Bitvise SSH Client
Free Windows SSH, SFTP and tunneling client with scriptable command-line tools.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Windows
Is Bitvise SSH Client free?
Free plan, plus paid plans
- Starting price:
- $39.95 per installation or user (optional licence)
- Free plan:
- Yes, free in all environments
Checked on Bitvise SSH Client's site Nov 8, 2026
Full Bitvise SSH Client pricing and plansSwitch from Bitvise SSH Client to
All 6- Verified facts
- 8 of 8
- Alternatives ranked
- 6
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
- 0
About Bitvise SSH Client
Bitvise SSH Client is a Windows program for connecting to remote servers over SSH. One window handles terminal sessions, a graphical SFTP file browser and port forwarding, including a built-in SOCKS and HTTP proxy for dynamic tunneling and one-click Remote Desktop forwarding. It can also map an SFTP server as a drive so any Windows app can open remote files, and it ships command-line clients (sftpc, sexec, stermc, stnlc) for scripted transfers and unattended jobs. Enterprise touches include Kerberos single sign-on, FIPS mode, jump hosts and post-quantum key exchange. It runs on Windows only, from current releases back to XP. The client is free for any use, including inside companies; a paid licence is optional and adds indemnification and firmer support commitments. It pairs with Bitvise's own SSH Server, which unlocks a richer console protocol and remote server configuration, but it works with any standard SSH server. It suits Windows admins who want PuTTY-level reliability with a proper file manager and tunnel management built in.
Best for: Windows admins who want SSH, SFTP and tunnels in one free client, including at work.
Bitvise SSH Client pricing (checked Nov 8, 2026)
Each line is quoted from Bitvise SSH Client's own site, with the page it came from.
| Plan or term | What it says | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes, free in all environments | Nov 8, 2026 | bitvise.com |
| Optional licence | $39.95 per installation or user | Nov 8, 2026 | bitvise.com |
| Starting price | $39.95 per installation or user (optional licence) | Nov 8, 2026 | bitvise.com |
| Site License plan | $3,000 | Nov 8, 2026 | bitvise.com |
| Area License plan | $4,500 | Nov 8, 2026 | bitvise.com |
Pros and cons
What works
- Free for commercial use, not just personal use
- Graphical SFTP plus SFTP drive mapping for any Windows app
- Strong tunneling: SOCKS/HTTP proxy, RDP forwarding, jump hosts
- Scriptable command-line clients for unattended transfers
Why people leave
- 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
Bitvise SSH Client vs Xshell, MobaXterm and SecureCRT
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | Bitvise SSH Client | Xshell | MobaXterm | SecureCRT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid | Paid |
| Verified price | $39.95 per installation or user (optional licence) | $119 perpetual, single user | $69 per user one-time (Professional) | $119 one-time, single user, 1 year of updates |
| Free plan | Yes, free in all environments | Yes | Yes, Home Edition (max 12 sessions) | No |
| Open source | No | No | No | No |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows | Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS |
Top Bitvise SSH Client alternatives
See all 6- 1
Xshell61.8Stronger tabbed session management and scripting, free for home and school use.
- 2
MobaXterm54.4Adds tabs, an X11 server and many protocols in one Windows toolbox, with a free home edition.
- 3
SecureCRT51.2Commercial cross-platform client with mature session management for large server fleets.
- 4
Termius50.0Syncs hosts and keys across desktop and phone, unlike the Windows-only Bitvise client.
- 5
WinSCP49.0Open-source Windows file manager for SFTP/SCP if file transfer matters more than terminal work.
Why people left Bitvise SSH Client
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Reviews
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Bitvise SSH Client: common questions
What is Bitvise SSH Client?
Bitvise SSH Client: Free Windows SSH, SFTP and tunneling client with scriptable command-line tools. Best for windows admins who want SSH, SFTP and tunnels in one free client, including at work. Available for Windows.
Is Bitvise SSH Client free?
Bitvise SSH Client has a free plan and paid plans. Free plan: Yes, free in all environments (checked on Bitvise SSH Client's own site).
How much does Bitvise SSH Client cost?
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.
Is Bitvise SSH Client open source?
No, Bitvise SSH Client is not open source. Open-source alternatives include WinSCP and PuTTY.
What platforms does Bitvise SSH Client run on?
Bitvise SSH Client is available for Windows.
What are the best alternatives to Bitvise SSH Client?
The highest-ranked Bitvise SSH Client alternatives right now are Xshell, MobaXterm and SecureCRT. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
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.