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. But as a tech enthusiast (and a marketer who loves exploring new tools), I’ve spent a good chunk of time testing the best terminal emulator software to see which ones actually stand out for everyday users like me.
Did I look like a deer in headlights at first? Absolutely. Did I type “exit” instead of opening a new tab? More times than I’d like to admit. But that’s exactly why this list is different. I tested these tools the way most people do—fumbling through at first, figuring things out, and ultimately discovering what makes each one special (and which ones I’ll never touch again).
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, G2 user reviews, and a few personal anecdotes from my awkward but fun testing process.
* These terminal emulators are top-rated in their category, according to G2 Grid Reports. Most are free to use, while others offer free and paid versions. Pricing is available on request.
Let’s dive into the wonderful, slightly intimidating, but surprisingly awesome world of terminal emulators. Trust me; if I figured them out, you can too.
Before I started my testing, 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—like 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.
Testing terminal emulators as someone who isn’t a command-line guru was a ride. I explored features like split panes, themes, and shortcuts. I even checked how easy they are to set up without a manual the size of a small novel.
I wanted to go beyond surface-level impressions, so I dug into G2 Grid reports, used AI to scour user reviews, and checked out what real people said about their experiences. G2's insights helped me understand which tools were leaders in terms of usability, features, and customer satisfaction.
Once I had my shortlist, it was time for hands-on testing. I installed each emulator and tested different aspects, such as ease of setup, interface design, customization options, and overall performance. Could I open multiple tabs without things slowing down? Was it easy to tweak the look and feel without diving into complex configurations?
Of course, user-friendliness was a big focus. I wanted to see which emulators struck the right balance between power and approachability. Some were sleek and intuitive right out of the box, while others required more patience.
In cases where I couldn’t personally test a tool due to limited access, I consulted a professional with hands-on experience and validated their insights using verified G2 reviews. The screenshots featured in this article may be a mix of those captured during testing and ones obtained from the vendor’s G2 page.
By combining my hands-on experience with insights from G2 user reviews, I was able to identify the terminal emulators that truly stand out.
When evaluating terminal emulators, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t just picking the ones with the fanciest features or the prettiest themes. Instead, I focused on practical aspects that actually impact everyday usage.
Considering all these factors—alongside user reviews and my testing—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:
*This data was pulled from G2 in 2025. Some reviews may have been edited for clarity.
When I first fired up Rocket Terminal Emulator, I half-expected it to throw a dozen config files at me or demand some deep-level Linux wizardry. Surprisingly, it didn’t.
Right from installation, Rocket was refreshingly straightforward—no cryptic error messages or endless dependencies, just a simple setup process that casual users can handle without breaking a sweat.
Diving in, I was impressed by how visually polished Rocket is. Unlike some terminals that look like they were designed in the early ‘90s, Rocket has a sleek, modern interface with thoughtfully designed UI elements. I tested out its tab management and was pleasantly surprised by the smooth switching, complete with drag-and-drop functionality to rearrange sessions—super handy when juggling multiple tasks.
The autocomplete suggestions were a lifesaver for me; they gently nudged me in the right direction when I blanked on command, and they worked surprisingly well without feeling intrusive.
Rocket also houses a quick-command palette, which became one of my favorite features. Instead of manually typing repetitive commands, I could save and execute them with a simple shortcut, cutting down on my “oops, forgot the flags” moments. It also supports session persistence, meaning I could close Rocket and reopen it, and everything would still be there waiting for me—no more losing my place when my system decided it was update time.
However, one of the quirks I quickly noticed was its resource usage. While it runs fast, it does seem to consume more system memory compared to some leaner alternatives. Running several panes simultaneously, I saw a noticeable uptick in RAM usage, which might not be a dealbreaker for casual users but could become an issue for heavy workloads.
Another issue was the lack of robust third-party integrations. While Rocket covers the basics well, it doesn’t offer much in terms of integrations with dev tools, cloud platforms, or productivity boosters. I found myself missing features like Git status indicators or secure shell (SSH) profiles that some other emulators offer out of the box.
“RTE offers two editions, Desktop and Web. Fully featured emulation with extensive protocol support, robust automation, and industry security standards. Remote, flexible, anytime, anywhere access, and it is usable across the various industry-standard browsers.25+ years of experience with these types of migrations – 1000s of scripts/macros converted in less than a day.”
