AppBreakup
Submit an app

Bitvise SSH Client alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rankAll SSH clients

Top picks

  • Xshell logo

    Best overall

    Xshell

    Starting price: $119 perpetual, single user

  • MobaXterm logo

    Best free option

    MobaXterm

    Starting price: $69 per user one-time (Professional)

  • WinSCP logo

    Best open source

    WinSCP

    Open source

Common reasons people leave Bitvise SSH Client: windows only; no macOS, Linux or mobile versions, and tabbed multi-session management is weaker than Xshell or MobaXterm. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Bitvise SSH Client, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Xshell currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Xshell logoXshellFree plan + paid$119 perpetual, single userNoWindows5 of 561.8
2MobaXterm logoMobaXtermFree plan + paid$69 per user one-time (Professional)NoWindows5 of 554.4
3SecureCRT logoSecureCRTPaid$119 one-time, single user, 1 year of updatesNoWindows, macOS, Linux +17 of 751.2
4Termius logoTermiusFree plan + paid$10 a month, billed annually (Pro)NomacOS, Windows, Linux +27 of 750.0
5WinSCP logoWinSCPOpen source—YesWindows3 of 349.0
6PuTTY logoPuTTYOpen source—YesWindows, Linux0 of 046.2
  1. Xshell logo

    1. XshellTop pick

    Best for: Windows users juggling many SSH sessions who want tabs, saved commands and scripting

    Free plan + paidWindows

    61.8

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bitvise SSH Client

    Stronger tabbed session management and scripting, free for home and school use.

    Pros

    • Free licence for personal, home and school use
    • Session, tab and file managers make large host lists manageable
    • Triggers, quick commands and script recording cut repetitive typing
    • RDP sessions open in tabs alongside terminals

    Cons

    • Business use needs a paid licence, unlike Bitvise or PuTTY
    • Windows only; no macOS or Linux build
    • SFTP file transfer is a separate product (Xftp) or bundle
    Visit Xshell Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Xshell a good Bitvise SSH Client alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free licence
    Personal and educational use only
    Checked Nov 8, 2026netsarang.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $119 perpetual, single user
    Checked Nov 8, 2026netsarang.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Devices per licence
    Up to 2
    Checked Nov 8, 2026netsarang.com(opens source in a new tab)
    RDP support
    Yes, in tabs
    Checked Nov 8, 2026netsarang.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Installs
    10M+
    Checked Nov 8, 2026netsarang.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. MobaXterm logo

    2. MobaXterm

    Best for: Windows admins and researchers who need SSH with X11 forwarding and SFTP

    Free plan + paidWindows

    54.4

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bitvise SSH Client

    Adds tabs, an X11 server and many protocols in one Windows toolbox, with a free home edition.

    Pros

    • Built-in X server for remote graphical apps
    • SFTP browser opens automatically with SSH sessions
    • Many protocols and Unix tools in one app

    Cons

    • Windows only and closed source
    • Free edition limits saved sessions and tunnels
    • Cluttered interface
    Visit MobaXterm Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.352
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is MobaXterm a good Bitvise SSH Client alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free plan
    Yes, Home Edition (max 12 sessions)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mobaxterm.mobatek.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Free limits
    Max. 12 sessions, 2 SSH tunnels
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mobaxterm.mobatek.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Professional price
    $69 per user
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mobaxterm.mobatek.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Protocols
    SSH, X11, RDP, VNC, FTP, Mosh
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mobaxterm.mobatek.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $69 per user one-time (Professional)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026mobaxterm.mobatek.net(opens source in a new tab)
  3. SecureCRT logo

    3. SecureCRT

    Best for: Network engineers who manage many devices and automate sessions with scripts

    PaidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS

    51.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bitvise SSH Client

    Commercial cross-platform client with mature session management for large server fleets.

    Pros

    • Excellent session management for hundreds of hosts
    • Python scripting and send-to-all command window
    • One licence across Windows, macOS and Linux

    Cons

    • Paid licence with renewals for updates
    • Traditional, dense interface
    • More than casual SSH users need
    Visit SecureCRT Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.341
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is SecureCRT a good Bitvise SSH Client alternative?

    Verified facts

    7 of 7 verified
    Platforms
    Windows, macOS, Linux
    Checked Nov 8, 2026vandyke.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free trial
    Every release can be evaluated free
    Checked Nov 8, 2026vandyke.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Scripting
    Python and ActiveX
    Checked Nov 8, 2026vandyke.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Licence price
    $119 with 1 year of updates (single user)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026vandyke.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $119 one-time, single user, 1 year of updates
    Checked Nov 8, 2026vandyke.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Licence with 3 years of updates
    $190 one-time, single user
    Checked Nov 8, 2026vandyke.com(opens source in a new tab)
    SecureCRT + SecureFX bundle
    $129 with 1 year of updates, single user
    Checked Nov 8, 2026vandyke.com(opens source in a new tab)
  4. Termius logo

    4. Termius

    Best for: People who manage servers over SSH from several devices, including phones

    Free plan + paidmacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android

    50.0

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bitvise SSH Client

    Syncs hosts and keys across desktop and phone, unlike the Windows-only Bitvise client.

    Pros

    • Same client on desktop and mobile
    • Encrypted vault sync and team sharing on paid plans
    • Free plan allowed for commercial use

    Cons

    • Sync and sharing require a subscription
    • Closed source
    • Not a full replacement for a local terminal
    Visit Termius Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.338
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Termius a good Bitvise SSH Client alternative?

