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Head-to-head · SSH Clients

WindTerm vs SecureCRT

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score WindTerm #8 in SSH Clients 8.5/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 3 features Visit WindTerm
SecureCRT #12 in SSH Clients 8.1/10 30-day trial Free trial✓ 2 of 3 features Visit SecureCRT

WindTerm leads on 1 check, SecureCRT on 0, and 2 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreWindTerm · 8.5/10
  • Free planonly WindTerm
  • Free trialonly SecureCRT

WindTerm scores higher on our rubric for ssh clients: 8.5 against 8.1 out of 10; our editors rank them #8 and #12.

WindTerm offers free plan; SecureCRT doesn't.

WindTerm is the better fit for free users wanting a feature-rich desktop client. SecureCRT is the better fit for professional users needing automation and security.

  • WindTerm fits best

    Free users wanting a feature-rich desktop client

  • SecureCRT fits best

    Professional users needing automation and security

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature WindTerm 8.5/10 Visit ↗ SecureCRT 8.1/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.5 8.1
Ranking #8 in SSH Clients #12 in SSH Clients
Best for Free users wanting a feature-rich desktop client Professional users needing automation and security
Pricing model Free Paid
Starting price Free $119/device one-time
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — 30 days
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community, Docs Email, Docs
Integrations 6 integrations 1 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Mid-market, Enterprise
Features WindTerm 2/3 · SecureCRT 2/3
SFTP support ✓ ✓
Port forwarding ✓ ✓
Team session sharing Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Supported protocols SSH, SFTP, SCP, Telnet, Raw TCP, Serial, XModem, YModem, ZModem SSH1, SSH2, Telnet, Telnet/TLS, serial, RDP, SFTP, SCP, FTPS, HTTPS, FTP, HTTP, Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem, Kermit, and TFTP
Supported platforms Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
Session management Workspaces Workspaces
Our review
Pros
  • Free for commercial and non-commercial use with no account required
  • Combines SSH, SFTP, forwarding, search, automation, and split-pane workspaces
  • Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux as a portable desktop application
  • Broad SSH, terminal emulation, forwarding, and SFTP capabilities
  • Automation with Python, VBScript, JScript, and PerlScript
  • Workspaces, tab groups, session managers, and saved snapshots
Cons
  • Limited to Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop systems
  • Local credential storage may not suit centralized credential workflows
  • Open-source coverage is described as partial in the project materials
  • No free plan for ongoing use
  • $119 starting price is charged per device
  • The 3-year plan covers updates, not a perpetual subscription
Our verdict

WindTerm is a free desktop terminal client for developers, system administrators, and DevOps teams. It brings SSH, SFTP, Telnet, serial, and local shell sessions into one workspace, with support for SCP, Raw TCP, XModem, YModem, and…

Read the review →

SecureCRT is a desktop SSH client and terminal emulator for computing professionals, system administrators, and organizations managing remote systems. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, combining SSH1 and SSH2 connections with support…

Read the review →
  1. WindTermSSH Clients 8.5Free plan
  2. SecureCRTSSH Clients 8.130-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • WindTerm — where it wins

    • Free for commercial and non-commercial use with no account required
    • Combines SSH, SFTP, forwarding, search, automation, and split-pane workspaces
    • Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux as a portable desktop application

    Where it doesn't

    • Limited to Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop systems
    • Local credential storage may not suit centralized credential workflows
    • Open-source coverage is described as partial in the project materials

  • SecureCRT — where it wins

    • Broad SSH, terminal emulation, forwarding, and SFTP capabilities
    • Automation with Python, VBScript, JScript, and PerlScript
    • Workspaces, tab groups, session managers, and saved snapshots

    Where it doesn't

    • No free plan for ongoing use
    • $119 starting price is charged per device
    • The 3-year plan covers updates, not a perpetual subscription
  • WindTerm8.5/10 · Free plan

    A capable free desktop client for SSH, file transfers, forwarding, and organized terminal work.

    Visit WindTermFull verdict →
  • SecureCRT8.1/10 · 30-day trial

    A deep, automation-ready SSH client for professionals who can justify a per-device license.

    Visit SecureCRTFull verdict →

More comparisons

All SSH clients comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update