If you’re looking for the best free SSH software, you have several options to choose from. SSH, or Secure Shell, is a popular protocol for securely connecting to and managing remote servers and devices. It uses encryption to protect the data transmitted between the client and the server, making it more secure than other protocols, such as Telnet.
There are many different SSH clients available, both free and paid. In this article, we will review some of the best free SSH software, and provide a brief overview of each one.
OpenSSH (Linux, Mac OS)
OpenSSH is a popular open-source SSH client and server that is included in many Linux and UNIX-based operating systems. It provides a command-line interface for connecting to and managing remote servers and devices. OpenSSH is widely used and highly regarded for its security and reliability.
One of the advantages of OpenSSH is that it is included in many Linux distributions, so it is often already installed, or can be easily installed using the package manager. This means that you don’t have to download and install any additional software to use OpenSSH.
Another advantage of OpenSSH is that it is highly customizable and extensible. It provides a rich set of configuration options and supports a wide range of authentication methods, including public key authentication and Kerberos. This allows you to tailor OpenSSH to your specific needs and requirements.
PuTTY (Windows)
PuTTY is a free and open-source SSH client for Windows. It provides a graphical user interface for connecting to and managing remote servers and devices. PuTTY is widely used and is known for its simplicity and ease of use.
One of the advantages of PuTTY is that it is available as a standalone executable, so you don’t have to install any additional software to use it. This makes it easy to use on Windows systems, where you may not have administrator privileges or access to a package manager.
Another advantage of PuTTY is that it supports a wide range of protocols, not just SSH. In addition to SSH, PuTTY can also be used to connect to Telnet, rlogin, and serial ports. This makes it a versatile tool for managing remote connections.
MobaXterm (Windows)
MobaXterm is a free and powerful SSH client for Windows. It provides a graphical user interface, with a tabbed interface for managing multiple connections. MobaXterm is known for its wide range of features and tools, which make it a versatile and comprehensive solution for managing remote servers and devices. It includes an integrated terminal and support for X11 forwarding, as well as other tools such as a file transfer client and remote desktop client. Overall, MobaXterm is an excellent choice for a free and powerful SSH client for Windows.
Termius (Windows, Linux, Mac OS)
Termius is a free and powerful SSH client for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. It provides a user-friendly graphical interface for managing remote servers and devices, and is known for its simplicity and ease of use.
One of the key features of Termius is its support for multiple platforms. It is available on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, and provides a consistent user experience across all platforms. This makes it a convenient and portable solution for managing your remote connections.
Another feature of Termius is its support for multiple protocols. In addition to SSH, it also supports Telnet, SFTP, and other protocols, which makes it a versatile tool for managing your remote connections.
Termius also provides a range of other useful features and tools. It includes an integrated terminal, a file transfer client, and support for X11 forwarding. It also provides a range of customization options, including the ability to define and save custom connections, and to use custom themes and color schemes.
Overall, Termius is a powerful and user-friendly SSH client for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. Its wide range of features and tools make it a versatile and comprehensive solution for managing your remote connections. If you’re looking for a free and powerful SSH client, Termius is definitely worth considering.