    Verified facts

    7 of 7 verified
    Free plan
    Yes, Starter, free for commercial use
    Checked Nov 8, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Pro price
    $10/month, paid annually
    Checked Nov 8, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Team price
    $20 per seat/month, paid annually
    Checked Nov 8, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Business price
    $30 per seat/month, paid annually
    Checked Nov 8, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Starting price
    $10 a month, billed annually (Pro)
    Checked Nov 8, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Team plan
    $20 per seat/month, billed annually
    Checked Nov 8, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Business plan
    $30 per seat/month, billed annually
    Checked Nov 8, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
  5. WinSCP logo

    5. WinSCP

    Best for: Windows admins and developers who move files to Linux servers and want to script it

    Open sourceWindows

    49.0

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bitvise SSH Client

    Open-source Windows file manager for SFTP/SCP if file transfer matters more than terminal work.

    Pros

    • SFTP, SCP, FTP, WebDAV and S3 in one free client
    • Scripting, command line and .NET library for automation
    • Portable version and folder sync

    Cons

    • Windows only
    • Interface is utilitarian
    • No consumer cloud drives like Google Drive or Dropbox
    Visit WinSCP Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.334
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is WinSCP a good Bitvise SSH Client alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    License
    GPL v3 or later
    Checked Nov 8, 2026winscp.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Protocols
    SFTP, SCP, S3, FTP
    Checked Nov 8, 2026winscp.net(opens source in a new tab)
    Automation
    Scripting and task automation
    Checked Nov 8, 2026winscp.net(opens source in a new tab)
  6. PuTTY logo

    6. PuTTY

    Best for: Windows users who need a small, dependable SSH or serial client

    Open sourceWindows, Linux

    46.2

    score / 100

    Why switch from Bitvise SSH Client

    Tiny, open-source and free; fine if you only need a terminal and can live without a built-in SFTP browser.

    Pros

    • Free, small and dependable
    • Saved sessions, key agent and file transfer tools
    • Serial and Telnet support for network gear

    Cons

    • Dated interface with no tabs
    • Uses its own PPK key format
    • Built-in Windows OpenSSH covers many basic needs
    Visit PuTTY Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.360
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1530
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is PuTTY a good Bitvise SSH Client alternative?

    Verified facts

    0 of 0 verified

    No sourced facts yet.

The best Bitvise SSH Client alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Xshell logo

Best Bitvise SSH Client alternative for most people

Xshell

Stronger tabbed session management and scripting, free for home and school use.

WinSCP logo

Best Bitvise SSH Client alternative for a free option

WinSCP

Open-source Windows file manager for SFTP/SCP if file transfer matters more than terminal work.

MobaXterm logo

Best Bitvise SSH Client alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

MobaXterm

Adds tabs, an X11 server and many protocols in one Windows toolbox, with a free home edition.

PuTTY logo

Best Bitvise SSH Client alternative for open source

PuTTY

Tiny, open-source and free; fine if you only need a terminal and can live without a built-in SFTP browser.

SecureCRT logo

Best Bitvise SSH Client alternative for Mac

SecureCRT

Commercial cross-platform client with mature session management for large server fleets.

Termius logo

Best Bitvise SSH Client alternative for Windows

Termius

Syncs hosts and keys across desktop and phone, unlike the Windows-only Bitvise client.

SecureCRT logo

Best Bitvise SSH Client alternative for Linux

SecureCRT

Commercial cross-platform client with mature session management for large server fleets.

Termius logo

Best Bitvise SSH Client alternative for iPhone and Android

Termius

Syncs hosts and keys across desktop and phone, unlike the Windows-only Bitvise client.

Bitvise SSH Client alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Bitvise SSH Client?

Xshell ranks first right now. Stronger tabbed session management and scripting, free for home and school use. MobaXterm and SecureCRT follow it in our ranking.

Bitvise SSH Client vs Xshell: what's the difference?

Both Bitvise SSH Client and Xshell are free with paid plans. Verified prices: Bitvise SSH Client $39.95 per installation or user (optional licence), Xshell $119 perpetual, single user. Both run on Windows.

Is Bitvise SSH Client free?

Bitvise SSH Client is free with paid plans. Free plan: Yes, free in all environments; Optional licence: $39.95 per installation or user; Starting price: $39.95 per installation or user (optional licence); Site License plan: $3,000. Checked on Bitvise SSH Client's own site, November 2026.

How much do Bitvise SSH Client alternatives cost?

Verified prices for the top-ranked Bitvise SSH Client alternatives: Xshell, $119 perpetual, single user; MobaXterm, $69 per user one-time (Professional); SecureCRT, $119 one-time, single user, 1 year of updates; Termius, $10 a month, billed annually (Pro). Each price was checked on the app's own site; see each card below for the date and source.

Is there a free alternative to Bitvise SSH Client?

Yes. Xshell (free plan + paid), MobaXterm (free plan + paid), Termius (free plan + paid) and WinSCP (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Bitvise SSH Client?

Yes: WinSCP and PuTTY.

Which Bitvise SSH Client alternatives work on Linux?

SecureCRT, Termius and PuTTY run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Bitvise SSH Client?

The complaints we hear most: windows only; no macOS, Linux or mobile versions; tabbed multi-session management is weaker than Xshell or MobaXterm; some console features only work against Bitvise's own server.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Bitvise SSH Client, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.