforms
Open-source project

Cons:

Customization requires technical expertise
Modifications require the executable to be recompiled.

Website Link: https://matt.ucc.asn.au/dropbear/dropbear.html

8. Termius

Termius is another paid SSH client tool that works on Windows, Linux, and Mac. With Termius, you can organize host groups. The group is allowed to share settings; however, each host can have its preferred settings.

Key Features:

Attractive interface
Offers a client for mobile devices
SFTP for file transfer

The tool uses end-to-end encryption; hence, you can sync all data securely across devices. Termius gathers commands from all the servers and provides suggestions as you type. In addition, it can add shell commands that are frequently used as snippets.

The snippets can be executed on several hosts. Termius also provides an excellent terminal experience for Android and IOS, and you can use the integrated SFTP client to upload and download files. In addition, the application is reachable from the terminal on all the devices that are connected.

Pros:

Excellent user interface
Offers support for both desktop and mobile
Uses autocomplete to save time
Can use snippets to save commonly used commands

Cons:

The paid version requires a monthly subscription

Website Link: https://termius.com/

9. KiTTY

KiTTY is a fork edition of PuTTY, which is considered the best SSH and Telnet client in the world. It is designed for Windows and has all the features of the original PuTTY application.

Key Features:

An improvement on PuTTy
SSH, Telnet, and Rlogin
Free tool

The tool uses remote machines and allows you to run remote sessions over a network. It is a free tool and open source and gives you control over the SSH encryption key. It also uses the format of key files. You can perform local, dynamic, or remote port forwarding and tunneling.

Pros:

Is an improved altered variant of PuTTY, making it familiar to navigate
Supports scripting to automate repetitive tasks
Offers built-in chat and text editing capabilities for extended functionality

Cons:

Only available for Windows
Interface is just as primitive as PuTTY

Website Link: https://www.fosshub.com/KiTTY.html

10. mRemoteNG

mRemoteNG is a fork edition of mRemote, and it is an open-source, multi-protocol, tabbed remote connection manager for Windows operating system. With bug fixes and new features, the application is an improvement over mRemote. You can export and import connections that are stored in an XML file.

Key Features:

Multiple open sessions
Can be extended by integrating other tools
Free to use

You can easily share mRemoteNG with other devices. The tool supports several remote connection protocols, including VNC, RDP, ICA, SSH, Telnet, Rlogin, RAW, and HTTPS.

The application has a clean interface with connections that you can place in folders. Switching between connections is easy since each connection opens a new tab. What more, you can encrypt the files entirely and add external tools, such as tracert, ping, or WinSCP.

Pros:

Open source tool with an active community
A lightweight GUI option for managing remote connections
Supports a variety of protocols such as RDP, VNC, and Telnet
Can securely store credentials for future use

Cons:

Interface can feel crowded when adding a large number of connection destinations

Website Link: https://mremoteng.org/

11. MobaXterm

MobaXterm is a toolbox for a remote computing system. It is a Windows application with functions used by webmasters, programmers, IT administrators, and anybody who needs to manage remote jobs.

Key Features:

Free and paid versions
Built for Windows
SFTP for file transfer

An all-in-one network application, MobaXterm. In addition, you can be connected using SSH, and it has a graphical SFTP browser that helps you edit the remote files. You can follow the remote applications on the desktop using the X server. It is free to download and use. MobaXterm also offers a professional version, which is a paid service.

The user interface is intuitive, and it is an efficient tool for IT professionals.

Pros:

Great for accessing Linux/Unix systems from a Windows operating system
Simple interface that is easy to learn
Supports multiple remote protocols, including SFTP/FTP
Supports X-11 forwarding, ideal for heavy remote users

Cons:

Must pay for Pro version for additional features and functionality

Website Link: https://mobaxterm.mobatek.net/

12. SmarTTY

SmarTTY is a multi-tabbed free SSH client that allows you to copy directories and files with SCP besides SSH connections. The application has an intelligent terminal with auto-completion, package management GUI, file panel, and many more. You can also copy and edit with one application.

Key Features:

Free tool
Multiple sessions per connection
Activity logs

SmarTTY supports up to 10 sub-sessions per connection, and you open the new tab for each one. It is easy to navigate the files and view or edit them in smart terminal mode. You can edit the files in place and transfer entire directories or individual files.

The application has a built-in hex terminal for COM ports, and you can save communication logs to files.

