Best SSH, Telnet and Serial Client Applications for Windows Systems

Human beings connect through communication. Languages are the standard way that people use to communicate with one another. Similarly, computers need to build a network where they can create a connection and communicate with each other. Let’s not forget that, in this modern era, we need computers and other peripheral devices to send, share, and receive data. But, security must be considered before data is transmitted from one node to another. Technological advancement has led to digitization, where you can now access a computer not physically present within your network, also known as a remote connection. A client can access the server, use it to perform some activities, and disconnect it when done. Such improvements raise the need for secure communication and connections, leading to the extensive adoption of SSH, Telnet, and serial client applications, which we will further discuss in this article.

What are Serial Client Applications?

Serial Client is a software application that communicates between devices with serial ports. Also, serial ports are the physical interfaces on a computer or other devices that facilitate serial communications; note that this kind of communication involves transmitting data one bit at a time sequentially.

Serial client applications are software programs or tools that allow you to connect and interact with remote devices, computers, or systems through a serial communication interface. In addition, serial connectors initialize a virtual serial connection on the remote computer, hence enabling data transmission from and to the physical serial port of the local system or machine. In most cases, this type of connection is applied when communicating with various hardware types, such as microcontrollers, industry machinery, or network equipment, including switches or routers.

What is Telnet?

Telnet is an essential tool used in remote connection for computers and other devices in the computing and networking world. Telnet protocol provides a command line interface to communicate with a server or a remote machine. It was developed in 1969 and is sometimes used for remote management or initial device setup, such as network hardware. Telnet means Teletype Network with a unique way of allowing remote control of computers through text-based input and output.

Despite being used in the earlier days, Telnet still plays a significant role in the modern world as a remote access solution. Being a client-server protocol, it can initiate a connection and send commands to a server that responds with an output; hence, Telnet allows you as a user to interact with the remote system’s command line interface using TCP as the underlying transport protocol. Thus, it is a valuable tool for system administrators, developers, and users wanting to control or manage remote systems from different places.

What is SSH?

There is a need for secure connections when systems or computers communicate over a network. SSH, which means Secure Shell, is a perfect network protocol that helps establish secure and highly encrypted connections for two or more computers. SSH is a better solution and a safe replacement for Telnet and other shells. It is preferred due to its unique way of encrypting the data transmitted with public-key cryptography, strong passwords, and other powerful mechanisms to prevent unauthorized system access. An SSH client is also used when connecting to a remote computer, making this process possible using a secure shell protocol. Users will have a secure connection between the clients and the server to achieve secured logins, safely transfer files, and securely access headless systems.

Using an SSH client application will let you enjoy the following advantages:

• Secured remote access to SSH-enabled network systems or devices and automated processes
• Safe, automatic, and interactive file transfer sessions
• Secure issuance of commands on remote computers, systems, or other devices
• Safe management of network infrastructure components
• Data encryption to make sure there is secure communication between the client and the server.
• Secure control of a remote computer.
• Security benefits include user authentication, data encryption, host authentication, and data integrity.

Need for SSH, Telnet, and serial connection applications.

• Remote access of devices: With SSH, Telnet, and serial client applications, users can remotely access computers, systems, and other devices. You can use these applications and execute shell commands on a remote machine and receive the same results as you would when sitting in front of a physical computer. Additionally, you will have an excellent platform to establish command line sessions, configure settings, and manage and administer remote systems, servers, and devices in a centralized place.
• Secured connections: The SSH applications are always determined to ensure top-notch secured communication between the server and the client. There is wide usage of encryption and authentication techniques to protect sensitive data when transmitted over the network. Such applications are necessary when using public networks, untrusted networks, and other connections where eavesdropping and unauthorized access are probable.

• File Transferring: These connections allow users to transfer files over networks. SSH applications include SSH File Transfer Protocol and Secure Copy, which secures files while being transferred between local and remote systems.
• Legacy System: Telnet applications are used when accessing legacy systems that do not support SSH or any secure protocols. Keep in mind that there are plenty of older systems, computers, or devices that only rely on Telnet for remote administration. In this case, Telnet provides a safe platform for connecting and managing these Legacy systems.

Best SSH, Telnet, and Serial Client Applications for Windows Systems

In this section, let’s dig deep into some of the best SSH, Telnet, and Serial Client apps for Windows Systems:

1. PuTTY

When considering an SSH, Telnet, and Serial client application for your Windows system, PuTTY is one of the best options. PuTTY is open source, lightweight, with a simple and user-friendly interface. Here is a longstanding tool for SSH that will enable you to run safe remote sessions over a network. Don’t forget that it has a Tenet client, SFTP client, and SSH protocol, ensuring authentication as you transfer your files from one device to another. PuTTY is your excellent solution and free software, which you will use for remote access to servers on the network. It is of great help when connecting your Windows PC with a Linux OS server.

