PuTTY review
A capable free SSH client with broad protocol support and basic session management.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
PuTTY is a free, open-source client for terminal access, file transfer, and SSH networking. It supports SSH, Telnet, Rlogin, SUPDUP, raw network connections, and serial sessions, making it suitable for users who work across different remote-access protocols. Its xterm-style terminal emulation, saved session configurations, and companion tools also fit administrators, developers, and technical users who need repeatable access to remote systems. Windows releases are available, while Unix support is provided through source code, with some Linux distributions offering prebuilt packages.
Its strongest advantage is the breadth of its SSH toolkit. PuTTY includes local, remote, and dynamic port forwarding, plus proxy support for SOCKS and HTTP CONNECT. Public-key authentication, Pageant agent forwarding, and X11 forwarding cover common SSH networking and access requirements. File transfer is handled through PSFTP and PSCP, while Plink provides command-line SSH connections. Together, these components give users terminal access, secure file movement, automation-oriented access, and forwarding features within one open-source project.
The main trade-off is a relatively basic session-management experience. Saved configurations are available, but users seeking more extensive organization or workflow features may prefer another SSH client. Platform coverage also narrows its fit: the project supports Windows and Unix systems, but does not provide release-quality Android, iOS, or macOS ports. Choose PuTTY when free access, open-source availability, protocol breadth, and established SSH features matter more than advanced session organization or broad desktop and mobile coverage.
PuTTY pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open source with SSH, SFTP, SCP, and port forwarding
- Supports public-key authentication, Pageant, proxying, and X11 forwarding
- Includes saved sessions, PSFTP, PSCP, and the Plink command-line client
- Where it doesn't
- Session management is basic
- No release-quality Android, iOS, or macOS ports
- Unix support is provided as source code rather than Windows-style executables
PuTTY fact sheet, pricing and score →
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