Free SSH Client for Windows: Choose Best Tools for Your Need

SSH Client is a tool for securely connecting to remote servers or devices via the SSH protocol. It manages servers, transfers files, and remotely executes command-line commands.

PuTTY, Solar-PuTTY, and MobaXterm are some of the most popular and widely used free SSH client for Windows, each offering power and functionality. Choosing the right one among these tools can multiply your productivity and elevate your server management experience to a professional level.

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Why Do You Need SSH Client on Windows?

Windows SSH Client is essential for securely connecting to and interacting with a remote device. This remote connection can help you in the following areas:

• Cross-Platform Connectivity
• Managing Multiple Sessions
• Remote Server Management
• Transferring Files Between Local and Remote Machines
• Port Forwarding and Tunneling
• Running and Testing Applications on the Remote Server
• Real-Time System Monitoring
• Automating Tasks with Scripts

10 Best Free SSH Client for Windows

The tools we introduce below are among the best SSH Clients for Windows that provide you with all the necessary services you need to connect to remote devices for free:

1. Putty

Putty is one of the most popular free SSH Clients for Windows. It offers a reliable way to connect to remote devices. The simple user interface and support for various protocols help users quickly and securely connect to remote systems and perform tasks such as file transfers, server management, and command-line commands.

Pros

• Lightweight and fast
• Simple and user-friendly interface
• Supports various protocols such as SSH2, SSH1, telnet, SCP, SFTP, and Rlogn
• Save sessions for quick access to SSH
• Supports file transfer feature
• Portable
• Customize configurations to suit specific needs

Cons

• No support for graphical features
• Low security of the main application
• Need to add authentication and encryption for increased security

2. Solar-Putty

Solar-Putty is one of the best Putty alternatives. It has compensated for Putty's shortcomings, such as its multi-tab interface, which supports multiple sessions. Benefiting from most of the valuable features for remote connections and being free makes Solar-Putty an ideal choice.

Pros

• High security
• Support for various protocols such as SSH, telnet, SCP, SFTP, FTP
• Manage multiple sessions with a tabbed interface
• Save credentials
• Quick access to recent sessions
• Integration of Windows search
• Organize and group similar sessions with Color-Code
• Automate scripts used when establishing a connection
• Integrated file transfer with SFTP and SCP

Cons

• Requires more manual configuration
• The steep learning curve for beginners
• Low flexibility in session management
• No support for graphic file transfer (X11 forwarding)

3. MobaXterm

MobaXterm is an advanced terminal that has become a comprehensive and powerful free Windows SSH client due to its support for features such as Tabbed interface, plugin, and macro support.

Pros

• Portable and lightweight
• High security and performance
• Supports various protocols such as SSH, telnet, Rlogin, RDP, VNC, XDMCP, FTP and SFTP
• Supports X11 and X Server to run Linux graphical applications from MobaXterm
• Supports plugins
• Supports macros
• Supports tabbed interface for multi-sessions
• Split terminals into horizontal or vertical panes
• Supports port forwarding
• Supports text editor
• Supports multi-execution

Cons

• Congested and complicated interface for beginners
• High consumption of system resources
• Poor support for some protocols such as Telnet or Rlogin

4. Termius

Termius is an advanced SSH client that offers all the features you need to connect securely and safely to remote devices, such as Multi-tabs, AI-powered Autocomplete, and Hardware security keys, in a cross-platform manner. The free version of this tool alone can be the best free SSH client for Windows, but you need the paid version to access advanced features like Tunneling and sync across devices.

Pros

• Supports various protocols like SSH, SFTP, Telnet, and Mosh
• High security
• Simple and clean user interface
• Available on Every Platform
• Supports Tabbed interface for multi-sessions
• Autocomplete commands, arguments, and file paths
• Terminal Sharing
• Supports Port Forwarding
• Split View
• Transfer files with drag-n-drop
• Sync data across all your devices with encrypted cloud vaults
• Manage Keys & Passwords
• Secure SSH authentication with FIDO2 security keys and MFA

Cons

• Limited free version
• No support for protocols like RDP and VNC
• Using more resources on older devices
• Limited graphics capabilities

5. SecureCRT

SecureCRT is another cross-platform SSH client that has become popular for system administrators with a long list of features and support. As a terminal emulator, it offers a variety of ways to manage sessions more efficiently and save time, significantly improving productivity.

Pros

• Cross-platform
• High security
• Support for various protocols such as SSH (SSH2, SSH1), Telnet, Telnet/TLS, Serial, RDP
• Tabbed interface for organizing multiple sessions simultaneously
• Grouping tabs vertically and horizontally
• Drag and drop multiple sessions
• Command Manager for organizing commands
• Credential management for storing passwords and faster access to sessions
• Full control and customization of session settings
• Automate repetitive tasks by running scripts
• Support for two-factor authentication
• Support for X.509 smart cards (PIV/CAC) for public-key authentication
• Transfer files between devices with SFTP, Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem or Kermit protocols

Cons

• High cost of Professional version
• Outdated user interface
• High resource consumption

6. Kitty 

Kitty is an extended version of PuTTY that includes advanced features that PuTTY lacks. Saving session settings to files, Session Launcher, and scripting to automatically execute commands during connections are some of Kitty's most important features.

