Our verdict: Tabby combines a modern tabbed terminal with an SSH and serial client and a connection manager, so it can replace both Windows Terminal and PuTTY for many users. It is very configurable and looks good out of the box. The cost is weight: it is an Electron app and uses far more memory than native terminals.
About Tabby
Tabby, formerly called Terminus, is a terminal emulator and SSH and serial client released on GitHub under the MIT License. On Windows it runs PowerShell, PowerShell Core, CMD, WSL, Git Bash, Cygwin and MSYS2 shells in tabs and split panes, and uses Clink for proper tab completion in CMD.
The integrated SSH client has a connection manager, port and X11 forwarding, jump hosts, agent forwarding including Pageant, and login scripts. SSH secrets can be kept in an encrypted vault. File transfer works through an SFTP panel or Zmodem, and a serial terminal handles devices on COM ports. Themes and plugins install from the settings screen.
What it does well
- Tabs and split panes. Nested split panes, tabs on any side and an optional Quake-style dropdown window.
- SSH client. Connection manager with port and X11 forwarding, jump hosts and agent forwarding.
- File transfer. SFTP panel and Zmodem transfers inside SSH sessions.
- Serial terminal. Saved serial connections with hex input and output and automatic reconnection.
- Encrypted vault and plugins. Stores SSH secrets in an encrypted container; themes and plugins install in-app.
Who it is for
Good fit
Developers and admins who want one good-looking app for local shells, SSH and serial connections.
Look elsewhere
People on low-memory PCs or anyone who wants a minimal, fast native terminal.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Open source under the MIT License
- Built-in SSH, SFTP and serial client
- Highly configurable with themes and plugins
- Works on Windows, macOS and Linux
Cons
- Electron app with high memory use
- Slower to start than native terminals such as Windows Terminal
How to install Tabby
Download the x64 setup; a portable ZIP is also published, and Tabby runs portable if you create a data folder next to Tabby.exe. On first launch, pick your default shell and theme in Settings. If you save SSH passwords, enable the vault so they are encrypted with a master passphrase.
Questions about Tabby
Is Tabby free?
Yes. Tabby is free and open source under the MIT License.
Can Tabby replace PuTTY?
For most uses, yes. It has an SSH client with saved connections, port forwarding, a serial terminal and file transfer.
Is Tabby the same as Tabby the AI coding assistant?
No. This Tabby is a terminal emulator by Eugeny on GitHub; TabbyML is an unrelated AI project.
