The Best SSH Client for Windows in 2026
PuTTY still works, but it is not 2004 anymore. Here is what a modern Windows SSH client should do — and how to get the same server list on your PC, Mac and phone.
Windows has come a long way for terminal work — there is now a built-in OpenSSH client and a genuinely good Windows Terminal. But if you manage more than a handful of servers, you still want a proper SSH client for Windows with saved connections, key management and file transfer in one place, rather than juggling PowerShell windows and config files.
What to look for
- A modern terminal. Fast, good-looking, with tabs — not a decades-old single-window tool.
- Saved, grouped servers. A searchable sidebar of hosts grouped by client or environment, ready to connect with a click.
- Built-in SFTP. Drag-and-drop file transfer without reaching for a separate program like WinSCP.
- Secure key storage. Keys kept safely by the OS, wired to the right hosts automatically.
- Cross-device sync. The same servers on your PC, your Mac and your phone — set up once, available everywhere.
Beyond PuTTY
PuTTY is reliable and it is free, but it is a single-window, single-purpose tool: no synced server list, no built-in SFTP, no monitoring. For one-off connections it is fine. For managing a fleet — especially if you also work from a Mac or an iPhone — a modern client that keeps everything in sync will save you real time every day.
Our pick: Kestrel
We make Kestrel, a native SSH and server manager for Windows, Mac and iPhone. The Windows app gives you a fast tabbed terminal, a grouped server sidebar, built-in SFTP, secure key storage, live server monitoring, a saved-command library, and RDP. Everything syncs to your Mac and phone over the cloud, and there is a free tier to start.
Download Kestrel for Windows
Free to start — and your servers sync to your Mac and phone too.
Frequently asked questions
Does Windows have a built-in SSH client?
Yes — the OpenSSH client ships with modern Windows, so you can run ssh from PowerShell. A dedicated app adds saved servers, SFTP, keys and sync.
Is there an SSH client for Windows, Mac and iPhone?
Yes — Kestrel runs on all three and keeps your servers in sync across them.
Is it free?
Kestrel has a free tier; Pro unlocks unlimited servers and the full toolkit.