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PuTTY alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave PuTTY: dated interface with no tabs, and uses its own PPK key format. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces PuTTY, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Windows Terminal currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Termius logoTermiusFree plan + paidNomacOS, Windows, Linux +24 of 455.3
  1. Termius logo

    1. TermiusTop pick

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

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

    55.3

    score / 100

    Why switch from PuTTY

    Synced SSH hosts and keys across desktop and mobile.

    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 ×0.363
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

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

    Is Termius a good PuTTY alternative?

    Verified facts

    4 of 4 verified
    Free plan
    Starter, free for commercial use
    Checked Oct 25, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Pro price
    $10/month, paid annually
    Checked Oct 25, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Team price
    $20 per seat/month, paid annually
    Checked Oct 25, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Business price
    $30 per seat/month, paid annually
    Checked Oct 25, 2026termius.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best PuTTY alternative for…

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

Windows Terminal logo

Best PuTTY alternative for most people

Windows Terminal

Pair it with Windows' built-in OpenSSH for tabs and a modern interface.

Tabby (terminal) logo

Best PuTTY alternative for a free option

Tabby (terminal)

Modern open-source terminal with saved SSH and serial profiles.

MobaXterm logo

Best PuTTY alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

MobaXterm

Tabs, SFTP browser and an X server in one Windows app.

Windows Terminal logo

Best PuTTY alternative for open source

Windows Terminal

Pair it with Windows' built-in OpenSSH for tabs and a modern interface.

SecureCRT logo

Best PuTTY alternative for Mac

SecureCRT

Commercial client with advanced session management and scripting.

Termius logo

Best PuTTY alternative for Windows

Termius

Synced SSH hosts and keys across desktop and mobile.

Tabby (terminal) logo

Best PuTTY alternative for Linux

Tabby (terminal)

Modern open-source terminal with saved SSH and serial profiles.

Termius logo

Best PuTTY alternative for iPhone and Android

Termius

Synced SSH hosts and keys across desktop and mobile.

Tabby (terminal) logo

Best PuTTY alternative for working in the browser

Tabby (terminal)

Modern open-source terminal with saved SSH and serial profiles.

PuTTY alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to PuTTY?

Windows Terminal ranks first right now. Pair it with Windows' built-in OpenSSH for tabs and a modern interface. MobaXterm and Tabby (terminal) follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to PuTTY?

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

Is there an open-source alternative to PuTTY?

Yes: Windows Terminal and Tabby (terminal).

Which PuTTY alternatives work on Linux?

Tabby (terminal), SecureCRT and Termius run on Linux.

Why do people switch from PuTTY?

The complaints we hear most: dated interface with no tabs; uses its own PPK key format; built-in Windows OpenSSH covers many basic needs.

How is this list ranked?

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