Head-to-head · SSH Clients
MobaXterm vs electerm
MobaXterm leads on 0 checks, electerm on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreMobaXterm · 8.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresMobaXterm · 3 of 3
MobaXterm scores higher on our rubric for ssh clients: 8.4 against 8.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #9 and #10.
On session management, MobaXterm gives you Team where electerm offers Workspaces.
MobaXterm is the better fit for windows users needing many remote protocols. electerm is the better fit for free users needing broad SSH coverage.
- MobaXterm fits best
Windows users needing many remote protocols
- electerm fits best
Free users needing broad SSH coverage
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Side by side
| Feature | MobaXterm 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | electerm 8.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 8.3 |
| Ranking | #9 in SSH Clients | #10 in SSH Clients |
| Best for | Windows users needing many remote protocols | Free users needing broad SSH coverage |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | — | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Cloud, Self-hosted, Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Docs | Community, Docs, Tickets |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo, Small business, Mid-market |
| Features MobaXterm 3/3 · electerm 2/3 | ||
| SFTP support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Port forwarding | ✓ | ✓ |
| Team session sharing | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Specs | ||
| Supported protocols | SSH, SFTP, SCP, FTP, FTPS, Telnet, Rlogin, RSH, RDP, VNC, XDMCP, Mosh, Serial | SSH, SFTP, FTP, Telnet, serial, RDP, VNC, SPICE |
| Supported platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, HarmonyOS |
| Session management | Team | Workspaces |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | For programmers, system administrators, developers and webmasters managing remote Unix/Linux and Windows systems, MobaXterm brings terminal access, remote desktops, file transfer and network utilities into one Windows application. Its… Read the review → |
electerm is a free, open-source terminal and file-management application for connecting to remote systems. It suits users who need more than a basic SSH terminal, including administrators and developers working across desktop, mobile,… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
MobaXterm — where it wins
- Supports SSH, SFTP, RDP, VNC, Mosh, serial and other protocols
- Combines X11 forwarding, tunnels, file transfer and Unix commands
- Offers multi-execution and shared session files for team workflows
Where it doesn't
- Windows-only platform support
- Professional Edition costs $69 per user annually
- Advanced limits and features require the Professional Edition
electerm — where it wins
- Free, open-source access across desktop, mobile, web, and self-hosted options
- Supports SSH, SFTP, FTP, Telnet, serial, RDP, VNC, and SPICE
- Includes tunneling, X11 forwarding, workspaces, and remote-file editing
Where it doesn't
- Its broad protocol and workspace set may add configuration overhead
- Self-hosted and synchronization options require deployment decisions
- AI and MCP integrations may be unnecessary for focused SSH workflows
- MobaXterm8.4/10 · Free plan
A broad Windows SSH client with remote desktops, file transfer, tunneling and team session features.
Visit MobaXtermFull verdict → - electerm8.3/10 · Free plan
A broad, free SSH client with file management, tunneling, and multi-platform access.
Visit electermFull verdict →
All SSH clients comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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