Best Secure Shell Alternatives in 2026
Secure Shell is a strong option, but it is not the right fit for everyone. Below are 0 alternatives compared on rating, install base, pricing and the use case each one actually wins on.
About Secure Shell
Secure Shell is an xterm-compatible terminal emulator and stand-alone ssh client for Chrome. It uses Native-Client to connect directly to ssh servers without the need for external proxies. A SFTP command line client is included. On ChromeOS, you can create SFTP mounts and access them from the Files app! An alpha build of Mosh is included now too. It has been well tested for a couple of years. Please read the FAQ, available here: https://hterm.org/x/ssh/faq. You can also exchange feedback in the chromium-hterm mailing list, available here: https://hterm.org/x/ssh/contact. The changelog is available here: https://hterm.org/x/ssh/changelog
Comparison at a glance
| Extension | Rating | Users | Pricing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Secure Shell (original) | 4.1 | 900K+ | Free | Terminal emulator and SSH and SFTP client. |
Secure Shell alternatives in detail
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Secure Shell?
Browse the directory category for comparable options.
Is there a free alternative to Secure Shell?
Most options in this category are freemium, with a usable free tier for evaluation.