# Top 10 PuTTY Alternatives & Competitors (353)4.5 out of 5 Thousands of users compare PuTTY with other Terminal Emulator Software tools to find the best fit for their team or business. In most cases, users compare alternatives based on reliability and ease of use. The best overall alternative to PuTTY is [MobaXTerm](https://www.g2.com/products/mobaxterm/reviews), rated ~4.6 stars on G2 from 102+ reviewers. It is frequently praised for file transfer and simplicity. Other well-known alternatives to PuTTY are: - [SecureCRT](https://www.g2.com/products/securecrt/reviews) – known for features and integrations (G2 star rating ~4.8) - [TeraTerm](https://www.g2.com/products/teraterm/reviews) – highly rated for functionality and scalability (G2 star rating ~4.3) - [iTerm2](https://www.g2.com/products/iterm2/reviews) – offers features and reliability (G2 star rating ~4.7) - [XShell](https://www.g2.com/products/xshell/reviews) – best suited for teams that need functionality and ease of use (G2 star rating ~4.4) Browse top options below. Based on G2 review data, PuTTY is most commonly used in industries like [Terminal Emulator Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/terminal-emulator), [Remote Desktop Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop). Compare user ratings by vertical to find the best fit. ## Best Paid & Free Alternatives to PuTTY - MobaXTerm - SecureCRT - TeraTerm - iTerm2 - XShell - GNOME Terminal - ConEmu - Tabby.sh ## Top 10 Alternatives to PuTTY Recently Reviewed By G2 Community Browse options below. Based on reviewer data, you can see how PuTTY stacks up to the competition, check reviews from current & previous users in industries like Information Technology and Services, Computer & Network Security, and Financial Services, and find the best product for your business. [![G2 Advertising](/assets/my-g2-logo-41632af6f81a240a0a9886638f412b2ac9a29f4001534f8c83be89a58ef9d45d.svg "G2 Advertising")](https://sell.g2.com/case-studies/how-aisdr-uses-g2-ads-to-turn-g2-into-top-5-traffic-source) Sponsored G2 Advertising Get 2x conversion than Google Ads with G2 Advertising! G2 Advertising places your product in premium positions on high-traffic pages and on targeted competitor pages to reach buyers at key comparison moments. [ Learn More ](https://sell.g2.com/case-studies/how-aisdr-uses-g2-ads-to-turn-g2-into-top-5-traffic-source) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/3c47b0293b63e905b726b84b02ab0683/mobaxterm.PNG "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/mobaxterm/reviews) [ MobaXTerm ](https://www.g2.com/products/mobaxterm/reviews) By [Mobatek](https://www.g2.com/sellers/mobatek) [ 4.6/5(110) ](https://www.g2.com/products/mobaxterm/reviews#reviews) Product Description MobaXterm is an all-in-one remote computing toolbox designed for Windows, integrating a comprehensive suite of network tools and Unix commands into a single, portable application. It caters to IT professionals, developers, and system administrators who require efficient management of remote systems. By consolidating various functionalities, MobaXterm simplifies complex networking tasks and enhances productivity. Key Features and Functionality: - Tabbed Terminal with Unix Commands: Provides a terminal emulator supporting essential Unix commands like `ls`, `cd`, `grep`, and `awk`, offering a familiar environment for users accustomed to Unix/Linux systems. - Session Management: Supports multiple remote sessions, including SSH, Telnet, Rlogin, RDP, VNC, XDMCP, FTP, SFTP, and Serial connections, all managed within a unified interface. - Graphical SFTP Browser: Facilitates secure file transfers through an integrated SFTP browser, enabling drag-and-drop functionality between local and remote systems. - Embedded X11 Server: Allows the execution of remote graphical applications on the local Windows desktop without additional configuration, utilizing X11 forwarding. - Multi-Execution: Enables simultaneous execution of commands across multiple servers, streamlining repetitive tasks. - Embedded Tools: Includes a variety of network tools and utilities tailored for system administrators and developers, such as a text editor, packet capture, and network daemons. - Macros Support: Offers the ability to record and replay macros, automating complex command sequences to save time and reduce errors. - Customization Options: Provides extensive customization, including custom startup commands, scripts, and configuration settings, allowing users to tailor the application to their specific needs. Primary Value and Solutions Provided: MobaXterm addresses the challenges of remote system management by offering a unified platform that combines multiple network protocols and tools. Its integration of an X11 server, SSH client, and various network utilities into a single application reduces the need for multiple disparate tools, thereby enhancing workflow efficiency. The portable nature of MobaXterm allows users to operate it from a USB drive without installation, providing flexibility for professionals who work across different machines. By simplifying remote access, file transfers, and the execution of graphical applications, MobaXterm significantly improves productivity and streamlines the management of remote systems. Reviewers say compared to PuTTY, MobaXTerm is: More expensive Better at meeting requirements More usable Categories in common with PuTTY: [ Terminal Emulator ](/categories/terminal-emulator) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/7480f3088d28dac2e53abe007c765c98/securecrt.