6 Best Terminal Emulators I Recommend for Any Skill Level

I’ll admit it: I’m not a hardcore command-line junkie.

I’m not out here writing complex scripts to automate my entire life, and I definitely don’t juggle multiple remote servers daily. However, as a tech enthusiast (and a marketer who enjoys exploring new tools), I spent a considerable amount of time evaluating the best terminal emulator software. I dug deep into hundreds of G2 reviews to see which ones actually stand out for everyday users like me

I wasn’t searching for the most complex, feature-packed tools built solely for tech wizards. My goal was simple: to find terminal emulators that make life easier,  whether you're a seasoned pro or just someone who wants the command line to behave (and look cool while doing it).

And here’s what I discovered: Terminal emulators are a lot like coffee orders; there’s something for everyone, and once you find your perfect match, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Whether you’re a developer, a sysadmin, or just a curious explorer like me, this list is packed with insights and G2 user reviews.

Let’s dive into the wonderful, slightly intimidating, but surprisingly awesome world of terminal emulators. 

6 best terminal emulator software I recommend

The terminal emulator software market is projected to reach $9.33 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 15.3%.  Before I started my evaluation, a terminal emulator sounded like something only tech geniuses and developers would care about. Spoiler alert: it’s not. 

If you’re like me and spend part of your time on a command line interface (whether for work, troubleshooting, or just to feel techy), a terminal emulator is basically your window into that world. 

Think of it as the translator between you and your operating system. It’s where you type commands to get things done — running programs, managing files, or even controlling remote servers. The “emulator” part means it mimics old-school terminals but with all the modern bells and whistles.

Evaluating terminal emulators as someone who isn’t a command-line guru was a ride. I focused on features like split panes, themes, and shortcuts, looking at how these show up in user reviews. I also paid close attention to how easy each tool is to set up, especially for users who don’t want to wade through dense documentation just to get going.

What I looked for in the best terminal emulator? My criteria

When evaluating terminal emulators, I didn’t want to be swayed by flashy features or polished themes. Instead, I focused on practical elements that consistently affect everyday use, prioritizing what real users emphasize in their feedback over surface-level appeal.

• Ease of use and setup: Let’s face it — no one wants to spend hours configuring their terminal before they can even use it. A great terminal emulator should have an intuitive installation process and minimal setup hurdles. I looked for tools that strike a balance between powerful customization options and an easy-to-navigate interface that doesn’t require digging through endless documentation. Bonus points for emulators that come with pre-configured settings to get up and running quickly.
• Customization and themes: A terminal should feel like your space, meaning customization is key. From color schemes and fonts to layout configurations and keyboard shortcuts, I explored how much control each emulator gives you over the look and feel. Some tools offer simple dropdown menus for tweaking the interface, while others delve deep into dotfiles and configuration scripts —  perfect for those who love to fine-tune every detail.
• Performance and speed: Nobody wants their computer terminal to lag,  especially when running resource-heavy commands or managing multiple sessions. I focused on how well each emulator handled multitasking, such as running multiple tabs, split panes, and heavy processes simultaneously. Smooth scrolling, quick rendering, and low resource consumption were high on my checklist because, let’s be honest, no one enjoys a sluggish command line experience.
• Feature set and productivity boosters: The best terminal emulator isn’t just about typing commands; it should enhance your workflow. I looked for productivity-boosting features such as split panes for multitasking, built-in SSH clients for remote connections, and session management to pick up where you left off. Extras like GPU acceleration, plugin support, and smart auto-suggestions were also considered,  because who doesn’t love a little efficiency boost?
• Cross-platform compatibility: Whether you're on Windows, macOS, or Linux, your terminal emulator should feel like home across different environments. I evaluated how well each tool integrates across platforms and whether it maintains consistency in performance and features. Some emulators are platform-specific and deeply optimized, while others aim for a seamless cross-platform experience; both have their strengths, depending on your needs.

Considering all these factors, alongside user reviews and my research,  I narrowed down the 6 best terminal emulators out of 12+ solutions that strike the right balance between power, usability, and good old-fashioned convenience.

The list below contains genuine user reviews from the best terminal emulator category page. To be included in this category, a solution must:

• Emulate a traditional computer terminal
• Create a functional terminal window
• Provide a command-line or text user interface

*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.  

1. Rocket Terminal Emulator: Best for industry-standard security and robust features

Based on user feedback, Rocket Terminal Emulator bucks the stereotype of being overly complex or intimidating. While some terminal tools expect deep technical know-how, reviewers consistently describe Rocket as refreshingly straightforward. From installation to initial setup, many users mention a clean experience, free from cryptic errors, dependency nightmares, or overwhelming config files. It’s the kind of setup that even casual users say they can manage without breaking a sweat.

