ConnectBot
ConnectBot: A capable free Android client for SSH sessions, tunnels, keys, and jump hosts. Ranked #24 of 33 in SSH Clients by our editors (6.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for android users needing free mobile SSH.
At a glance
- Editor score6.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forAndroid users needing free mobile SSH
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported platformsAndroid
- Founded2007
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free and open source with simultaneous SSH sessions
- Supports tunnels, port forwarding, ProxyJump, and chained jump hosts
- Includes key management, biometrics, profiles, and JSON configuration export
Where it doesn't
- Android-only availability limits desktop and cross-platform use
- Focused on terminal access rather than a broader administration suite
- No AI-assisted features for guided or automated workflows
Our verdict on ConnectBot
ConnectBot is an open-source Android client for connecting to UNIX-based servers over SSH. It is aimed at individuals who need remote server access from a mobile device, with SSH remote shells, simultaneous sessions in tabs, Telnet connections, and terminal copy-and-paste support. Its free, open-source model makes it a practical fit for Android users who want mobile access without a paid tier structure.
The feature depth is strongest around connection management and secure remote access. ConnectBot supports public-key authentication, SSH key management, biometric authentication for SSH keys, secure SSH tunnels, and port forwarding. ProxyJump and chained jump hosts extend its usefulness for multi-step server access, while terminal profiles and customizable shortcuts help separate connection settings and recurring workflows. Host configuration import and export through JSON adds a way to move or preserve configurations. Together, these features make it more capable than a basic single-session terminal client.
Its focus is deliberately narrow: mobile SSH and Telnet access on Android. Users who need a dedicated Android client for shells, tunnels, jump hosts, and key-based authentication should find the scope well aligned with that use case. Those seeking desktop support, a multi-platform client, or a broader toolset beyond terminal-oriented connections should choose an alternative designed for those environments. ConnectBot is best suited to individual mobile workflows rather than teams seeking a wider platform ecosystem or advanced automation features.
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ConnectBot pricing
ConnectBot fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported protocols | SSH, Telnet |
| Supported platforms | Android |
| SFTP support | Not verified |
| Port forwarding | Yes |
| Session management | Tabs |
| Team session sharing | Not verified |
| Deployment | Mobile |
| Platforms | Android |
| Support | Email, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | connectbot.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to ConnectBot
- 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
See all ConnectBot alternatives →
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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