PuTTY vs OpenSSH : Which is Better?

PuTTY icon

PuTTY

PuTTY is a free SSH client.

License: Open Source

Apps available for Windows Linux BSD PortableApps.com

VS
VS
OpenSSH icon

OpenSSH

OpenSSH is the premier connectivity tool for remote login with the SSH protocol. It encrypts all traffic to eliminate eavesdropping, connection hijacking. Developed by Theo de Raadt

License: Open Source

Apps available for Mac OS X Linux iPhone BSD iPad

PuTTY VS OpenSSH

PuTTY is a popular SSH client primarily for Windows, featuring a user-friendly GUI and supporting multiple protocols, while OpenSSH is a robust command-line tool favored in Unix/Linux environments, offering strong security and scripting capabilities. The choice between them largely depends on the specific needs of the user, such as ease of use versus advanced functionality.

PuTTY

Pros:

  • User-friendly GUI
  • Supports multiple protocols (SSH, Telnet, etc.)
  • Session management and saving
  • Can run on Windows easily
  • File transfer support with PSCP
  • Customizable settings and appearance
  • Multi-session handling
  • Session logging
  • Easy to install and use
  • Integration with Windows tools

Cons:

  • Limited to Windows platform
  • Less powerful for advanced users
  • No SSH tunneling
  • Not open source
  • Limited command line functionality
  • No built-in scripting capabilities
  • Less suitable for automation
  • Limited support for public key authentication
  • No session logging
  • Less extensible

OpenSSH

Pros:

  • Open source and free
  • Powerful command line interface
  • Widely used in Unix/Linux systems
  • Supports SSH tunneling
  • Highly scriptable
  • Strong security features
  • Supports a variety of authentication methods
  • Active community support
  • Cross-platform
  • Good performance

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • Primarily command-line based
  • Less user-friendly for non-technical users
  • Requires configuration for advanced features
  • Not as visually appealing
  • May require additional tools for file transfer
  • More complex for simple tasks
  • Not suitable for Windows GUI-based operations
  • Dependency on terminal emulators
  • Requires familiarity with command line

Compare PuTTY

vs
Compare cmder and PuTTY and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare ConnectBot and PuTTY and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare FireCMD and PuTTY and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare FireSSH and PuTTY and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare gow and PuTTY and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare Guake terminal and PuTTY and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare JuiceSSH and PuTTY and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare KiTTY and PuTTY and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare mintty and PuTTY and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare MobaXterm and PuTTY and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare mRemoteNG and PuTTY and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare MSYS2 and PuTTY and decide which is most suitable for you.