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electerm

electerm.org

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Spec score 8.9 #2 of 33 in SSH Clients

What it is

electerm combines a terminal emulator, graphical SFTP file manager, and remote connection tools in free, open-source software under the MIT License. It supports SSH, SFTP, FTP, Telnet, serial, RDP, VNC, and Spice sessions, with both public-key and password authentication. Connection options include proxies, SSH tunneling, agent forwarding, port forwarding, X11 forwarding, and connection hopping. The SFTP manager lets users open remote files for editing. Its AI assistant supports OpenAI Chat Completions, OpenAI Responses, and Anthropic Messages formats for generating commands and scripts, creating bookmarks, and explaining things. Bookmarks, themes, and quick commands can sync through GitHub or Gitee secret gists, WebDAV, a custom server, or electerm cloud. Desktop builds cover Windows 7+, macOS 10.15+, and Linux across several processor architectures; mobile versions are available for Android, iOS, and HarmonyOS. The browser version works without installation and supports several remote protocols, but lacks local terminal, serial-port, and web-page features. In electerm online, credentials are stored on the server and SSH connections are proxied through it; the site provides no security guarantees.

Spec sheet

What it does
electerm combines terminal, file-manager, SSH, SFTP, FTP, Telnet, serial-port, RDP, VNC and Spice functions in one client.Read 15 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
Integrations
Synchronization can use GitHub or Gitee secret gists, WebDAV, custom servers or electerm cloud.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Privacy
The website collects IP address, browser and operating-system details, visited pages, referring addresses, and device identifiers through cookies and similar technologies.Read 1 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
Support
The project provides GitHub issue reporting, discussions, documentation, and community translations.Read 1 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
License
electerm is free and open-source software released under the MIT License.Read 1 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
AI assistant
Its AI assistant supports OpenAI Chat Completions, OpenAI Responses and Anthropic Messages formats for command generation, explanations, scripts, bookmarks and agent operations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
AI integration
The AI assistant supports OpenAI Chat Completions, OpenAI Responses, and Anthropic Messages formats for command generation, scripts, bookmark creation, and explanations.Read 1 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
Apple compatibility
The iOS listing requires iOS 15 or later and lists iPadOS, macOS 12+ on Apple Silicon and visionOS compatibility.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Apple privacy disclosure
Apple’s listing says the developer reports collecting unlinked user content, search history and diagnostic data for analytics or diagnostics, without Apple verification.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Authentication
The client supports password and public-key authentication, SSH tunneling, agent forwarding, port forwarding, X11 forwarding and connection hopping.Read 15 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
Browser limitations
The online version does not support local terminal, serial port, or web page features.Read 1 Oct 2026 · cloud.electerm.org
Browser version
electerm online runs in desktop and mobile browsers without installation and supports SSH, SFTP, RDP, VNC, SPICE, Telnet, and FTP.Read 1 Oct 2026 · cloud.electerm.org
CLI
The wiki documents command-line SSH connections, batch CSV operations and parameterized Telnet, RDP, VNC, serial and local sessions.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Customization
Themes, terminal background images, transparent windows and a global hotkey are provided.Read 15 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
Data synchronization
Bookmarks, themes, and quick commands can sync through GitHub or Gitee secret gists, WebDAV, a custom server, or electerm cloud.Read 1 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
Deep links
The application can open connections from URLs such as ssh://user@host:22 and telnet://host:port.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Desktop platforms
Desktop builds support Windows 7+, macOS 10.15+, and Linux, including x64, ARM64, ARMv7, LoongArch64, RISC-V, and ppc64le variants.Read 1 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
Documentation
The GitHub wiki lists 50 documentation pages, including AI configuration, synchronization, batch operations, deep links and command-line usage.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
File editing
Users can double-click remote files to edit them through the integrated SFTP file manager.Read 1 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
File transfer
Zmodem and Trzsz transfers are supported and are compatible with tmux.Read 15 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
Install methods
Published installation routes include Windows installers and archives, macOS DMG, Linux deb/rpm/snap/AppImage/tar packages, Homebrew, npm, winget and Microsoft Store.Read 15 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
Languages
The project lists more than 14 community-contributed interface languages.Read 15 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
Latest release
Version 5.6.10 was released on 15 October 2026 with encrypted electerm-cloud sync data, bookmark key-file paths, WebDAV fixes and SSH MFA fixes.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Licence
The main repository and related electerm projects use the MIT licence.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limit: documentation gap
An independent review says the feature breadth is accompanied by sparse documentation and that protocol-specific behavior is not fully described.Read 15 Oct 2026 · hysenlabs.com
Limit: local code execution vulnerability
GitHub’s advisory reports a critical local code-execution flaw in versions 3.0.6 through 3.8.8 and identifies 3.9.0 as patched.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limit: resource use
The Italian review measured about 200 MB RAM with one local terminal and just over 300 MB with three tabs, considerably above its native-client comparison.Read 15 Oct 2026 · gomoot.com
Limit: SFTP filename traversal
A high-severity advisory says malicious SFTP filenames could cause writes outside the temporary directory; versions 3.15.120 and later are listed as patched.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Limit: terminal-link vulnerability
GitHub’s advisory describes high-severity arbitrary protocol execution when a user clicks an attacker-controlled terminal hyperlink and reports no official patch for the affected advisory version.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maker identity
GitHub identifies the maintainer account as electerm and lists [email protected]; the Apple listing names the seller as 旭东 赵 (ZHAO Xudong).Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Mobile platforms
The project provides Android, iOS, and HarmonyOS versions.Read 1 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
Online security disclosure
For electerm online, connection credentials are stored on the server and SSH connections are proxied through it; the site provides no security guarantees.Read 1 Oct 2026 · cloud.electerm.org
Package security
Official Debian/APT and RPM/YUM repositories are GPG-signed.Read 1 Oct 2026 · repos.electerm.org
Praise: platform reach
An independent Italian review highlights desktop, Android and iOS availability plus synchronization without requiring an account.Read 15 Oct 2026 · gomoot.com
Praise: protocol breadth
An independent review praises electerm for consolidating SSH, SFTP, FTP, Telnet, serial, RDP, VNC and Spice in one cross-platform client.Read 15 Oct 2026 · hysenlabs.com
Product purpose
electerm combines a terminal emulator, graphical SFTP file manager, and remote connection protocols in one application.Read 1 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
Project activity
The main GitHub repository shows about 15.4k stars, 1.2k forks and more than 3,800 commits.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Protocols
The client supports SSH, SFTP, FTP, Telnet, serial port, RDP, VNC, and Spice sessions.Read 1 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
Rating on Apple App Store
5.0 out of 5 from 2 ratings.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Remote editing
The integrated SFTP manager lets users open remote files for direct editing and transfer files by drag and drop.Read 15 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
SDK/API
The electerm-sync Node.js wrapper installs from npm and exposes test, create, update and getOne operations for GitHub, Gitee, custom and cloud back ends.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security reporting
The project asks researchers to use GitHub private vulnerability reporting or email [email protected].Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
Self-hosting
The electerm-web Docker image packages the browser version for self-hosting with persistent data, optional authentication and configurable ports.Read 15 Oct 2026 · github.com
System support
The maker lists Windows 7+, macOS 10.15+, Linux with glibc 2.17+, Android, iOS, HarmonyOS, RISC-V and PowerPC Linux targets.Read 15 Oct 2026 · electerm.org
Terminal layout
The interface supports multiple tabbed sessions, split panes and quick input to one or all terminals.Read 15 Oct 2026 · electerm.org