- Rocket Terminal Emulator Review, Gerald Gerome M.
“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.
The operating system you use plays a huge role in your overall experience with a terminal emulator. Check out my review of the best operating systems and see which one fits.
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. Could it hold up to modern alternatives, or would it be like stepping back into the early 2000s?
Installing PuTTY was quick and effortless. It doesn’t demand much from your system and runs without any fuss. The moment I launched it, though, I felt like I had time-traveled. The UI is plain—no fancy themes, no modern design elements, just a straightforward interface that prioritizes function over form.
Setting up SSH sessions was simple enough, but I quickly realized that PuTTY relies heavily on manual configuration. Saving sessions, managing authentication keys, and adjusting connection settings all required navigating dense (and somewhat intimidating) option menus.
One feature that stood out to me was its session logging capabilities. PuTTY makes it incredibly easy to log all session activity, which is perfect if you need to track what you’ve done during a remote session or troubleshoot issues later. I found this especially useful when working with servers where keeping records of command outputs is critical. Another plus? Port forwarding is built right in, which allows me to securely access remote services without needing additional tools.
However, the lack of tabbed sessions was frustrating—each connection opened in a separate window, which quickly cluttered my screen. I also struggled with copy-pasting text, as PuTTY uses an old-school highlighting method that felt unintuitive compared to modern applications.
The biggest drawback for me, though, was the lack of encryption for saved sessions. If you’re not careful with where and how you save your credentials, there’s a potential security risk.
“As a software developer, one of the aspects I appreciate most about PuTTY is its simplicity and efficiency. The straightforward user interface and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for SSH and Telnet connections. PuTTY's reliability and stability have been instrumental in my day-to-day development tasks, allowing me to access remote servers and devices effortlessly and securely. The extensive customization options and support for various protocols further enhance the tool's versatility. PuTTY continues to be a trusted and indispensable tool in my software development workflow.”
- PuTTY Review, Anish M.
“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.
A good terminal emulator helps you stay productive, but efficient file management is just as important. Get the best file transfer protocol (FTP) software to make your workflow even smoother.
After using the no-frills PuTTY, I was eager to see what Solar-PuTTY could offer with its modernized approach. Developed by SolarWinds, it takes PuTTY's core functionality and wraps it in a much friendlier, more feature-packed experience.
Right from the start, the improved UI was a breath of fresh air. Unlike the old-school look of PuTTY, Solar-PuTTY offers a tabbed interface, easy session management, and a search function that made navigating my saved connections much easier. Installation was smooth, with no complicated steps—just download, install, and I was ready to explore.
One of the standout features I tested was the session organization and search capabilities. Unlike PuTTY, where I had to manually dig through lists of saved connections, Solar-PuTTY let me search for sessions quickly and organize them with color-coded tags. This made juggling multiple servers a lot easier, especially when I needed to switch between environments frequently.
The credential manager was another feature I found helpful. It allowed me to securely store my SSH credentials without having to enter them repeatedly, which saved me time and reduced the risk of mistyping passwords.
Another thing I appreciated was the tabbed interface. Unlike PuTTY, where I ended up with a cluttered desktop, Solar-PuTTY’s tab management allowed me to keep all my sessions neatly within a single window. Switching between sessions was seamless, and I could even arrange tabs based on priority—something that made my workflow feel much more structured.
While the credential manager is a time-saver, I found myself a bit concerned about the lack of clear encryption settings. It’s great to have stored credentials, but I had to dig through the documentation to confirm how secure they actually were.
Another downside I encountered was the occasional freezing when handling multiple simultaneous connections. It worked fine with a few sessions, but when I pushed it to around ten active connections, I noticed some lag and unresponsiveness that made me second-guess its reliability for heavier workloads.
“An exceptionally user-friendly command-line terminal that amalgamates the finest attributes of both Putty and SuperPutty. This terminal not only boasts ease of use but also combines the robust functionalities of these renowned tools, providing users with a versatile and efficient platform for their command-line operations. Its interface is designed for simplicity, ensuring a smooth and intuitive experience, while the incorporation of features from Putty and SuperPutty enhances its capabilities, making it a comprehensive solution for various command-line tasks. This amalgamation aims to cater to the needs of users who appreciate the best aspects of both tools in a unified and streamlined terminal environment.”
