Link copied to clipboard # PuTTY vs SecureCRT Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/putty/securecrt/export.csv) PuTTYSecureCRT[+ Add Product](#) Reviews **PuTTY** [ 4.5/5(352) ](https://www.g2.com/products/putty/reviews#reviews) **SecureCRT** [ 4.8/5(54) ](https://www.g2.com/products/securecrt/reviews#reviews) Pricing **PuTTY** No pricing available **SecureCRT** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **PuTTY** 1 month Based on 17 responses **SecureCRT** Not enough reviews yet Return on Investment **PuTTY** 10 months Based on 16 responses **SecureCRT** Not enough reviews yet Perceived Cost **PuTTY** $$$$$ **SecureCRT** $$$$$ Average Discount **PuTTY** 16% **SecureCRT** Not enough reviews yet Pros & Cons **PuTTY** Not enough data **SecureCRT** Not enough data Ratings Meets Requirements **PuTTY** 8.9 8.9326 **SecureCRT** 9.4 9.452 Ease of Use **PuTTY** 8.9 8.9326 **SecureCRT** 9.4 9.452 Ease of Setup **PuTTY** 9.3 9.388 **SecureCRT** 9.7 9.711 Ease of Admin **PuTTY** 9.2 9.281 **SecureCRT** 9.8 9.89 Quality of Support **PuTTY** 8.1 8.1237 **SecureCRT** 9.2 9.239 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **PuTTY** 8.9 8.963 **SecureCRT** 9.0 9.08 Product Direction (% positive) **PuTTY** 7.8 7.8320 **SecureCRT** 8.8 8.850 Features Terminal Emulator[Hide 21 FeaturesShow 21 Features](javascript:void(0);) 8.3 185 9.3 47 Performance Plugins 8.1 129 9.0(won by 0.9) 23 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Resource Usage 8.6 155 9.1(won by 0.5) 39 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Latency 8.3 161 9.1(won by 0.8) 45 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Operating System Linux Support 9.0(won by 0.2) 145 8.8 20 Windows Support 9.0 154 9.9(won by 0.9) 41 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Mac Support 8.2 99 8.8(won by 0.6) 24 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Unix Support 8.7(won by default) 24 Not enough data User Interface Scrolling 8.4 158 9.4(won by 1.0) 42 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Customization 7.8 148 9.3(won by 1.5) 38 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Logging 8.5 154 9.8(won by 1.3) 40 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Command-line interface 9.0 157 9.8(won by 0.8) 43 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Licensing Concurrent Licensing 7.8(won by default) 22 Not enough data Subscription Licensing 7.6(won by default) 21 Not enough data Named User Licensing 7.8(won by default) 24 Not enough data Perpetual Licensing 7.4(won by default) 22 Not enough data Security Multifactor Authentication (MFA) 8.1(won by default) 24 Not enough data Secure Sockets Layer encryption 8.8(won by default) 23 Not enough data Portal Access 8.8(won by default) 26 Not enough data SAML Service Provider Integration 7.6(won by default) 22 Not enough data Functionality Robotic Process Automation (RPA) 7.7(won by default) 21 Not enough data Replication 8.5(won by default) 22 Not enough data User Insights Reviewers' Company Size [![PuTTY](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_91ba385b963fa00bce23b532cca3ebba/putty.png "PuTTY")](https://www.g2.com/products/putty/reviews) PuTTY Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 26.5% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 27.7% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 45.7% [![SecureCRT](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_7480f3088d28dac2e53abe007c765c98/securecrt.png "SecureCRT")](https://www.g2.com/products/securecrt/reviews) SecureCRT Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 15.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 22.6% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 62.3% Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 26.5% 15.1% Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 27.7% 22.6% Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 45.7% 62.3% Reviewers' Industry [![PuTTY](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_91ba385b963fa00bce23b532cca3ebba/putty.png "PuTTY")](https://www.g2.com/products/putty/reviews) PuTTY Information Technology and Services 33.0% Computer Software 14.9% Telecommunications 6.4% Computer & Network Security 4.4% Computer Networking 4.1% Other 