Plans and prices

Free Free terminal · file manager · SSH/SFTP/FTP/Telnet/serial/RDP/VNC/Spice · desktop/mobile clients Read 15 Oct 2026 · electerm.org

Every electerm plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open-source under the MIT License.
  • Supports SSH, SFTP, FTP, Telnet, RDP, VNC, and Spice.
  • Includes port forwarding and connection hopping.
  • Remote files can be edited through the SFTP manager.
  • Bookmarks and quick commands can sync through several services.

Limits

  • Browser version lacks local terminal features.
  • Browser version does not support serial connections.
  • Online credentials are stored on the server.
  • Online SSH connections are proxied through the server.

Who it suits

electerm suits people who want terminal access and remote file management alongside several connection protocols. Its browser version may suit users who need access without installation, provided they accept its stated credential and connection handling.

electerm in depth

Read the full write-up

electerm is a free, open-source client for terminal work, remote connections and graphical file management. It is best suited to people who want one tool for SSH and SFTP alongside other session types, with desktop, mobile and browser access. Its broad protocol support is compelling, but the browser edition’s credential and connection handling makes it a poor default for security-sensitive access.

Overview

electerm brings terminal access, remote sessions and an integrated SFTP file manager into one application. It supports SSH, SFTP, FTP, Telnet, serial, RDP, VNC and SPICE, making it more versatile than a shell-only client. Double-clicking a remote file opens it for editing, a useful shortcut for people who routinely move between server access and file changes.