- Solar-PuTTY Review, Mohammed T.
“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 the interface is blur.”
- Solar-PuTTY Review, Andy W.
Most terminal emulators come with built-in secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) support, allowing you to securely move files without leaving the command line. Learn how to make the most of SFTP with your terminal.
When I first launched MobaXTerm, I realized pretty quickly that this isn't just another terminal emulator—it's practically an all-in-one toolkit for remote access and local command-line work.
Unlike some of the other terminal emulators I tested, MobaXTerm comes loaded with utilities that go beyond just SSH, offering features like an X11 server, SFTP file browsing, and even remote desktop connections. But with all those features, I wondered—would it be overwhelming for someone like me who isn’t a command-line expert?
Getting set up was surprisingly easy. MobaXTerm offers a portable version, which meant I could run it without installing anything—perfect for testing across different machines. Once I was in, the session management capabilities really stood out. I could organize SSH, remote desktop protocol (RDP), and even FTP sessions in a structured way, complete with saved credentials, descriptions, and automatic reconnections.
The graphical SFTP browser was another highlight—it pops up right alongside my terminal session, allowing me to drag and drop files without needing a separate client. This came in handy when I was working with remote servers and needed to move files without breaking my workflow.
Another feature I tested extensively was the multi-execution mode. I could type a command once and execute it across multiple SSH sessions simultaneously. This was a real time-saver when I wanted to run the same command across different servers at once, though I did find myself double-checking to avoid accidental mistakes across multiple environments.
However, with all these features, there were definitely trade-offs. I noticed that MobaXTerm could feel a bit sluggish when managing several active sessions—especially when X11 forwarding was enabled.
The interface, while packed with useful tools, also felt a little cluttered at times. There’s a lot going on, and for someone who prefers a more minimal, distraction-free environment, it took some time to get comfortable with all the menus and options.
The free version has its limitations. While it’s great for basic use, features like unlimited sessions and advanced customization options are locked behind the paid version, which might be a dealbreaker if you're looking for something fully featured without spending extra.
“I like best about MobaXTerm are firstly, its user interface that is very simple, intuitive and friendly for me to daily use. Secondly, its session auto-saved that when we login to devices via remote or console, mobaxterm is automatically saved the session in recent window. For the last one is its auto detecting the COM port number when we attach the devices via serial cable and it is very comfortable for me.”
- MobaXTerm Review, Yan L.
“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.
After testing a few feature-heavy terminal emulators, switching to Mintty felt like a refreshing change. It’s the default terminal for Cygwin and MSYS2, which means it’s designed with Windows-based Unix-like environments in mind.
Right from the start, I noticed how lightweight and fast it felt—no unnecessary features or clutter, just a simple terminal that does the job. If you’re looking for a terminal that sticks close to the Unix experience on Windows, Mintty does a solid job without trying to be anything more than it needs to be.
There is no complex setup or a long list of configurations—just a terminal window ready to go. One thing that stood out to me was how smooth the text rendering is. The fonts looked crisp, and the terminal handled Unicode characters without any weird formatting issues, which isn't always a given in some other emulators I’ve tried. I tested this by working with various scripts containing special characters, and Mintty displayed them perfectly without any additional tweaks.
I also appreciated the Xterm compatibility, which meant many of my existing bash configurations worked without needing adjustments.
Mintty also offers decent customization options despite its simplicity. I could easily adjust fonts, colors, transparency, and window size through a settings dialog instead of manually editing configuration files. One thing I found particularly useful was the copy-on-select feature, which lets you copy text just by highlighting it—perfect for quickly grabbing command outputs without needing extra keystrokes.
Since Mintty is primarily geared toward Cygwin and MSYS2, it doesn’t support native Windows command-line applications very well. Trying to run PowerShell or traditional Windows executables felt clunky, and I encountered occasional issues with certain Windows-specific keyboard shortcuts not working as expected.
Additionally, there’s no proper tab management, which meant I had to rely on multiple separate windows if I wanted to run different sessions side by side.
