Side by side
ConnectBot vs OpenSSH
Both stand on ssh clients. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Android
Choose ConnectBot if you need a free Android client for remote shell access, SSH sessions, and file transfers. Its open-source code and locally stored credentials may appeal to users who value control over their connection data; those needing a platform other than Android should look elsewhere.
Visit ConnectBot Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
OpenSSH provides a broad set of tools for encrypted remote access, file transfer, and forwarding. Its compatibility limits reflect the project’s practice of disabling options with known weaknesses.
Visit OpenSSHThe facts
| ConnectBot | OpenSSH | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | connectbot.org | openssh.org |
| On ssh clients | #9 of 33 | #5 of 33 |
ConnectBot: what it does well
- Free to use and open source.
- Supports SSH, Telnet, secure tunnels, and port forwarding.
- Keeps simultaneous SSH sessions organized in tabs.
- Saved hosts let users reopen servers from a Host List.
- Terminal profiles can set colors and font size.
What to know first
- Available for Android only.
- Google Play builds may involve Google processing technical data.
- Private keys are excluded from Android system backups by default.
OpenSSH: what it does well
- Includes tools for login, file transfer, and key management
- Supports SSH 2, SFTP, and SCP
- Encryption starts before authentication
- Offers port forwarding and X11 forwarding
- Commercial use is permitted
What to know first
- Interoperability is not guaranteed
- Older protocols and options with known weaknesses are disabled
Alternatives to ConnectBot Alternatives to OpenSSH The whole list