37.1% [![SecureCRT](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_7480f3088d28dac2e53abe007c765c98/securecrt.png "SecureCRT")](https://www.g2.com/products/securecrt/reviews) SecureCRT Computer Networking 24.5% Telecommunications 18.9% Information Technology and Services 18.9% Internet 13.2% Insurance 5.7% Other 18.9% FAQs ## PuTTY vs SecureCRT FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between PuTTY vs SecureCRT? SecureCRT stands out from PuTTY with higher reviewer ratings, stronger support, and advanced session management features, while PuTTY is favored for its simplicity and open-source model. | [PuTTY](https://www.g2.com/products/putty/reviews) | [SecureCRT](https://www.g2.com/products/securecrt/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.5/5 (353 reviews) | 4.8/5 (54 reviews) | | Enterprise | Enterprise | | 9.3 | 9.7 | | 8.1 | 9.2 | | Open-source, lightweight, reliable SSH/Telnet/serial connectivity | Advanced session management, scripting, multi-tabbed interface | ### How do the pricing models of PuTTY and SecureCRT compare? PuTTY is considered the stronger value due to its open-source, free-to-use model, while SecureCRT receives lower satisfaction on price due to its licensing costs. - **PuTTY:** Reviewers consistently highlight PuTTY's open-source and free nature as a major advantage, making it highly accessible for individuals and organizations. - **SecureCRT:** Many reviewers note SecureCRT's high license cost and recurring fees as a drawback, especially for small companies or individual users. - **Switching reasons:** In recent reviews, users mention switching to PuTTY for cost savings and to SecureCRT for advanced session management and scripting capabilities despite the higher price. ### What are the best alternatives to PuTTY and SecureCRT? The top three alternatives to PuTTY and SecureCRT are MobaXTerm, TeraTerm, and WinSCP. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [PuTTY](https://www.g2.com/products/putty/reviews) | 4.5/5 (353) | Enterprise | Free, open-source | Lightweight, reliable SSH/Telnet/serial connectivity | | [SecureCRT](https://www.g2.com/products/securecrt/reviews) | 4.8/5 (54) | Enterprise | High license cost | Advanced session management, scripting, multi-tabbed interface | | [MobaXTerm](https://www.g2.com/products/mobaxterm/reviews) | 4.6/5 (110) | Mid-Market | — | Comprehensive terminal features, multi-protocol support | | [TeraTerm](https://www.g2.com/products/teraterm/reviews) | 4.3/5 (19) | — | — | Flexible terminal emulation, scripting support | ### Which Terminal Emulator features should I prioritize when comparing PuTTY and SecureCRT? Buyers comparing PuTTY and SecureCRT should prioritize session management, scripting/automation, multi-session/tabbed interface, protocol support, and ease of setup. - **Session management:** SecureCRT offers advanced session grouping, folders, and multi-tabbed windows, while PuTTY provides a flat session list without tabbed support. - **Scripting/automation:** SecureCRT supports powerful scripting and automation features, including Python integration and customizable buttons; PuTTY offers basic scripting via Plink and batch files. - **Multi-session/tabbed interface:** SecureCRT enables multiple sessions in a single window with tiling and tabbing, whereas PuTTY opens each session in a separate window. - **Protocol support:** Both products support SSH, Telnet, and serial connections, but SecureCRT adds more advanced protocol options and encryption algorithms. - **Ease of setup:** Both products score highly (PuTTY 9.3, SecureCRT 9.7), but SecureCRT edges ahead in reviewer satisfaction. ### What are the pros and cons of PuTTY vs SecureCRT? PuTTY's headline strength is its open-source, lightweight reliability, while SecureCRT excels in advanced session management and automation. - **PuTTY strengths:** Free and open-source, lightweight, fast connection setup, reliable SSH/Telnet/serial support, portable with no installation required, strong security features, and simple interface. - **PuTTY trade-offs:** Lacks tabbed interface, outdated UI, session management limited to a flat list, configuration stored in Windows registry, requires key conversion for OpenSSH compatibility, and lacks built-in file transfer and