Top 10 XShell Alternatives & Competitors

(12)4.4 out of 5

Looking for alternatives or competitors to XShell? Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to XShell include user interface and features. The best overall XShell alternative is MobaXTerm. Other similar apps like XShell are PuTTY, SecureCRT, iTerm2, and Rocket Terminal Emulator. XShell alternatives can be found in Terminal Emulator Software but may also be in Remote Desktop Software.

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Best Paid & Free Alternatives to XShell

MobaXTerm
PuTTY
SecureCRT
iTerm2
Rocket Terminal Emulator
TeraTerm
Tabby.sh
GNOME Terminal

Top 10 Alternatives to XShell Recently Reviewed By G2 Community

Browse options below. Based on reviewer data, you can see how XShell stacks up to the competition, check reviews from current & previous users in industries like Telecommunications, Airlines/Aviation, and Computer & Network Security, and find the best product for your business.

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By Mobatek

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 XShell, MobaXTerm is:

Better at meeting requirements

More usable

Categories in common with XShell:

By PuTTY

Product Description

PuTTY is a free, open-source client program for the SSH, Telnet, Rlogin, and SUPDUP network protocols, enabling users to run remote sessions on computers over a network. It is primarily developed and maintained by Simon Tatham. PuTTY is available for Windows and Unix platforms and includes an `xterm` terminal emulator. The latest version, 0.83, was released on February 8, 2025. Key Features and Functionality: - Protocol Support: PuTTY supports multiple network protocols, including SSH, Telnet, Rlogin, and SUPDUP, allowing secure and flexible remote connections. - Cross-Platform Availability: Compatible with both Windows and Unix systems, PuTTY provides a consistent user experience across different operating environments. - Terminal Emulation: It includes an `xterm` terminal emulator, facilitating the execution of terminal-based applications on remote systems. - Security Enhancements: The latest release, version 0.83, introduces support for ML-KEM, a NIST-standardized post-quantum key exchange mechanism, enhancing security against potential future quantum computing threats. - Unicode Support: Improved Unicode support allows for the use of characters outside the Windows system code page, accommodating a broader range of languages and symbols. Primary Value and User Solutions: PuTTY addresses the need for secure, reliable, and versatile remote access to computers over a network. By supporting multiple protocols and platforms, it enables users to manage and interact with remote systems efficiently. The inclusion of advanced security features, such as post-quantum key exchange mechanisms, ensures that users' connections remain protected against evolving cybersecurity threats. Additionally, its improved Unicode support enhances usability for a global user base, accommodating diverse linguistic requirements.

Categories in common with XShell:

By VanDyke

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 XShell, SecureCRT is:

More usable

Better at meeting requirements

Categories in common with XShell:

Terminal Emulator

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