Workspaces organize sessions. Bookmarks, themes and quick commands can sync through GitHub or Gitee secret gists, WebDAV, a custom server or electerm cloud, giving users several ways to carry their setup between installations. electerm is released under the MIT License, and its official Debian/APT and RPM/YUM repositories are GPG-signed.

For more tools in this category, see SSH Clients.

Key features

Broad session support: SSH, SFTP, FTP, Telnet, serial, RDP, VNC and SPICE cover command-line access, file transfer and remote desktop connections in the same client. That breadth can reduce tool switching; users who need only one narrow workflow may find it more scope than they need.

SSH connection options: Authentication supports passwords and public keys, with proxies, SSH tunneling, agent forwarding, port forwarding, X11 forwarding and connection hopping. These options suit varied connection setups, while readers who only need straightforward SSH may not benefit from the additional controls.

AI assistant: The assistant supports OpenAI Chat Completions, OpenAI Responses and Anthropic Messages formats for generating commands and scripts, creating bookmarks and explaining material. This is useful for users who want assistance inside the client, but its value depends on whether those workflows fit their needs.

Browser access: electerm online runs in desktop and mobile browsers without installation and supports SSH, SFTP, RDP, VNC, SPICE, Telnet and FTP. It omits the local terminal, serial connections and web page features, so it is not a complete substitute for the installed app.

The online edition also stores connection credentials on its server and proxies SSH connections through that server; its site provides no security guarantees. Readers handling sensitive credentials should weigh that caveat carefully and prefer an access path suited to their security requirements.

Pricing

Free — free. The free plan includes the MIT-licensed terminal and file manager, with SSH, SFTP, FTP, Telnet, serial, RDP, VNC and SPICE support. It is a strong fit for individuals who want the full listed protocol range without a software charge. electerm is free and open source, so there is no cheaper paid tier to compare against or plan-based feature cap to weigh.

Platforms

Desktop builds support Windows 7 and later, macOS 10.15 and later, and Linux, including x64, ARM64, ARMv7, LoongArch64, RISC-V and ppc64le variants. The project also provides Android, iOS and HarmonyOS versions. The browser edition runs on desktop and mobile browsers without installation, though it has the feature and security limitations noted above.

Who it's for

electerm is a good fit for people who manage varied remote connections and want terminal, SFTP file management and session organization in one place. Its protocol range and SSH forwarding options suit users with more than a basic shell workflow, while its wide platform coverage helps those who move among desktop and mobile devices. It is less suitable for users who require a browser-based connection without server-side credential storage or SSH proxying.

Pros and cons

Pro: SSH, file-transfer, serial and remote-desktop protocols sit in one client, which can consolidate a mixed remote-access workflow.

Pro: Public-key and password authentication plus forwarding and hopping options accommodate varied SSH setups.

Pro: MIT licensing and a free plan make the core application accessible without a software charge.

Con: The online edition stores credentials server-side and proxies SSH connections, a material drawback for sensitive access.

Con: Browser users give up the local terminal, serial and web page features, limiting it as a full replacement for desktop builds.

Alternatives

Royal TS may suit readers who want a free tier capped at 10 connections, 10 credentials and one document, with a paid single-user license also available.

Termius is worth considering for a free starter plan with a local vault, SSH and SFTP, AI-powered autocomplete and port forwarding; its listed platforms omit HarmonyOS.

XPipe is an alternative for readers seeking an open-core application whose core is available on GitHub under Apache License 2.0.

MobaXterm is a Windows-only option with a free Home Edition capped at 12 sessions, two SSH tunnels, four macros and 360 seconds for TFTP, NFS and Cron.

Tabby is a free FOSS terminal emulator for Linux, macOS and Windows.

Xftp may be a better fit for Windows users seeking a dedicated file-transfer option, with a free license limited to personal, home and educational non-commercial use.

Tectia Server is a paid alternative with pricing by request and a free trial.

Core Shell is an iOS and macOS option with a free Basic plan that includes unlimited hosts.

Verdict

Choose electerm if you want a free, open-source client that combines terminal work, graphical SFTP editing and a broad set of remote-session protocols across desktop and mobile platforms. Its main advantage is that breadth without a software charge; its main reason to look elsewhere is the online edition’s server-side credential storage and SSH proxying, alongside its browser feature omissions.

Verdict

electerm brings terminal, file-management, and remote-session tools together across desktop, mobile, and browser versions. The online version has specific feature omissions and a clear server-side credential and connection caveat.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to electermAll alternatives →