scripting automation compared to SecureCRT. - **SecureCRT strengths:** Advanced session management with folders and tabs, powerful scripting and automation (Python, button menus), multi-session tiling, customizable keymaps and shortcuts, robust logging, and strong security and encryption options. - **SecureCRT trade-offs:** High license cost, some features not available across all platforms, and complexity for new users due to extensive configuration options. ### Is PuTTY or SecureCRT better for small businesses? PuTTY is the better fit for small businesses due to its open-source model and cost accessibility, while SecureCRT is positioned for enterprise use. - **PuTTY:** Largest segment is Enterprise, but reviewers consistently highlight its free, open-source nature and ease of use as advantages for small businesses and individual users. - **SecureCRT:** Largest segment is Enterprise, and reviewers note the high license cost as a barrier for small companies, despite its advanced features. ### Which Terminal Emulator platform has better integrations? PuTTY and SecureCRT are at parity for integrations, as neither product has recent reviewer-cited integration mentions above the publish threshold. - **PuTTY:** In recent reviews, PuTTY is noted for pairing well with tools like WinSCP for file transfers, but no integration mention meets the publish threshold. - **SecureCRT:** No reviewer-cited integrations above the publish threshold in recent reviews. ### How do PuTTY and SecureCRT compare on customer support? SecureCRT outperforms PuTTY on Quality of Support by a material margin of 1.1 points (SecureCRT 9.2, PuTTY 8.1). - **PuTTY:** Reviewers describe support as adequate but not a standout, with most relying on community resources and documentation. - **SecureCRT:** Reviewers consistently praise SecureCRT's responsive technical support and detailed documentation, with several citing positive experiences with support for advanced features and troubleshooting. ### Which is easier to implement, PuTTY or SecureCRT? SecureCRT leads PuTTY on Ease of Setup by 0.4 points (SecureCRT 9.7, PuTTY 9.3), with both products rated highly for implementation. - **PuTTY:** Reviewers highlight instant setup, no installation required, and ease of use for beginners. - **SecureCRT:** Reviewers note straightforward installation, intuitive configuration, and quick onboarding, especially for managing multiple devices. Alternatives **PuTTY Alternatives** ![MobaXTerm](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3c47b0293b63e905b726b84b02ab0683/mobaxterm.PNG "MobaXTerm") [ MobaXTerm ](/products/mobaxterm/reviews) ![TeraTerm](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_1d4d0089c605d6e5ef9422cd70892915/teraterm.png "TeraTerm") [ TeraTerm ](/products/teraterm/reviews) ![iTerm2](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0159d1abdafe291500d48ac376a5d2c4/iterm2.jpg "iTerm2") [ iTerm2 ](/products/iterm2/reviews) ![XShell](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_98dc68985a25ba7fb49e8bb5e385b645/7abc6a29-2110-4354-83cf-aa4a2c549e12.jpg "XShell") [ XShell ](/products/xshell/reviews) **SecureCRT Alternatives** ![MobaXTerm](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3c47b0293b63e905b726b84b02ab0683/mobaxterm.PNG "MobaXTerm") [ MobaXTerm ](/products/mobaxterm/reviews) ![iTerm2](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_0159d1abdafe291500d48ac376a5d2c4/iterm2.jpg "iTerm2") [ iTerm2 ](/products/iterm2/reviews) ![TeraTerm](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_1d4d0089c605d6e5ef9422cd70892915/teraterm.png "TeraTerm") [ TeraTerm ](/products/teraterm/reviews) ![XShell](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_98dc68985a25ba7fb49e8bb5e385b645/7abc6a29-2110-4354-83cf-aa4a2c549e12.jpg "XShell") [ XShell ](/products/xshell/reviews) ## PuTTY vs SecureCRT When assessing the two solutions, reviewers found SecureCRT easier to use, set up, and administer. Reviewers also preferred doing business with SecureCRT overall. - Reviewers felt that SecureCRT meets the needs of their business better than PuTTY. - When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that SecureCRT is the preferred option. - For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of SecureCRT over PuTTY.