Additionally, it is an outstanding tool for businesses and teams that need less complicated and secure applications for remote connection. Anyone, including technical professionals, can use PuTTY as it has easy steps of installation and it is Windows-friendly. IT administrators often use PuTTY to establish SSH connections for remote systems and save session logging, screen customizations, and session configurations. It is a good starter SSH client for any power users needing applications to achieve a remote connection on their Windows system.

Here are some of the most noticeable features of PuTTY:

• Supports multiple network protocols, including Rlogin, SSH, Telnet, and raw socket connection
• Free and open-source
• It supports SSH1 and SSH2 protocols
• It has a simple and easy-to-use interface
• Capable of saving session configurations, logging, and proxy settings.
• Works well on 32-bit and 64-bit clients
• Putty has a simple and user-friendly interface
• Command-line File Transferring  using SCP and SFTP Clients
• PuTTY is a lightweight application

2. MobaXterm

If you are looking for an enhanced terminal solution that will facilitate remote computing on your Windows System, MobaXterm is your ultimate answer. MobaXTerm is a highly versatile tool that provides remote desktop solutions. From this application, you can launch remote sessions from the “Sessions” button and choose to create SSH, Telnet, or Serial session, Rlogin, RDP, VNC, XDMCP, FTP, SFTP, or Mosh. Remember that each session is saved automatically when managing jobs on your remote Windows desktop. It simplifies remote computing for IT administrators, programmers, web admins, and users while managing remote sessions. With the built-in graphical tools, users can drag and drop files to and from remote servers using the SSH connection. Also, you can use the multi-tab interface to launch multiple independent sessions and display the terminals vertically or horizontally using split modes. Installing this application on your Windows system will offer you an all-in-one app for performing your remote tasks. It is a fantastic solution available on a per-user basis for a one-time, and if you want support, you will go through the provided documentation or online sources. MobaXterm allows you to highlight syntax or use color on keywords, making reading and editing codes and log files more manageable.

More features and functionalities of MobaXterm include:

• It supports SSH, telnet, rlogin, RDP, VNC, FTP, and SFTP.
• MobaXterm has x server, plugin support, and macro support
• Includes SSH gateways and SSH tunnels for port forwarding
• Supports multiple tabs in a single window.
• Excellent text editor and tons of options for customization
• Allows users to highlight syntax or use multiple colors for different keywords
• It includes a session manager, and it is a portable and light application
• MobaXterm supports password-secured credential manager
• Allows Session Recording, Session Transfer, and File Sharing
• MobaXterm is a user-friendly application

3. SecureCRT

Computer users need an effective method that will allow them to connect to remote devices and necessary terminal sessions. One of the most popular ways to communicate to these devices is the SecureCRT, which you will efficiently use on your Windows system when accessing remote computers, devices, or servers.  It is a highly productive tool with a top-notch interface, standard security, and quality emulation. SecureCRT is a product that is determined to provide quick connection options, as you can easily connect without configurations. Users are fond of it due to the Windows-style interface, which allows the users to navigate in a much-simplified manner. After downloading the package, you will test its functionalities through the trial version and proceed with the paid version with extended access. SecureCRT is convenient as it enables you to multitask, rename a window from the Windows taskbar, or use the filter bar to search for sessions, local shells, or open scripts. It is a popular choice for system admins because it is an SSH client offering excellent support for SSH1, SSH2, Telnet, and other protocols. Safety is highly ensured when transferring files or any access to a remote device by the 2FA, and even tighter security with smart cards. Feel free to use keyword shortcuts provided by the application, making sessions easier and ultimately saving time.

Some of SecureCRT’s many features include:

• Supports SSH1, SSH2, telnet, rlogin, Serial, RAW and TAPI protocols
• It enables you to drag and drop multiple sessions
• It has color customization and line wrapping for ease of use
• Includes sessions management and advanced encryption features make it a secure tool
• Allows tabbed interface
• SecureCRT provides tabbed, multi-tiled, and cloned sessions.
• Has the  capability to store sessions and credentials
• SecureCRT has a 30-day free trial is available.
• Color customization and session appearance can be customized.

4. Solar-PuTTY

With technological advancement, everyone is looking for modern applications that match their needs. Solar PuTTY is a popular and contemporary Windows SSH client with many benefits and features to make remote connection efficient and productive. It is highly utilized for its multi-tab interface and support for multiple sessions from one console.  You will love it since it supports protocols including SSH, Telnet, and others. Notably, the tabbed interface helps you establish a couple of sessions, and you can switch between them. Solarwinds, a top-notch company that produces excellent applications for administrators and other professionals, developed this free SSH client. Also, with Solar-PuTTY, you can save sessions locally, resume them later, and automate all or most of the scripts on login. Users can still use Solar-PuTTY and establish SSH connections securely on their Windows work machines when they do not have admin privileges. Let’s not forget that this software allows you to customize colors and is the best way to help you organize sessions and other tasks. In addition, Solar-PuTTY has an intuitive Graphical User Interface; hence, it is user-friendly and a convenient product for everyone to use.