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/securecrt/reviews) [ SecureCRT ](https://www.g2.com/products/securecrt/reviews) By [VanDyke](https://www.g2.com/sellers/vandyke) [ 4.8/5(54) ](https://www.g2.com/products/securecrt/reviews#reviews) Product Description SecureCRT is a robust terminal emulation client designed for computing professionals who require secure remote access, file transfer, and data tunneling capabilities. Compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms, SecureCRT offers advanced session management and a suite of features aimed at enhancing productivity and streamlining repetitive tasks. Whether replacing traditional Telnet or seeking a more capable secure remote access tool, SecureCRT provides a reliable solution for daily operations. Key Features and Functionality: - Comprehensive Protocol Support: SecureCRT supports a wide range of protocols, including SSH1, SSH2, Telnet, Telnet/TLS, Rlogin, Serial, and TAPI, ensuring versatile connectivity options. - Advanced Terminal Emulation: It offers extensive terminal emulation capabilities, supporting VT100, VT102, VT220, ANSI, SCO ANSI, Wyse 50/60, Xterm, and Linux console, with full Unicode support. - Tabbed Sessions and Tab Groups: Users can organize multiple sessions using tabs and tab groups, facilitating efficient management and comparison of different sessions. - Keyword Highlighting: This feature allows users to highlight specific words, phrases, or substrings in the session window, aiding in the identification of prompts and errors. - Command Manager: A dockable Command Manager enables the organization of commands into named folders, streamlining the execution of repetitive tasks. - Scripting and Automation: SecureCRT supports scripting with Python and ActiveX, allowing automation of tasks and integration with other tools. - Credentials Management: The software simplifies password management by allowing sessions to reference global sets of credentials, facilitating easier updates and compliance with password change policies. - File Transfer Integration: SecureCRT integrates with SecureFX, enabling secure file transfers using SFTP, Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem, or Kermit protocols. Primary Value and User Solutions: SecureCRT addresses the critical need for secure and efficient remote access to business applications on UNIX, Linux, or VMS systems from various platforms. By providing a rich set of emulation options, comprehensive protocol support, and advanced session management features, it enhances productivity and simplifies the management of multiple sessions. The integration of scripting capabilities and automation tools reduces manual effort, while robust security protocols ensure data integrity and compliance with standards such as FIPS 140-2. SecureCRT is an essential tool for IT professionals seeking a reliable and feature-rich terminal emulation solution. Reviewers say compared to PuTTY, SecureCRT is: More expensive Slower to reach roi Better at support Categories in common with PuTTY: [ Terminal Emulator ](/categories/terminal-emulator) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/1d4d0089c605d6e5ef9422cd70892915/teraterm.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/teraterm/reviews) [ TeraTerm ](https://www.g2.com/products/teraterm/reviews) By [Tera Term Project](https://www.g2.com/sellers/tera-term-project) [ 4.3/5(19) ](https://www.g2.com/products/teraterm/reviews#reviews) Product Description TeraTerm is an open-source, free, software implemented, terminal emulator. It emulates different types of computer terminals, from DEC VT100 to DEC VT382. Reviewers say compared to PuTTY, TeraTerm is: Better at support Categories in common with PuTTY: [ Terminal Emulator ](/categories/terminal-emulator) [![G2 Advertising](/assets/my-g2-logo-41632af6f81a240a0a9886638f412b2ac9a29f4001534f8c83be89a58ef9d45d.svg "G2 Advertising")](https://sell.g2.com/case-studies/how-aisdr-uses-g2-ads-to-turn-g2-into-top-5-traffic-source) Sponsored G2 Advertising Get 2x conversion than Google Ads with G2 Advertising! G2 Advertising places your product in premium positions on high-traffic pages and on targeted competitor pages to reach buyers at key comparison moments. [ Learn More ](https://sell.g2.com/case-studies/how-aisdr-uses-g2-ads-to-turn-g2-into-top-5-traffic-source) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/0159d1abdafe291500d48ac376a5d2c4/iterm2.jpg "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/iterm2/reviews) [ iTerm2 ](https://www.g2.com/products/iterm2/reviews) By [iTerm2](https://www.g2.com/sellers/iterm2) [ 4.7/5(51) ](https://www.g2.com/products/iterm2/reviews#reviews) Product Description iTerm2 is a free and open-source terminal emulator for macOS, designed to enhance the command-line experience with a suite of advanced features. It serves as a robust alternative to the default Terminal application, offering functionalities that cater to developers, system administrators, and power users seeking greater efficiency and customization in their workflows. Key Features and Functionality: - Split Panes: Allows users to divide a single tab into multiple panes, facilitating simultaneous monitoring and execution of different sessions within one window. - Hotkey Window: Enables the terminal to be brought to the foreground instantly from any application using a global hotkey, ensuring quick access when needed. - Advanced Search and Autocomplete: Provides robust search capabilities with regular expression support and highlights all matches. Autocomplete functionality suggests previously used commands, enhancing efficiency. - Instant Replay: Allows users to