Visually, Rocket Terminal Emulator gets a lot of love for its modern interface. Unlike some terminals that still feel stuck in the ‘90s, reviewers on G2 frequently highlight Rocket’s polished look and clean UI. The tab management experience stands out as well. Users appreciate being able to switch between sessions smoothly, with drag-and-drop functionality that makes multitasking much easier.

Autocomplete is another feature that gets high marks. Many reviewers mention how helpful it is for guiding them through commands without being overly intrusive. It strikes a balance between being supportive and staying out of the way, especially helpful for those who aren’t living in the terminal all day.

The quick-command palette is another crowd favorite. It allows users to store and reuse common commands with a shortcut, reducing repetitive typing and minimizing mistakes. In fact, according to G2 Data, 92% users praise its command-line interface. 

Rocket also supports session persistence, which means users can close the terminal and return to exactly where they left off — a small but powerful win for anyone who has ever lost their workflow due to a reboot or update.

That said, I noticed that resource efficiency is generally solid, though resource usage does come up in a few reviews. Users running multiple panes simultaneously have reported occasional spikes in RAM usage. While this isn’t a major issue for casual use, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning heavier, multitask-oriented workloads. Overall, the platform continues to handle most tasks smoothly and reliably.

While Rocket covers the basics well, it provides essential functionality without being overwhelming. Although it doesn’t offer as many integrations with dev tools, cloud platforms, or productivity boosters, the core features are stable and dependable. Some G2 reviewers have mentioned missing features, such as Git status indicators or secure shell (SSH) profiles; however, for many users, Rocket still effectively meets standard emulator needs.

What I dislike about Rocket Terminal Emulator:

• I've noticed that running multiple panes simultaneously can occasionally cause a spike in RAM usage. While resource efficiency is generally solid, a few G2 reviewers mention this, making it something to consider for heavier multitasking workloads.
• Rocket doesn’t offer as many integrations with dev tools or cloud platforms as I would like. Some G2 reviewers also noted the absence of features like Git status indicators or SSH profiles, but for standard emulator needs, it still gets the job done.

What G2 users dislike about Rocket Terminal Emulator:

“Although infrequent, we encounter IBM capabilities that are not fully supported via TE. For example, TE SSO provides the capability to access the IBM I easily without having to enter user credentials. However, if you attempt to use file transfer functionality, you must enter your credentials.”

- Rocket Terminal Emulator Review, Michael D.

2. PuTTY: Best for simplicity and lightweight, no-cost access

If you’ve ever Googled “SSH client for Windows,” you’ve probably come across PuTTY. It’s been around forever, and for good reason, it’s lightweight, reliable, and does exactly what it says on the tin. 

As someone who’s not a terminal expert, I approached PuTTY with a mix of curiosity and caution. Can it hold up to modern alternatives, or is it more akin to stepping back into the early 2000s? 

PuTTY gets high marks for being quick to install and easy to run. G2 reviewers frequently mention that it demands very little from your system and starts up without any hassle. However, once launched, the interface often reminds users of a much earlier era. It’s minimal and purely functional, no themes or visual frills, just a utilitarian layout that does the job.

SSH session setup is generally described as straightforward, but it does have a learning curve. Many users note that PuTTY leans heavily on manual configuration. Tasks such as saving sessions, managing authentication keys, and adjusting connection settings require navigating dense option menus, which some find intimidating or outdated.

That said, session logging is a standout feature. Reviewers appreciate how easy it is to capture all activity during a session, a must-have for those managing remote servers or troubleshooting recurring issues. Port forwarding is also built in, which users find helpful for securely accessing remote services without needing third-party tools.

While PuTTY is lightweight and reliable, it does have some limitations. One commonly mentioned drawback is the lack of tabbed sessions; each connection opens in a separate window, which can get cluttered fast. Several users also flag that saved sessions aren’t encrypted, raising concerns around credential security.

Another adjustment for modern users is PuTTY’s older copy-paste mechanism. The highlighting method may feel outdated to some and requires a bit of getting used to. Still, for those seeking a no-frills terminal emulator, PuTTY remains a dependable option that continues to get the basics right.

What I dislike about PuTTY:

• I found PuTTY’s lack of tabbed sessions a bit frustrating, as each connection opens in a separate window. Several G2 reviewers have mentioned the same, which can make managing multiple sessions cumbersome.
• Another thing I noticed is that saved sessions aren’t encrypted, which raises security concerns. This limitation is echoed in G2 reviews, so it’s worth keeping in mind if you handle sensitive credentials.