Here are some of the Solar-Putty features:

• Supports SSH, Telnet, SFTP, and SCP protocols
• Solar-Putty allows you to save your credentials, besides configuration
• It provides quick access to recent sessions
• It has a browser-like UI that is simple to use
• Solar-Putty has a tabbed interface that makes it easy to switch between sessions
• It helps to organize and customize sessions and groups to meet your preferences.
• Manages Multiple Sessions From One Console
• It has a dedicated Search Bar
• Allow Credential Login and Supports Login Scripts
• Solar PuTTY is free and open-source.

5. mRemoteNG

People and organizations use applications to access remote servers and devices for various reasons. Some use them to create a tunnel to safely get confidential information through unsecured connections, secure networks, and more. MRemoteNG is among the widely used apps supporting multiple protocols and effectively handles remote connections. An outstanding  SSH client supports Windows 10 and other versions of Windows.

Additionally, it has a tabbed interface that enables users to perform multiple tasks while viewing all the remote connections. Installing it on your computer provides a platform where you can create folders that will help you organize sessions during a remote connection. Most users and professionals prefer this product due to its simplicity, multiple protocol sessions, and non-paid version. Therefore, it is an excellent option for those searching for simple functioning software with powerful functionalities and a tabbed interface.

Some of mRemoteNG’s salient features include:

• It supports RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)
• mRemoteNG comes with a tabbed interface
• It has a powerful tabbed interface for viewing all the remote connections.
• It is a multi-protocol and open-source  remote connections manager tool
• Supports various protocols, including SSH, Telnet, RDP, VNC, ICS HTTP/HTTPS, login, and Raw Socket Connections.
• Free and has a lightweight GUI.
• Allows storing credentials securely for future use.
• Supports power shell remoting

6. Zoc

Are you looking for an application that you can use to access the resources of a remote machine? Zoc is an SSH client and a terminal emulator compatible with Windows and MacOS. It is an elegant and dependable software with powerful features for establishing a remote connection. You will use Zoc to connect to hosts and mainframes through SSH, Telnet, Serial cable, and others. Having this app on your Windows system will help you interact with a modern interface, which will make your life easier when communicating with remote devices. Zoc claims to be versatile, robust, and proven and promises to give users the best experience. Also, you will have the advantage of interacting with the tabbed sessions with thumbnails, codes, hosts, an address book full of folders, and other compelling features. Having this application on your computer will expose you to admin-friendly deployment, and you will enjoy Zoc over 200 scripting languages. In addition, you can customize it until it suits your preferences. Zoc has top-notch features you will explore once you install it on your Windows system.

Here are more features offered by Zoc:

• Allows communication through SSH, Telnet, Rlogin, Modem, Serial Cable
• Supports SCP, FTP, SFTP, FTPS, Zmodem, Xmodem, Ymodem, Kermit
• Extensive logging, complete keyboard remapping, and scrollback
• User-defined buttons, macro recorder, automatic actions
• It features a full-fledged terminal and text editor
• Compatible with Windows 10/11 and macOS
• Highly customizable to meet your needs
• Zoc supports tabbed sessions with thumbnails

7. KiTTY

When you want to access a remote server or computer, you should consider KiTTY as an application that will establish a reliable connection. KiTTY is a well-known SSH client that is based on PuTTY version 0.71. You will enjoy the automatic password feature, which provides security when connecting to Telnet, SSH-1, and SSH-2 servers. With the help of KiTTY, you can run commands on a remote device’s command line. Also, it is an open-source SSH client that will allow you to create scripts and log in automatically. Being a fork version of PuTTY, it has all its features, and it is designed for Windows and written using the C language. Having it on your Windows system will expose you to its advanced features and provide a platform for running remote sessions. KiTTY is a free product that offers a chat system, a text editor, and shortcuts for pre-defined commands. If you are a beginner in Information Technology, you will appreciate the KiTTY user-friendly interface.

KiTTY features:

• Enables SSH, Telnet, and Rlogin
• Sessions filter, Portability, and Automatic password.
• Supports locally created scripts
• Allows duplicate sessions
• KiTTY has a user-friendly interface
• Free and user-friendly
• Highly integrated with Windows System
• KiTTY has a ‘send to the tray’ feature and an icon for each session.
• It is integrated with pscp.exe and WinSCP.

Final Thought

In this modern world, working from home is prevalent, and it is not reasonable to always access a server physically anytime you want to perform administrative tasks. Also, you can use different methods to access data, transfer files, and control endpoints using remote access software. SSH, Telnet, and serial client applications are the best software you should consider in these cases. Keeping in mind that modern challenges require digital approaches as the solutions. Thus, the above applications will help you achieve a solid and secure connection anytime you want to access remote servers or devices. Therefore, click on the download button to install them on your Windows System and enjoy the benefits they portray.

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