Our verdict: Bitvise SSH Client is one of the most complete free SSH tools for Windows: terminal, graphical SFTP, tunneling and command-line clients come in one installer. It is free for any use, including in companies, and has no ads or bundled offers. The interface is dated and settings-heavy, and it runs only on Windows.
About Bitvise SSH Client
Bitvise SSH Client combines a terminal with xterm, VT-100 and bvterm emulation, a graphical SFTP client with resumable and recursive transfers, and SSH port forwarding with a built-in SOCKS and HTTP CONNECT proxy for dynamic tunneling. It supports Ed25519, ECDSA and RSA keys, Kerberos single sign-on, SSH jump proxies, post-quantum key exchange and one-click Remote Desktop forwarding.
The client is free for all types of use, including in organizations; Bitvise funds it through licenses for its SSH Server. The installer also adds scriptable command-line tools: sftpc for SFTP, sexec for remote commands, stermc for a terminal and stnlc for tunnels. SFTP drive mapping makes a remote server appear as a drive in any Windows app, and an FTP-to-SFTP bridge lets old FTP programs connect securely.
What it does well
- Graphical SFTP. File transfers with resume, recursive copies and directory mirroring.
- Terminal. xterm, VT-100 and bvterm emulation with session recording.
- Port forwarding. Static rules and dynamic tunneling through a built-in SOCKS and HTTP proxy.
- SFTP drive mapping. Shows a remote SFTP server as a drive letter in Windows.
- Command-line tools. sftpc, sexec, stermc and stnlc for scripts and automation.
Who it is for
Good fit
Windows users and admins who want SSH, SFTP and tunneling in one free tool, including for scripted transfers.
Look elsewhere
macOS and Linux users, and people who want a modern, minimal interface.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free for all uses, including businesses
- Terminal, SFTP and tunneling in one app
- SFTP drive mapping and FTP-to-SFTP bridge
- Scriptable command-line clients included
Cons
- Windows only
- Dated interface with many tabs and settings
- Some features, such as the bvterm console, work only with Bitvise SSH Server
How to install Bitvise SSH Client
The button downloads the latest signed installer from Bitvise's server; it contains no ads or bundled products. Upgrading is done by running a newer installer, which keeps your settings. Save connection settings as a profile to reuse them, or start the client from the command line with -profile for portable use.
Questions about Bitvise SSH Client
Is Bitvise SSH Client free?
Yes. Bitvise says its SSH client is free for use of all types, including in organizations. The company is funded by licenses of its SSH Server.
Can Bitvise SSH Client be used as a SOCKS proxy?
Yes. Dynamic port forwarding turns the client into a local SOCKS4, SOCKS5 and HTTP CONNECT proxy that tunnels traffic through the SSH server.
Does Bitvise SSH Client support SSH keys?
Yes. It supports Ed25519, ECDSA and RSA public key authentication and includes a user keypair manager.