What G2 users dislike about PuTTY:

“One downside of PuTTY is that it lacks a built-in file transfer interface, so I need to use a separate tool like WinSCP to transfer files between my local machine and remote servers. Additionally, the user interface, while functional, can feel a bit outdated compared to more modern SSH clients. Lastly, the absence of a tabbed interface can be inconvenient when working with multiple sessions, as I have to open several application instances instead of having everything organized in a single window.”

- PuTTY Review, Manuel Ángel G.

3. Solar-PuTTY: Best for tabbed sessions and automated scripts

After using the no-frills PuTTY, I was eager to find out what Solar-PuTTY offers with its modernized approach. Developed by SolarWinds, it enhances PuTTY's core functionality by wrapping it in a more user-friendly and feature-rich experience. 

The updated interface is one of the first things G2 users appreciate about Solar-PuTTY. Unlike PuTTY’s traditional design, this version features a more modern tabbed layout, streamlined session management, and a built-in search function that helps users quickly navigate saved connections.

Installation is also frequently described as seamless. According to reviews, the setup process involves a simple download and installation, with no extra steps or configuration hurdles, making it easy to get started right away.

Session organization and search capabilities are among Solar-PuTTY’s most praised features. G2 reviewers frequently compare it to PuTTY’s more manual process, highlighting how easy it is to search for and organize saved sessions using color-coded tags. This level of structure is especially helpful for users who manage multiple environments or frequently switch between servers.

The built-in credential manager also receives positive feedback. Users appreciate being able to securely store SSH credentials and avoid re-entering passwords repeatedly. That said, a few reviewers have pointed out that the encryption settings aren’t immediately clear, prompting some to consult the documentation to better understand the tool’s security measures.

Solar-PuTTY’s tabbed interface is another standout. Rather than opening each connection in a separate window, sessions are neatly managed within tabs, allowing for easier navigation and a less cluttered desktop. Users also mention being able to arrange tabs based on priority, which helps create a more structured and streamlined workflow.

The platform delivers strong performance for most use cases, handling typical workloads smoothly. Performance, however, isn’t flawless at scale. Some G2 users have noted that while the tool manages a few connections well, it can experience occasional lag or freezing when running a larger number of sessions simultaneously, particularly around ten or more. Even so, for standard day-to-day use, the tool remains reliable and effective.

What I dislike about Solar-PuTTY:

• I noticed that performance can dip when managing a large number of sessions simultaneously.
• While the platform handles typical workloads smoothly, several G2 reviewers reported occasional lag or freezing around ten or more connections, which is something to keep in mind for heavier use.

What G2 users dislike about Solar-PuTTY:

“While it excels at connection, to cloud workloads and efficient session management, it falls short in terms of built-in security features. Although you are combining it with SSH for encryption, having its security measures would be more convenient. It lacks a mode and customizable themes, and the interface is blurry.”

- Solar-PuTTY Review, Andy W.

4. MobaXTerm: Best for comprehensive remote computing

Launching MobaXTerm feels less like opening a basic terminal emulator and more like stepping into a full remote access toolkit. G2 reviewers often describe it as an all-in-one solution for both local command-line work and remote connectivity.

Unlike more minimalist terminals, MobaXTerm comes packed with features beyond SSH. Users frequently highlight built-in tools, such as an X11 server, SFTP file browser, and remote desktop support. That said, some reviews raise concerns about usability, particularly for those unfamiliar with command-line tools, suggesting that the breadth of features can initially feel overwhelming.

MobaXTerm earns praise for its ease to use and simplicity to set up. According to G2 reviewers, the availability of a portable version enables users to run the software without installation, making it particularly convenient for use across multiple machines or in locked-down environments.

Session management is another area where MobaXTerm stands out. Users highlight its ability to organize SSH, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), and FTP sessions with ease,  complete with saved credentials, custom descriptions, and automatic reconnections. This structured setup helps streamline workflows, particularly for those managing multiple remote systems. According to G2 Data, 86% users praise it for its session transfer and 82% for its session recording capabilities. 

The built-in graphical SFTP browser is often cited as a favorite feature. Rather than switching to an external client, users can manage file transfers right alongside terminal sessions via a drag-and-drop interface. Many appreciate how this keeps their workflow uninterrupted when working with remote servers.

