Bast
Bast: A free, open-source SSH organizer with SFTP, forwarding, key management, and encrypted sync. Ranked #22 of 33 in SSH Clients by our editors (7.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for cloud-connected users wanting encrypted host sync.
At a glance
- Editor score7.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forCloud-connected users wanting encrypted host sync
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported platformsmacOS, Linux, Windows 11
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Organizes SSH hosts with search, groups, tags, and favorites
- Combines SFTP, port forwarding, key management, and CLI automation
- Encrypts synchronization for Bast-managed hosts and keys
Where it doesn't
- Cloud synchronization is limited to supported providers
- Windows support is listed for Windows 11
- Terminal-based workflow may not suit users seeking a graphical client
Our verdict on Bast
Bast is a terminal application for browsing and organizing SSH hosts, managing OpenSSH keys, transferring files over SFTP, and connecting through the system SSH client. It reads existing SSH configuration files and adds host metadata, search, grouping, tagging, and favorites. The published product details show support for SSH and SFTP, with installation support for macOS, Linux, and Windows 11; WSL is supported through the Linux build. It is a strong fit for users who prefer a terminal-native workflow and want host organization alongside standard OpenSSH connections.
Its feature set covers more than connection launching. Bast provides dual-pane local and remote SFTP browsing, SSH key generation, import, export, and installation, plus local, remote, and dynamic port forwarding. CLI automation with JSON output also makes it suitable for scripted workflows. These capabilities give it useful breadth for individual administrators and developers who want one interface for host discovery, file transfers, keys, and forwarding without replacing the system SSH client.
Cloud connectivity is a central differentiator. Bast supports synchronization with GCP, AWS, Azure, box.ascii.dev, Upstash Box, Vercel Sandbox, and Hetzner Cloud. Its optional encrypted vault provides end-to-end encrypted synchronization for Bast-managed hosts and keys between machines. The open-source product has a free plan, so the main tradeoff is workflow fit rather than a paid tier structure. Choose Bast if you want an open-source, terminal-first SSH client with host organization and cloud-connected encrypted synchronization. Consider another option if you need a graphical interface, broader provider coverage, or a Windows version outside Windows 11.
Your product? Our editors can test Bast in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Bast pricing
Bast fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported protocols | SSH, SFTP |
| Supported platforms | macOS, Linux, Windows 11 |
| SFTP support | Yes |
| Port forwarding | Yes |
| Session management | Not verified |
| Team session sharing | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 7 integrations: GCP, AWS, Azure, box.ascii.dev, Upstash Box, Vercel Sandbox … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | bast.sh |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Bast integrations
Bast lists 7 integrations on its own site.
- GCP
- AWS
- Azure
- box.ascii.dev
- Upstash Box
- Vercel Sandbox
- Hetzner Cloud
Alternatives to Bast
- TabbyA free, open-source terminal with broad shell support and advanced SSH workflows.9.2
- OpenSSHA mature, foundational SSH suite for command-line remote access, transfer, and tunneling.9.1
- PuTTYA capable free SSH client with broad protocol support and basic session management.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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