ConnectBot review
A capable free Android client for SSH sessions, tunnels, keys, and jump hosts.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
ConnectBot pros and cons
- 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
ConnectBot fact sheet, pricing and score →
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