Multi-execution mode also gets attention from advanced users, thanks to its time-saving capabilities. G2 reviewers describe how it allows them to run the same command across multiple SSH sessions simultaneously. That said, some suggest using it carefully to avoid accidental command repetition across servers, but the feature remains highly valuable for routine tasks.

Despite its extensive features, the platform delivers strong performance for most use cases. A few users have noted that MobaXTerm can slow down when managing multiple active sessions, particularly when X11 forwarding is enabled. While this is a trade-off for those pushing the tool to its limits, typical daily usage remains smooth and dependable.

Users who prefer a minimal setup may need a little time to get accustomed to the platform’s comprehensive interface. The free version works well for basic use, and advanced features like unlimited sessions and deeper customization are available with the paid upgrade, offering flexibility for teams that need more power.

What I dislike about MobaXTerm:

• I've noticed that MobaXTerm can slow down when managing multiple active sessions, especially when X11 forwarding is enabled. A few G2 reviewers mentioned the same, so it’s something to watch if you plan to push the tool to its limits.
• The platform’s comprehensive interface took me a bit of time to get used to. Some G2 reviewers also flagged this learning curve, which might be a minor hurdle for users who prefer a minimal setup.

What G2 users dislike about MobaXTerm:

“File transfers cannot be monitored because it is easy to download a file from a server when connected, and such actions cannot be traced for audit purposes.”

- MobaXTerm Review, Joshua O.

5. Mintty: Best for Windows integration and multiple backends

For those seeking a lightweight alternative to feature-heavy terminal emulators, Mintty offers a refreshing change. As the default terminal for Cygwin and MSYS2, it’s built specifically for Windows-based Unix-like environments, and G2 reviewers often highlight how well it fits that niche.

Performance is one of Mintty’s most praised qualities. Users consistently describe it as fast and minimal, free from unnecessary features or clutter. It focuses on delivering a straightforward Unix-style terminal experience for Windows users, without overcomplicating things or adding bells and whistles that many don’t need.

Mintty is often appreciated for its simplicity right out of the box. G2 reviewers highlight that there’s no complex setup or lengthy configuration process;  just a clean terminal window ready to use immediately.

Text rendering is another standout area. According to user feedback, fonts appear sharp, and Mintty handles Unicode characters smoothly, something that isn’t always guaranteed with other terminal emulators. Reviewers working with multilingual scripts or special characters note that Mintty displays them accurately, without requiring manual fixes. According to G2 Data, 83% users praise its customization capabilities. 

Its Xterm compatibility also gets positive mentions. Users report that their existing bash configurations generally work without any need for modification, which reduces setup time and makes it easier to transition from other Unix-based environments.

Despite its minimalist design, I found Mintty offers thoughtful customization. Users can easily tweak fonts, colors, transparency, and window size through a simple settings dialog. No need to dive into config files. The copy-on-select feature is another crowd favorite, allowing for quick copying of command output simply by highlighting, which saves time and eliminates extra keystrokes.

At the same time, Mintty is primarily designed for Cygwin and MSYS2, so running native Windows command-line applications, such as PowerShell, may not be entirely seamless. Some G2 users reported occasional issues with specific Windows keyboard shortcuts. While it also lacks built-in tab management,  meaning multiple sessions open in separate windows,  these aspects are generally minor for those who value simplicity and customization.

What I dislike about Mintty:

• I noticed that Mintty isn’t fully seamless when running native Windows command-line applications, such as PowerShell. Several G2 reviewers have mentioned occasional issues with Windows keyboard shortcuts, which can be a small hurdle for those who rely on full Windows integration.
• Another drawback I found is the lack of built-in tab management, so each session opens in a separate window. Some G2 users flagged this issue as well, which can make handling multiple sessions slightly cumbersome, despite Mintty’s simplicity and customization.

What G2 users dislike about Mintty:

“It has limited compatibility with Windows applications since it aims to provide a Unix-like experience; other than that, I don't think anything to dislike. It should also improve copy-paste behavior.”

- Mintty Review, Sudheer V.

6. SecureCRT: Best for advanced session management and secure data tunneling

SecureCRT stands out as a terminal emulator built with security and control in mind. According to G2 reviews, it’s designed for professionals who prioritize precision in their remote access workflows, with a strong focus on protocol support, session management, and compliance-ready security features.

Installation and initial setup reflect that focus. Users report that SecureCRT requires configuring authentication methods, encryption preferences, and compliance settings before initiating a session, reinforcing that it’s tailored for sensitive environments where security can’t be an afterthought.