travel back in time within the terminal to recover text that was erased, preventing loss of important information. - Paste History: Maintains a history of copied or pasted text, enabling users to revisit and reuse previous entries without redundancy. - Shell Integration: Integrates seamlessly with the shell to recognize prompts, commands, and directories, enabling features like navigating to previous prompts and auto-completing commands. - 24-bit Color Support: Offers full 24-bit color support, enhancing the visual experience and readability of code and terminal output. - Configurable Profiles and Customization: Provides extensive customization options, including adjustable color schemes, fonts, transparency settings, and keyboard shortcuts, allowing users to tailor the terminal environment to their preferences. Primary Value and User Solutions: iTerm2 addresses the limitations of the default macOS Terminal by offering a feature-rich environment that enhances productivity and user experience. Its advanced functionalities, such as split panes and hotkey access, streamline multitasking and quick terminal access. Features like instant replay and paste history prevent data loss and reduce repetitive tasks. The high degree of customization ensures that users can create a terminal setup that aligns with their specific workflow requirements. By integrating these capabilities, iTerm2 solves common challenges faced by command-line users, making it an invaluable tool for those seeking a more efficient and personalized terminal experience. Reviewers say compared to PuTTY, iTerm2 is: Better at support Better at meeting requirements More usable Categories in common with PuTTY: [ Terminal Emulator ](/categories/terminal-emulator) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/98dc68985a25ba7fb49e8bb5e385b645/7abc6a29-2110-4354-83cf-aa4a2c549e12.jpg "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/xshell/reviews) [ XShell ](https://www.g2.com/products/xshell/reviews) By [NetSarang Computer](https://www.g2.com/sellers/netsarang-computer) [ 4.4/5(12) ](https://www.g2.com/products/xshell/reviews#reviews) Product Description NetSarang Computer, Inc. develops performance driven network connectivity software for the global market. Reviewers say compared to PuTTY, XShell is: More usable Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with PuTTY: [ Terminal Emulator ](/categories/terminal-emulator) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/4a102060ec244b2088e01a39dde8ed6d/gnome-terminal.jpg "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/gnome-terminal/reviews) [ GNOME Terminal ](https://www.g2.com/products/gnome-terminal/reviews) By [GNOME Foundation](https://www.g2.com/sellers/gnome-foundation) [ 4.5/5(14) ](https://www.g2.com/products/gnome-terminal/reviews#reviews) Product Description Terminal is a terminal emulator application for accessing a UNIX shell environment which can be used to run programs available on your system. Reviewers say compared to PuTTY, GNOME Terminal is: Better at support Better at meeting requirements More usable Categories in common with PuTTY: [ Terminal Emulator ](/categories/terminal-emulator) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/3d53e775abf94bfbb491e7976e3a0cd7/conemu.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/conemu/reviews) [ ConEmu ](https://www.g2.com/products/conemu/reviews) By [GitHub](https://www.g2.com/sellers/github) [ 4.8/5(13) ](https://www.g2.com/products/conemu/reviews#reviews) Product Description ConEmu-Maximus5 is a Windows console emulator with tabs, which presents multiple consoles and simple GUI applications as one customizable GUI window with various features. Reviewers say compared to PuTTY, ConEmu is: Better at support Better at meeting requirements More usable Categories in common with PuTTY: [ Terminal Emulator ](/categories/terminal-emulator) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/8ec3c17e3fb1df25b6a8bd7cc69cf2d1/tabby-sh.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/tabby-sh/reviews) [ Tabby.sh ](https://www.g2.com/products/tabby-sh/reviews) By [GitHub](https://www.g2.com/sellers/github) [ 4.2/5(16) ](https://www.g2.com/products/tabby-sh/reviews#reviews) Product Description A terminal for the modern age Tabby is an infinitely customizable cross-platform terminal app for local shells, serial, SSH and Telnet connections. Reviewers say compared to PuTTY, Tabby.sh is: Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with PuTTY: [ Terminal Emulator ](/categories/terminal-emulator) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/f5825a96d008dad35bbcb155d1687c59/kitty.png "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/kitty/reviews) [ kitty ](https://www.g2.com/products/kitty/reviews) By [kitty](https://www.g2.com/sellers/kitty) [ 5/5(2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/kitty/reviews#reviews) Product Description Offloads rendering to the GPU for lower system load and buttery smooth scrolling. Uses threaded rendering to minimize input latency. Categories in common with PuTTY: [ Terminal Emulator ](/categories/terminal-emulator) [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/2118b83755476c9362d4c320bf12e59f/yakuake.jpg "Product Avatar Image") ](https://www.g2.com/products/yakuake/reviews) [ Yakuake ](https://www.g2.com/products/yakuake/reviews) By [KDE](https://www.g2.com/sellers/kde) [ 4.5/5(13) ](https://www.g2.com/products/yakuake/reviews#reviews) Product Description Yakuake is a drop-down terminal emulator based on KDE Konsole technology. 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