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Best PuTTY Alternatives in 2026
Free and open-source terminal emulator and SSH client for Windows. Supports SSH, Telnet, SCP, and serial connections for remote server administration and secure communications.
PuTTY is completely free to use in the Developer Tools category. Below you'll find 2 curated alternatives, each with a breakdown of what makes it different and who it's best for. Whether you're looking for a free option, better features, or a different approach, this guide helps you compare your choices.
2 Alternatives to PuTTY
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Side-by-side editorial comparisons against the most-requested alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best alternatives to PuTTY?
The top alternatives to PuTTY include VS Code, Vim/Neovim. Each offers unique features and pricing models to suit different needs.
Is PuTTY free?
Yes, PuTTY is free to use.
What is the best free alternative to PuTTY?
VS Code is a great free/freemium alternative to PuTTY. Editor with terminal
Quick Comparison: PuTTY vs Alternatives
| Tool | Pricing | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| PuTTY | free | Current tool |
| VS Code | free | Editor with terminal |
| Vim/Neovim | free | Terminal editor |