Our verdict: MobaXterm packs an SSH client, an X11 server, an SFTP browser and RDP and VNC clients into one Windows app, which makes it very handy for admins and anyone running Linux GUI programs remotely. The free Home Edition is fully usable but capped at 12 saved sessions, 2 SSH tunnels and 4 macros. Deploying it for several users in a company requires the paid Professional Edition.
About MobaXterm Home Edition
MobaXterm is a closed-source remote computing toolbox for Windows made by the French company Mobatek. It opens SSH, telnet, rlogin, Mosh, RDP, VNC and XDMCP sessions in tabs, and its built-in X server shows Linux graphical programs over X11 forwarding. When you connect over SSH, a side panel opens an SFTP browser for the remote files automatically.
The Home Edition is free under Mobatek's license and may be used at work, as long as the person who uses it downloads and installs it personally. It is limited to 12 saved sessions, 2 SSH tunnels, 4 macros and 360 seconds of run time for the built-in TFTP, NFS and Cron servers. The Professional Edition removes those limits, allows company-wide deployment and lets admins customize the app.
What it does well
- Tabbed remote sessions. SSH, telnet, rlogin, Mosh, RDP, VNC and XDMCP sessions in one window.
- Built-in X server. Runs remote Linux graphical apps on your Windows desktop through X11 forwarding.
- Automatic SFTP browser. Shows remote files in a side panel during SSH sessions for drag-and-drop transfers.
- Local Unix tools. A local terminal with common Unix commands such as bash, grep, ssh and rsync.
- SSH tunnels and macros. Graphical SSH tunnel manager and recorded macros, with limits in the free edition.
Who it is for
Good fit
System administrators and developers on Windows who connect to Linux servers and need X11 or several protocols.
Look elsewhere
Mac or Linux users, companies that want to roll it out to many PCs for free, or people who prefer open-source tools.
Pros and cons
Pros
- SSH, X server, SFTP, RDP and VNC in one app
- Automatic SFTP panel in SSH sessions
- Portable version available
- Free Home Edition allowed for personal use at work
Cons
- Home Edition limited to 12 sessions, 2 SSH tunnels and 4 macros
- Closed source and Windows only
- Cannot be deployed across a company without the paid edition
How to install MobaXterm Home Edition
The installer is a ZIP file: extract it and run the MSI inside, keeping the .dat file next to it. A portable ZIP version is offered on the same page. On first start, allow the X server through Windows Firewall only for private networks if you need it.
Questions about MobaXterm Home Edition
Is MobaXterm free?
The Home Edition is free. It is limited to 12 sessions, 2 SSH tunnels and 4 macros; the paid Professional Edition removes the limits.
Can I use MobaXterm Home Edition at work?
Yes, if you download and install it yourself for your own use. Deploying it to other users or sharing one installation needs the Professional Edition.
Does MobaXterm include an X server?
Yes. It has a built-in X11 server, so Linux graphical programs run over SSH show up as windows on your PC.
