Secure Shell, or SSH, is an essential tool for any system administrator, developer, or power user. SSH is a protocol that allows one to securely communicate with a remote server or computer. It is an alternative to traditional methods, such as Telnet or FTP, which transmit data unencrypted.

For Mac users, there are several SSH clients available in the market. Here, we will discuss the best SSH clients for Mac.

1. Terminal

Terminal is the default SSH client built into macOS. Despite having a barebones interface, the Terminal is a powerhouse, and it can do much more than just SSH. It has various features such as scripting, forwarding, and port forwarding. The Terminal is free and comes preinstalled on Macs.

2. iTerm2

iTerm2 is a powerful terminal emulator that comes with a ton of additional features over the default Terminal app. It allows you to open multiple tabs and panes, has improved search functionality, and can even split windows. It is also customizable with iTerm2’s preferences panel.

Although iTerm2 can be a bit complex for first-time users, it’s an excellent choice for more advanced users.

3. Solar Putty Mac

Solar PuTTY was developed specifically for Mac users who are looking for a Windows PuTTY alternative. This SSH client is free and very easy to use. It offers all the features of PuTTY, including session management, SSH keys, and port forwarding. Solar Putty is ideal for individuals who have experience using PuTTY on Windows.

4. ZOC Terminal

ZOC Terminal is one of the most advanced SSH clients for Mac. It has advanced features such as support for scripting, macros, and triggers, making it ideal for advanced users who need to automate several tasks. ZOC Terminal is also secure and provides support for all SSH versions, including the most recent SSH 2.0.

5. SecureCRT

SecureCRT is one of the most secure SSH clients in the market. It offers powerful features like customizable toolbars, scripts, and session management. It also supports multi-session connectivity, dynamic port forwarding, and X.509 certificate authentication. Although SecureCRT is not free, it is worth investing in for those who require a more secure connection.