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Alternatives to PuTTY

PuTTY has been the go-to SSH client on Windows for decades. Many people now look for alternatives because Windows includes an SSH client of its own, or because they want tabs and a more modern terminal. The right choice depends on whether you need serial console connections and saved session profiles, which PuTTY handles well.

PuTTY

Windows • Linux Open Source

Best suited for: SSH plus serial console connections, with saved sessions.

View PuTTYVisit Official Website

Platform

Licence

2 of 2 alternatives

  1. OpenSSH

    Built into modern Windows, macOS and Linux

    Best for: Everyday SSH from a terminal, using standard key files

    Platforms
    Windows • macOS • Linux
    Licence
    Open Source

    Why consider OpenSSH?

    OpenSSH is the SSH client and server used on most systems. Recent versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 include the OpenSSH client, so ssh works from PowerShell or Command Prompt without installing anything.

    Key differences

    • Already installed on most systems
    • Standard OpenSSH key format
    • Easy to script

    Consideration: It has no serial console support and no graphical session list, so network engineers who use console cables often keep PuTTY as well.

    View OpenSSH
  2. Windows Terminal icon

    Windows Terminal

    Modern terminal for ssh

    Best for: Tabbed SSH sessions alongside PowerShell and WSL

    Platforms
    Windows
    Licence
    Open Source

    Why consider Windows Terminal?

    Windows Terminal is a tabbed terminal for PowerShell, Command Prompt and WSL. Paired with the built-in OpenSSH client, you can keep SSH sessions in tabs or create a profile that connects to a server in one click.

    Key differences

    • Tabs and split panes
    • Works with the built-in ssh command
    • Windows only

    Consideration: Windows Terminal does not speak SSH itself; it runs the ssh command. Like OpenSSH, it does not replace PuTTY for serial connections.

    View Windows Terminal

Open-source alternatives to PuTTY

Alternatives by platform

WindowsOpenSSH, Windows Terminal
macOSOpenSSH
LinuxOpenSSH
AndroidNone listed
iPhone & iPadNone listed

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PuTTY alternatives FAQ

What are the alternatives to PuTTY?

Alternatives listed on Aptorise include OpenSSH and Windows Terminal. Each suits different needs; see "Best for" on each one.

Are there open-source alternatives to PuTTY?

Yes: OpenSSH and Windows Terminal are open source.

Is there a PuTTY alternative for macOS?

PuTTY isn't available for macOS. OpenSSH is.

Is OpenSSH an alternative to PuTTY?

Yes, particularly for everyday SSH from a terminal, using standard key files. OpenSSH is the SSH client and server used on most systems. Recent versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11 include the OpenSSH client, so ssh works from PowerShell or Command Prompt without installing anything.

Is Windows Terminal an alternative to PuTTY?

Yes, particularly for tabbed SSH sessions alongside PowerShell and WSL. Windows Terminal is a tabbed terminal for PowerShell, Command Prompt and WSL. Paired with the built-in OpenSSH client, you can keep SSH sessions in tabs or create a profile that connects to a server in one click.