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Tabby

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What Tabby is

Tabby is a free, open-source terminal app for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It connects to local shells, serial devices, SSH servers, and Telnet hosts, with an integrated SSH2 client and connection manager plus a serial terminal with profiles and input modes. SSH sessions support SFTP and Zmodem transfers, X11 and port forwarding, jump hosts, and agent forwarding. The app supports PowerShell, PS Core, WSL, Git-Bash, Cygwin, Cmder, and CMD. It can restore open tabs and split panes after you leave, and supports nested panes with simultaneous input. An encrypted container stores SSH secrets and configuration; an optional password manager uses a master passphrase. Customization includes CSS themes, color schemes, shortcuts, and plugins. Tabby also lists GPU acceleration, session sync, and a scripting API. Windows features include tab completion, Explorer integration, and portable mode. Its plan is free FOSS, and the page provides download and GitHub links without stating dedicated support terms.

Who it suits

Tabby suits people who need a terminal across desktop operating systems, including users working with SSH, serial, Telnet, or local shell connections. Its pane, session, and customization options may also suit people managing several terminal tasks at once.

What it does well

  • Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Connects to local shells, serial, SSH, and Telnet.
  • SSH sessions support SFTP and Zmodem transfers.
  • Remembers tabs and split panes after leaving.
  • Offers encrypted SSH storage and optional password manager.

What to know first

  • No dedicated support terms are stated.
  • Password manager is optional and requires a master passphrase.

Plans

PlanBilled and limitsPrice
Free FOSS—On request

As tabby.sh lists them, read 27 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

  1. Visit the Tabby website.
  2. Choose the download for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
  3. Open Tabby and choose a local shell, serial connection, SSH session, or Telnet connection.
  4. Set up shell profiles, connection profiles, or SSH connections as needed.
  5. Arrange panes and configure themes, shortcuts, or plugins.

Verdict

Tabby brings several connection types, SSH tools, and flexible pane layouts into a free FOSS terminal. Readers who need dedicated support terms should note that none are stated.

Questions

Is Tabby free?

Yes. Tabby is available as a forever-free FOSS product.

Which platforms does Tabby support?

Tabby supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.

What connections can I use in Tabby?

It supports local shells, serial connections, SSH, and Telnet.

Does Tabby support SSH file transfers?

Yes. SSH sessions support SFTP and Zmodem transfers.

Can Tabby remember my workspace?

Yes. It remembers open tabs and split panes after you leave the app.

What integrations does Tabby include?

It includes WinSCP integration and shell profiles.

Facts from Tabby's own pages

Customization options
Supports CSS themes, color schemes, configurable shortcuts, and plugins. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
File transfer
Supports SFTP and Zmodem transfers to and from SSH sessions. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
Free plan
Yes · tabby.sh, 20 Sept 2026
Free tier
The app is available as a forever-free FOSS product. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
GPU acceleration
Yes · tabby.sh, 20 Sept 2026
Integrations
Includes WinSCP integration and shell profiles. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
Pane layout
Supports multiple nested panes and simultaneous multi-pane input. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
Password manager
Offers an optional built-in password manager with a master passphrase. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
Pricing model
Free and open-source software. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
Scripting API
Yes · tabby.sh, 20 Sept 2026
Encrypted storage
Provides an encrypted container for SSH secrets and configuration. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
Serial terminal
Includes an integrated serial terminal with connection profiles and input modes. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
Session sync
Yes · tabby.sh, 20 Sept 2026
Shell support
Supports PowerShell, PS Core, WSL, Git-Bash, Cygwin, Cmder, and CMD. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
Split panes
Yes · tabby.sh, 20 Sept 2026
SSH client
Includes an integrated SSH2 client with a connection manager. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
SSH features
Includes X11 and port forwarding, jump hosts, and agent forwarding. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
SSH support
Yes · tabby.sh, 20 Sept 2026
Supported platforms
Windows, Mac, and Linux. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
Support model
The page provides a download and GitHub link, but states no dedicated support terms. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
Tab persistence
Remembers open tabs and split panes after leaving the app. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
Telnet client
Includes a Telnet client. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
Connection types
Supports local shells, serial, SSH, and Telnet connections. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026
Windows features
Provides shell support, tab completion, Explorer integration, and portable mode. · tabby.sh, 27 Sept 2026

Where Tabby stands on Freedom251

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