PuTTY vs Tabby
PuTTY
chiark.greenend.org.uk
Tabby
tabby.shSide by side
| Figure | PuTTY | Tabby |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Terminal apps | 8.1 (#16) | 8.9 (#2) |
| Spec score · SSH Clients | 7.8 (#15) | 8.2 (#7) |
| Spec score · Terminal Emulators | 7.7 (#29) | 8.3 (#13) |
| File transfer | PSCP and PSFTP provide file transfer, and PSCP uses SFTP when possible, falling back to the older SCP protocol when needed. | Supports SFTP and Zmodem transfers to and from SSH sessions. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| SSH features | PuTTY supports public key authentication and port forwarding, and lets users reconfigure port forwardings during a session. | Includes X11 and port forwarding, jump hosts, and agent forwarding. |
| Supported platforms | Windows and Unix | Windows, Mac, and Linux. |
Plans
In their own words
PuTTY
PuTTY has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Tabby
Tabby is a free, open-source terminal app for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It connects to local shells, serial devices, SSH servers, and Telnet hosts, and supports shell environments including PowerShell, WSL, Git-Bash, Cygwin, and CMD. Its SSH2 client has a connection manager, while the serial terminal offers connection profiles and input modes. SSH sessions support SFTP and Zmodem file transfers, X11 and port forwarding, jump hosts, and agent forwarding. Tabby can restore open tabs and split panes after you leave the app, and nested panes support simultaneous input. SSH secrets and configuration can be stored in an encrypted container; an optional password manager uses a master passphrase. Customization includes CSS themes, color schemes, shortcuts, and plugins. Other listed capabilities include GPU acceleration, session sync, scripting, portable mode, Explorer integration, and WinSCP integration. The app is described as forever-free FOSS. The page provides download and GitHub links but states no dedicated support terms.