Pros:

Allows for extended functionality by emulating the SSH terminal
Offers multiple sessions support and quick tabs to go back and forth
Supports SCP file transfers

Cons:

Runs on Windows only
Has a higher learning curve than some of the other tools

Website Link: https://sysprogs.com/SmarTTY/

13. ZOC Terminal

ZOC Terminal is terminal emulation software for both Windows and macOS. The application is professional in approach and has many features that make it reliable and secure. It also has a modern interface that is easy to use.

Key Features:

Manages multiple open sessions
Scripting for task automation
Session logging

Inside ZOC Terminal, you get tabbed sessions with thumbnails. You will also get an address book with folders and color-coded hosts. You can customize it to suit your preferences and needs.

Additionally, the application offers extensive logging, scrollback, and complete keyboard remapping. ZOC Terminal has user-defined buttons, a macro recorder, automatic actions, and scripting with 200 commands. The tool offers a lot to the users and is easy to use.

Pros:

Operates on both Windows and Mac, giving admins more options to how they work
Features a full-fledged terminal and text editor
Supports multiple file transfer protocols, making it more flexible than PuTTY

Cons:

Is less user-friendly than competing tools
Businesses must pay for licensing, similar tools are completely free

Website Link: https://www.emtec.com/zoc/

14. Xshell

Xshell is one of the most potent SSH clients. The tool allows users to easily create, launch, and edit sessions with Session Manager and Inheritable Session Properties. In addition, the tool has several different authentication methods, algorithms, and protocols to handle any situation.

Key Features:

Integrated PowerShell editor
Stores connection parameters
Command line and desktop views

You also have access to tools such as WSL, Powershell, CMD, and more directly within Xshell. In addition, the application supports custom aliases for commands that are used frequently. The interface of Xshell is intuitive and tabbed, and you can create quick command buttons.

The best part of Xshell is you can draft and edit multiple lines of string before sending it. It also has the instant tunneling feature to create tunnels while you have a session running. There are multiple plans that Xshell offers for a fee.

Pros:

Free for personal use, with a paid business option
Very detailed, supports multiple views, session management, and text editor
Supports encrypted saved credentials for frequent logins

Cons:

Runs only on Windows environments
Can be complicated for users who are new to SSH/PuTTY

Website Link: https://www.netsarang.com/en/xshell/

15. ShellNGN

ShellNGN is a web-based SSH client that offers an all-in-one server management. The application includes SFTP, RDP, VNC, and many more. The tool provides an installed version and a cloud version with a tabbed session to manage the application within a single window.

Key Features:

Remote desktop or command line
Task automation
SFTP for file transfer

The excellent part about ShellNGN is that you can connect with a single click. You do not have to remember login details, IP addresses, and credentials. You can also use customized snippets to automate commands. In addition, ShellNGN allows users to browse files, upload and download files, and edit them easily.

The application supports mobile, and you can use RDP to have a remote desktop from your browser.

Pros:

Offers all-in-one server management via console
Supports a variety of automated commands
Supports tabbed sessions
Users can edit files, as well as download and upload through the console

Cons:

Only available as a SaaS product

Website Link: https://shellngn.com/

Conclusion

Are you looking for a good SSH Client and Connection Manager?

Your search ends here.

All the tools shown in our list can provide you with secured SSH features. What’s more, the majority of them are free to use. One of the most preferred features available in the new SSH clients is using multiple tabs to work with simultaneous SSH connections.

Administrators also like that the SSH connections can save credentials and use quick access to remote connections.

Browse through the 15 Best SSH Client And Connection Manager list and go for the application that best suits your purpose.

SSH Client & Connection Managers FAQs

What is an SSH connection manager?

An SSH connection manager is a program that helps users manage multiple SSH connections. It allows users to save connection details, organize connections into groups, and quickly connect to multiple servers with a single click.

How can I use an SSH connection manager to connect to multiple servers?

To use an SSH connection manager to connect to multiple servers, you will need to set up connection details for each server, including the IP address or hostname, username, and password or SSH key. Once you have set up these details, you can use the connection manager to connect to any of the servers you have configured quickly, and also you can organize them in groups.

Are there any security considerations when using SSH?

Yes, there are a few security considerations when using SSH. It is important to use strong authentication methods, such as SSH keys, to protect against brute-force attacks. It is also important to keep your SSH client and connection manager software up to date to ensure that they include the latest security fixes. You should also be careful when sharing your private key and avoid using default key pairs.