Are you looking for the best SSH client for Windows? We created a list of the 5 best free SSH clients you can use.
A Secure Shell (SSH) is a cryptographic protocol and interface. The client allows remote computers to establish a secure connection. Used for remote login to execute commands on switches, servers, and routers.
Most SSH programs are free and efficient. You can also find commercial applications that come with state-of-the-art features. Here in this post, we present you with the top 5 best SSH clients to use on your Windows machine.
Table of Contents
Best free SSH clients for Windows
1. Putty
Putty is the most popular SSH client for Windows. This SSH client supports SSH1, SSH2, Rlogin, telnet, and SFTP.
It is easy to use and lightweight. System administrators use Putty to make SSH connections to remote systems. Configure and execute remote commands on network switches and routers.
Save your session logs for later use, store configs and customize the screen.
It is also simple to use because of its easy UI and is compatible with 32 and 64 bits machines. One downside is that it does not keep a record of your credentials.
If you are looking to start with an SSH client then you should definitely look at Putty. If you are more experienced you can look at more advanced SSH clients.
2. Solar Putty
This SSH client provides an interface that can manage multiple sessions at the same time. Solar Putty is often described as one step ahead of the original Putty client.
Unlike Putty, this SSH client records your credentials. It also allows faster access to recently logged in sessions. In the application is Windows search integrated. The client supports SCP, telnet, SFTP, and TFP protocols.
The main feature in Solar Putty is the ability to navigate between sessions. Use tabs to manage the different sessions. Save your credentials and start a secure shell session in no time.
Many users use this client for managing Cisco switches. To help you sort out or grouping similar sessions you can customize the colors.
3. SecureCRT
This SSH client is compatible with SSH2, SHH1, Rlogin, serial, and TAPI protocol. You can try SecureCRT for free for 30 days. Developed in New Mexico by VanDyke Software, it has a Windows kind of user interface.
Main features of SecureCRT are encryption enhancements and support for multiple sessions. It also provides line rewrapping and color customization. Drag and drop sessions and paste confirmations. A list of recent sessions makes it easy to manage sessions using SecureCRT.
If you don’t want to manage sessions you can use the quick connect feature. It allows you to make connections with any configuration.
A lot of system administrators prefer SecureCRT above other SSH clients.
4. mRemoteNG
This piece of software is a tabbed multi-protocolled SSH client that handles credentials very well. The client is compatible with protocols such as VNC, ICA, RDP, SSH, telnet, Rlogin, HTTP/HTTPS, and raw sockets.
mRemoteNG has tabs to connect to multiple sessions at the same time. You can even create folders to organize sessions and records of credentials.
This SSH client is a simple connection client that does a very good job. It establishes connections without fancy features.
5. MobaXterm
MobaXterm is a very powerful client. It is a terminal program, X11 server, and SSH client with a graphical SFTP client. The program is simple and easy to use, plus the program is easy to start.
This program supports SSH, Rlogin, telnet, VNC, RDP, SFTP, XDMCP, and FTP. MobaXterm contains similar features as most other clients. But it comes with a whole load of extra features. Like support for plugins and an X11 server. It also offers macro support, an SSH gateway, and support for multiple executions.
Another awesome feature of MobaXterm is the color schemes. They characterize the syntax in the terminal window and it is also customizable. Although it has a simple UI, it might not be the best choice for those who need a basic SSH client. But it’s the best choice for those who are looking for something advanced.
How SSH works
Concluding remarks
The SSH clients listed above all have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. But you can use them all for basic SSH operations. You can choose any of them based on what you need. Some persons actually use more than one client.
You have to try them out to figure out which one catches your fancy.