One of the standout aspects during my evaluation of the reviews was the granular session customization. Unlike other terminals that give you a one-size-fits-all experience, SecureCRT allows users to fine-tune nearly everything at a per-session level,  whether it is adjusting key exchange methods, enabling logging policies, or defining connection timeout thresholds. This level of control gives users confidence in connecting to different servers with varying security requirements without having to constantly adjust global settings.

Keyword highlighting is one of SecureCRT’s most praised productivity features. According to G2 reviewers, the ability to highlight specific terms, such as “error” or “success,” makes it much easier to spot critical information in real-time logs. This functionality helps users troubleshoot and monitor sessions without having to manually scan through lengthy command outputs.

Session cloning is another time-saving tool that reviewers appreciate. Users mention that it allows them to replicate session settings across multiple connections without reconfiguring everything from scratch,  particularly helpful when managing several environments that share similar authentication or connection setups.

That said, I found the platform’s customizable interface very powerful, even if it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. Several reviews describe the settings menus as layered and dense, requiring a slight learning curve. Once familiar, however, users tend to really appreciate the depth of customization the platform offers.

Session storage also offers reliable local performance. While some users mention a desire for seamless cloud sync, local storage works effectively for most use cases. Syncing configurations across devices currently requires manual exports, which adds a few extra steps, but it still ensures data is secure and easily retrievable.

What I dislike about SecureCRT:

• I found the platform’s settings menus a bit layered and dense, which can feel overwhelming initially. Several G2 reviewers mentioned the same, so there’s a slight learning curve before fully leveraging its customization depth.
• Another limitation I noticed is that syncing configurations across devices isn’t automatic. Some G2 users flagged this too, as manual exports are required, adding a few extra steps despite local storage being reliable.

What G2 users dislike about SecureCRT:

“It is not intuitive unless you have a background in engineering or computer science, and you must remember your binds or show the pop-up to remember them. If there were a way to have the binds in a sidebar directly on SecureCRT, that would make this even better. It is already on the wishlist of features, so I guess it will be just a matter of time.”

- SecureCRT Review, Shakil B.

Comparison of the best terminal emulators

Note: G2 ratings are based on user reviews and are subject to change over time.

Frequently asked questions about best terminal emulators

Have more questions? Find more answers below.

What is the fastest terminal emulator?

For speed, Mintty is a great lightweight option for Cygwin/MSYS2 users. Rocket Terminal Emulator offers a responsive experience with modern features, while PuTTY remains a reliable choice for quick, no-frills SSH connections.

Which terminal emulator offers the best customization options?

SecureCRT offers detailed session customization with scripting and security options. MobaXTerm provides UI themes, macros, and layout adjustments. Solar-PuTTY offers a user-friendly experience with customizable tabs and themes. Rocket Terminal Emulator provides moderate customization for everyday tasks.

Which terminal emulator is easiest for beginners?

For beginners, Solar-PuTTY is a great choice due to its intuitive interface, tabbed sessions, and easy session management, eliminating the need for complex configurations. It provides a modern take on PuTTY, making it more accessible while retaining essential functionality.

Are there terminal emulators with built-in SFTP or SCP support?

Yes, MobaXTerm and Solar-PuTTY offer built-in SFTP for easy file transfers. SecureCRT includes SFTP and SCP with advanced security features, while Rocket Terminal Emulator supports basic file transfer capabilities.

Which terminal emulator supports the most protocols?

MobaXTerm supports SSH, Telnet, RDP, VNC, and SFTP, making it a highly versatile solution. SecureCRT offers extensive protocol support with enterprise-grade security. Rocket Terminal Emulator offers flexibility with multiple protocol options, while PuTTY addresses the essential SSH and Telnet needs.

Commanding a better workflow starts now

Finding the best terminal emulator is all about aligning features with your workflow. Whether it's simplicity, advanced functionality, or multi-platform compatibility, each tool offers something unique. The key is to identify what matters most to you. Whether it’s speed, customization, or security, focus on the options that best support your needs.

A good starting point is to explore a few terminal emulators that align with your current workflow and see how well they support your day-to-day needs. Experiment with customization settings, test how they handle your typical workloads, and assess whether they integrate seamlessly with your existing tools. Pay attention to performance, ease of use, and whether the emulator improves your productivity without unnecessary complexity.

Remember, the best terminal emulator is the one that makes your work easier. Keep refining your setup, be open to new tools, and don’t hesitate to switch if your needs evolve. The command line is a powerful space.  Choosing the right emulator can make it even more efficient and enjoyable.

If you’re looking to complement your terminal experience with a more visual approach, check out my guide on graphical user interface (GUI) and learn how it can simplify complex tasks.