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Open source Xshell alternatives: 2 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Nov 8, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

2 of the 6 Xshell alternatives we track are open source. Tabby (terminal) and PuTTY rank highest, with facts last verified Nov 8, 2026.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingVerified priceOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Tabby (terminal) logoTabby (terminal)Open source—YesWindows, macOS, Linux +13 of 364.0
2PuTTY logoPuTTYOpen source—YesWindows, Linux0 of 039.5
  1. Tabby (terminal) logo

    1. Tabby (terminal)Top pick

    Best for: People who want saved SSH and serial connections inside a modern terminal

    Open sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, Web

    64.0

    score / 100

    Why switch from Xshell

    Open-source, cross-platform terminal with built-in SSH profiles and tabs.

    Pros

    • SSH, Telnet and serial profiles with SFTP built in
    • Encrypted vault for connection secrets
    • Free, open source and cross-platform

    Cons

    • Electron app with high memory use
    • Slower to start than native terminals
    • Plugin quality varies
    Visit Tabby (terminal) Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.334
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.15100
    Freshness ×0.15100
    Votes ×0.150

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

    Is Tabby (terminal) a good Xshell alternative?

    Verified facts

    3 of 3 verified
    License
    MIT
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    SSH client
    Built in
    Checked Nov 8, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Web version
    Tabby Web
    Checked Nov 8, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. PuTTY logo

    2. PuTTY

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

    Open sourceWindows, Linux

    39.5

    score / 100

    Why switch from Xshell

    Free, open-source and minimal if you only need a reliable terminal.

    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 ×0.338
    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 Xshell alternative?

    Verified facts

    0 of 0 verified

    No sourced facts yet.