saasrankedSoftware, ranked on the facts

SSH client · Bitvise Limited

Bitvise SSH Client

Free Windows SSH client with graphical SFTP, tunnelling, jump hosts and command-line tools.

57/100

#9 of 12 SSH clients
Facts checked 8 Oct 2026

In short

Bitvise suits Windows users who want a free SFTP and tunnelling client with scripting from the command line1,3. The catches: it has no agent of its own, the vendor pages list no apps for other systems, and they list no serial port, master password, session folders or smart card login1,4,8.

Best for: Windows users who want a free client with graphical SFTP and tunnelling.

Where the points come from

Connections28 of 35
Keys and security5 of 25
Sessions and workflow10 of 18
Other systems0 of 8
Price14 of 14

Connections 28 of 35 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
Built-in SFTP file transferYesPage describes a graphical SFTP client and the sftpc command-line client1,3.7 / 7
SSH agent forwardingYesCan forward Pageant and Cygwin OpenSSH agents to the server-side terminal session4.6 / 6
X11 forwardingYesHelp page describes X11 forwarding, enabled on the Terminal tab; you need your own X server5.5 / 5
Port forwardingYesPort forwarding guide describes client-to-server rules; server-to-client rules are described as symmetric1,6.4 / 4
Jump hostsYesPage says you can connect to a server through an SSH jump server1.6 / 6
Serial port connectionsNot publishedNot published on the vendor's client page, which lists no serial connection1.0 / 4
Other protocolsNoneClient tunnels Remote Desktop and VNC but does not open them; no Telnet listed1.0 / 3

Keys and security 5 of 25 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
Key generator and key agentYesUser keypair manager generates, imports and exports keys; a shared keypair database holds them. No agent of its own1,4,8.5 / 5
Security key or smart card loginNot publishedNot published on the vendor's client page or key help page1,8.0 / 6
Saved logins locked by a master passwordNot publishedNot published on the vendor's unattended-use or key help pages8,10.0 / 6
Open sourceNot publishedNot published; the licence page refers to an end-user licence agreement2.0 / 6
SOC 2 Type II or ISO 27001Not publishedNot found on the vendor's client pages1,2.0 / 2

Sessions and workflow 10 of 18 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
Saved sessions in foldersNot publishedNot published on the vendor's pages; profiles are described but not folders or groups10.0 / 4
Scripting or automationYesCommand-line clients sexec, sftpc and stnlc run unattended commands, transfers and tunnels1,10.5 / 5
Sync saved sessions between devicesNot publishedNot published on the vendor's client pages1,10.0 / 4
Portable versionYesCopy the install folder to a USB key, or extract the installer, and run with -noRegistry; no dedicated portable download described9.2 / 2
Updated in the last 12 monthsYesVersion history lists 9.66, dated 20 July 20267.3 / 3

Other systems 0 of 8 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
Other systemsNoneClient page lists only Windows versions as supported1.0 / 8

Price 14 of 14 points

RuleWhat is publishedPoints
Free for work useYesLicence page says it is free of charge in all types of environments, without limitation2.6 / 6
Cheapest uncapped edition, per year$0Free edition has no stated limit and allows use in organisations; optional paid licences exist, with no price stated2.8 / 8

The rule behind each line: how we score SSH clients.

Plans and prices

As the vendor lists them, before tax. Prices are in US dollars unless the plan shows euros; the points use US dollars, with euros converted at the ECB rate.

PlanPrice as listedPer monthNotes
Free1 person or organisationFree2$0Free for all types of use, with no time limit stated

The licence page says paid licences are optional and add slightly stronger support and upgrade commitments and indemnification; no price is stated there2.

Strengths

  • Free for all uses, including organisations2.
  • Graphical SFTP client with resumable transfers and an SFTP drive1.
  • Command-line tools sexec, sftpc and stnlc automate commands, transfers and tunnels1,3.
  • Can be run from a USB key after extracting the client files9.
  • Version 9.66 is dated 20 July 20267.

Limits

  • Windows only; the page lists no macOS, Linux or mobile client1.
  • No authentication agent of its own, and the Windows 10 OpenSSH agent is not supported4.
  • No smart card, PKCS#11 or security key login is listed on the vendor pages1,8.
  • A free licence does not include indemnification; a purchased licence does2.

Other SSH clients

  1. 1
    TabbyPeople who want a free, open-source terminal with SSH built in
    81/100
    $0cheapest uncapped edition, per year
  2. 2
    TermiusPeople who connect from a PC and a phone and want saved hosts to sync
    80/100
    $0cheapest uncapped edition, per year
  3. 3
    MobaXtermWindows admins who want SSH, SFTP, X11 and remote desktop in one window
    76/100
    $23/yrcheapest uncapped edition, per year
  4. 4
    SecureCRTAdmins who want a paid, scriptable client with a one-time licence
    71/100
    $39.67/yrcheapest uncapped edition, per year

All 12 SSH clients

Sources

  1. Bitvise SSH Client, Bitvise. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  2. Bitvise SSH Client license, Bitvise. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  3. Bitvise SSH Client parameters, Bitvise. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  4. PuTTY and OpenSSH authentication agents, Bitvise. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  5. X11 forwarding, Bitvise. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  6. Port forwarding guide, Bitvise. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  7. Bitvise SSH Client version history, Bitvise. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  8. Public keys in SSH, Bitvise. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  9. Bitvise SSH Client portable use, Bitvise. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.
  10. Unattended use of the SSH Client, Bitvise. Accessed 8 Oct 2026.

Website: www.bitvise.com/ssh-client · Markdown version · We are not affiliated with Bitvise Limited.