“Mintty also has excellent performance, and it is known for being fast and responsive, even when running on older hardware or slower systems. Additionally, since it is based on the Cygwin library, it provides a Linux-like environment on Windows, which is a valuable feature for developers and power users who work with Linux or Unix-like systems.”
- Mintty Review, Suraj K.
“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 be disliked. It should also improve copy-paste behavior.”
- Mintty Review, Sudheer V.
SecureCRT stood out to me as a terminal emulator that prioritizes security and control over flashy features or lightweight simplicity. It’s built for users who need precision in their connections, with an emphasis on protocols, session handling, and compliance-friendly security features.
Right from installation, it became clear that SecureCRT caters to professionals dealing with sensitive environments—it required setting up authentication methods, encryption preferences, and even compliance settings before I could jump into my first session.
One of the standout aspects during my testing was the granular session customization. Unlike other terminals that give you a one-size-fits-all experience, SecureCRT allowed me to fine-tune nearly everything at a per-session level—whether it was adjusting key exchange methods, enabling logging policies, or defining connection timeout thresholds. This level of control gave me confidence in connecting to different servers with varying security requirements without constantly tweaking global settings.
Another feature that impressed me was the keyword highlighting. I could set specific words or patterns (like "error" or "success") to stand out during sessions, which made troubleshooting and monitoring logs much easier.
Instead of manually scanning through long outputs, my attention was immediately drawn to the areas that mattered most. I tested this feature with real-time log monitoring, and it made spotting issues far quicker than in other terminals.
SecureCRT also offers robust session cloning, which came in handy when I needed to replicate settings across multiple connections without reconfiguring everything from scratch. This saved me a lot of time when dealing with several environments with similar authentication methods and connection preferences.
However, the user experience feels dense, with menus layered under menus, making it a bit overwhelming initially. Even basic actions like setting up color schemes or modifying terminal behavior required diving into deep settings.
Another issue I encountered was the lack of seamless cloud sync options. While the software provides excellent local session storage, I found it inconvenient that I couldn’t easily sync my sessions across multiple devices without manual exports.
“This has been the best piece of software that I have ever used. Being able to keep access to all my network devices from 1 location is extremely helpful. It allows me to set up how I want to connect to each of them and what users I want to use and group them by location and what they are. You can even secure the software so that if someone has access to your computer for some reason, they cannot see your devices as they are encrypted.”
- SecureCRT Review, Brandon H.
“It is not intuitive unless you have a background in engineering or computer science, and you must remember your binds or show the popup to remember them. If there was 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.
| Software | G2 Rating | Free plan | Ideal for |
| Rocket Terminal Emulator | 4.4/5 | No | Enterprises that need robust terminal emulation with strong support and usability. |
| PuTTY | 4.5/5 | Yes | Users seeking a lightweight, straightforward, and free terminal emulator for quick remote access. |
| Solar-PuTTY | 4.2/5 | Yes | Windows users who desire a modern interface with tabbed sessions and protocol support. |
| MobaXTerm | 4.6/5 | Yes | Users who require a comprehensive tool with advanced features, multiple protocol support, and a modern interface. |
| Mintty | 4.4/5 | Yes | Users working within Cygwin or MSYS environments seeking a lightweight and straightforward terminal emulator. |
| SecureCRT | 4.8/5 | No | Professionals who need a secure, reliable, and highly configurable terminal emulator for complex infrastructures. |
Note: G2 ratings are based on user reviews and are subject to change over time.
Have more questions? Find more answers below.
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.
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.
For beginners, Solar-PuTTY is a great choice due to its intuitive interface, tabbed sessions, and easy session management without complex configurations. It provides a modern take on PuTTY, making it more accessible while retaining essential functionality.
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.
MobaXTerm supports SSH, Telnet, RDP, VNC, and SFTP, making it highly versatile. SecureCRT offers extensive protocol support with enterprise-grade security. Rocket Terminal Emulator provides flexibility with multiple protocol options, while PuTTY covers essential SSH and Telnet needs.
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—and focus on the options that best support your needs.
Start by doing what I did: try a few emulators that match your current workflow and see how they fit into your daily tasks. Experiment with customization settings, test how they handle your typical workloads, and determine if they integrate well 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.
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