SSH Clients

There are several SSH clients available, catering to different platforms and needs. Each client provides unique features but primarily offers either secure remote connections or secure file transfers, with some supporting both functionalities.

Terminal-Based SSH Clients

PuTTY

PuTTY is a free SSH client for Windows, but it is also available for Linux. It provides a graphical user interface (GUI) and supports various protocols like SSH, Telnet, and serial connections. PuTTY is often used by Windows users who prefer a GUI over the command-line interface.

Dropbear

Dropbear is a lightweight SSH client and server designed for embedded systems and resource-constrained environments. Its small footprint makes it suitable for use in routers, IoT devices, and other systems with limited resources. Dropbear provides basic SSH functionality without the overhead of larger clients like OpenSSH.

Secure Shell App

The Secure Shell App is a Chrome-based SSH client that runs within the browser. It is often used by those who work with Chromebooks, providing SSH access without installing additional software.

KiTTY

KiTTY is a fork of PuTTY that adds features such as session management, a built-in text editor, and automatic password saving. KiTTY is used by Windows users who want additional functionality compared to PuTTY.

JuiceSSH

JuiceSSH is an SSH client for Android devices. It supports key-based authentication, port forwarding, and session management, making it suitable for accessing remote servers from mobile devices.

Tera Term

Tera Term is an open-source terminal emulator that supports SSH, Telnet, and serial connections. It includes scripting capabilities and is often used in environments that require automation of SSH connections and tasks.

SFTP Clients

WinSCP

WinSCP is primarily an SFTP client for Windows but also includes support for SSH connections. It focuses on file transfers while providing basic SSH terminal functionality, allowing users to manage files on remote servers.

FileZilla

FileZilla is a cross-platform FTP, FTPS, and SFTP client that is widely used for managing file transfers. While primarily focused on file transfers, FileZilla supports SFTP connections, allowing users to securely transfer files to and from remote servers.

Cyberduck

Cyberduck is an SFTP and FTP client for Windows and macOS. It supports file transfers over encrypted SFTP connections and integrates with cloud storage services like Amazon S3 and Google Cloud Storage, making it suitable for users managing files both locally and in the cloud.

SSH Clients Offering Both Terminal and File Transfer

OpenSSH

OpenSSH provides both terminal-based SSH functionality and file transfer capabilities through its scp and sftp commands. This dual functionality makes OpenSSH a flexible tool for managing remote systems. Users can establish secure connections using the ssh command and transfer files securely using scp. OpenSSH is the default SSH client on most Unix-like systems, such as Linux and macOS.

Since OpenSSH includes both command-line tools for system management and file transfers, it belongs in this section. The ssh command is used for remote connections, while scp and sftp handle file transfers, making it an all-in-one solution for administrators needing both functionalities.

MobaXterm

MobaXterm is a Windows client that combines SSH functionality with other remote access protocols like RDP, VNC, and SFTP. It offers a multi-tabbed interface and includes tools like X11 forwarding, making it useful for system administrators and developers who need a combination of remote access protocols.

Termius

Termius is an SSH client available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It features both terminal and file transfer functionalities, secure synchronization of SSH credentials, and session management across devices. Termius is often used by administrators who require SSH access on both desktop and mobile platforms.