• Pros

• Lightweight and fast
• High security
• Supports various protocols including SSH, Telnet, SCP, Serial, and Rlogin
• Built-in chat feature for communication during SSH sessions
• Built-in editor
• Supports scripting for automation of repetitive tasks
• Ability to run in the background
• Supports automatic login

Cons

• Runs Only on Windows
• Outdated user interface
• No support for multi-sessions

7. Bitvise

Bitvise is a professional SSH Client that supports all the features of PuTTY and other features, such as graphical file transfer and Remote Desktop tunneling, which greatly improves the quality and efficiency of remote connections.

Pros

• Supports various protocols such as SSH, SFTP, FTPS, and X11 Forwarding
• Supports Tabbed and Multi-Session
• High speed and fast responsiveness
• Graphical SFTP file transfer
• Advanced management for transfer lists
• Auto-reconnect functionality for enhanced connection stability
• One-click setup for Remote Desktop tunneling
• Dynamic port forwarding through a built-in proxy
• FTP-to-SFTP protocol bridging for improved compatibility
• Port Forwarding
• Easy tunneling of RDP connections

Cons

• Complicated user interface for beginners
• Requires manual configuration
• No support for other protocols, such as SCP or WebDAV

8. WinSCP

WinSCP is free and open-source software that allows you to connect to servers via secure protocols such as SSH. Of course, it is better to know that this tool's main focus is file transfer, and if you are looking for a tool to execute commands or directly manage the server, you should look for other options.

Pros

• Simple and user-friendly interface
• High security
• Supports various protocols such as FTP SSH, SCP, and SFTP
• SSH-protected Remote Commands
• Provides support for WebDAV for remote file management and synchronization
• WinSCP file transfer utility
• Easy to Navigate User Interface

Cons

• No terminal emulator
• Runs Only on Windows
• High resource consumption
• Slow graphical interface for performing certain tasks

9. mRemoteNG

mRemoteNG is the best free SSH client for Windows, and it can potentially become the ideal client for you due to its full support for all protocols and the use of a Tabbed interface for establishing multiple connections. 

Pros

• Supports ICA, SSH, telnet, HTTP/HTTPS, Rlogin, and raw sockets protocols 
• Tabbed interface 
• Create folders to organize sessions and store credentials 
• Organize connections in groups for quick access 
• Import and export connections 
• Support for various authentication methods 
• Ability to use extensions and plugins to add new features 
• Portable Mode Support 

Cons

• Lack of strong official support 
• Stability issues and bugs 
• Lack of advanced features 
• Requires technical knowledge for advanced use 
• Dependency on Microsoft .NET Framework
• Runs Only on Windows

10. SmartTTY

SmarTTY is a free SSH client with multi-tab support, allowing users to manage multiple connections simultaneously. It features seamless file and directory transfer using SCP, enabling quick and efficient operations. Additionally, SmarTTY allows editing files directly on the remote server without manual downloads, making it a versatile tool for system administrators and developers.

Pros

• User-friendly and attractive interface
• Tabbed interface for managing multiple sessions
• SCP Secure File Copy and Transfer
• Built-in editor
• Hexadecimal terminal for monitoring traffic on ports
• Secure file transfer with SCP protocol
• Generate and manage SSH keys

Cons

• Supports only one type of File Transfer Protocol (SCP)
• Runs Only on Windows
• The steep learning curve for beginners

Table Comparison of the Top SSH Clients for Windows

How to Choose the Best  Windows SSH Client for Your Needs?

Cost and budget are among the most important criteria for choosing the best SSH client. Since all the tools introduced are free, you should consider key Windows SSH Client features when choosing the best client:

• Use of security techniques to encrypt connections and protect data
• Multi-Session and Tabbed Interface
• Support for various protocols
• Support for fast and secure file transfer
• Port Forwarding (Tunneling)
• Access remote command-line interfaces for real-time server management
• Support for running scripts and automating repetitive tasks
• Support for strong authentication methods such as key-based authentication and Two Step
• Session Persistence and Reconnection
• Customize settings and add plugins
• Edit files directly on the remote server without having to download and re-upload them
• Ability to connect via proxy
• Save and manage connections

With these features, you can choose the right option for your needs and conditions and significantly improve the quality of your remote communications.

Conclusion

Choosing the best SSH client for Windows depends on your needs and the features you need. Tools like PuTTY and Solar-PuTTY are suitable for simple, quick use, while MobaXterm and Termius offer more advanced features like a graphical user interface and multiple session management. Security, customization, and file transfers are key criteria for choosing. For greater productivity, look for support for multiple protocols and automation tools. The right tool can take your server management and remote communications experience to the next level.