Bitvise SSH Client
Bitvise SSH Client is a Windows application for opening SSH connections for terminal access, port forwarding, and SFTP file transfers.
What Bitvise SSH Client is
Bitvise SSH Client is a Windows application for opening SSH connections for terminal access, port forwarding, and SFTP file transfers. Its graphical SFTP client can resume and recursively transfer files, mirror directories with compatible SFTP v6 servers, and map SFTP storage as a Windows drive. The integrated terminal supports bvterm, xterm, and VT-100, and can record sessions. Authentication options include Ed25519, ECDSA, and RSA public keys, as well as organization-wide single sign-on using Kerberos 5 and NTLM through SSPI. Tunneling supports SOCKS4, SOCKS4A, SOCKS5, and HTTP CONNECT proxies, plus SSH jump proxy connections. Command-line clients can automate transfers, remote execution, terminal access, and tunneling, including unattended use. Bitvise offers the client free for use in all types of environments. It supports 32-bit and 64-bit Windows desktop and server editions, from Windows XP SP3 and Server 2003 through Windows 11 and Server 2025. The client needs an SSH server to connect to and is not a standalone connection service.
Good
- Free to use in all types of environments.
- SFTP supports resumable and recursive transfers.
- Terminal sessions can be recorded.
- Command-line clients support unattended use.
Watch out
- Requires an SSH server; it cannot work standalone.
- Available for Windows desktop and server editions only.
- Support is primarily by email.
Who it suits
Bitvise suits Windows users who need SSH terminal access, SFTP transfers, or port forwarding to an SSH server. Its command-line clients may also suit users automating those tasks.
Verdict
Bitvise offers a broad set of SSH, SFTP, and tunneling capabilities in a free Windows client. It is only useful when you have an SSH server to connect to.
Plans and prices
From Bitvise SSH Client's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Free SSH Client use · Free to use, in all types of environments, without limitation. |
| Optional SSH Client license | Priced on request | Slightly stronger support and upgrade commitments · includes indemnification · Optional paid license; pricing is on the SSH Client pricing page. |
The facts
Each one read from Bitvise SSH Client's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Authentication
- It supports Ed25519, ECDSA, and RSA public-key authentication, plus organization-wide single sign-on using Kerberos 5 and NTLM through SSPI (GSSAPI).checked 4 Oct 2026
- Automation
- Command-line clients support scripted SFTP transfers, remote execution, terminal access, and tunneling, including unattended use.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Data handling
- Bitvise says software runs under the user's control and does not send handled data to Bitvise; update checks and user-confirmed diagnostics or feedback can transmit limited information.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Limit
- The Client is a connectivity product and requires an SSH server to connect to; it cannot be used standalone.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Bitvise SSH Client initiates SSH connections for terminal access, port forwarding, and SFTP file transfers.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- The client supports post-quantum key exchange outside FIPS mode, and Bitvise says its installers are cryptographically signed with recent installers using a DigiCert Extended Validation certificate.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Security attestations
- Bitvise says it has a Secure Software Development attestation based on NIST SP 800-218 SSDF v1.1, but does not complete third-party questionnaires.checked 4 Oct 2026
- SFTP transfers
- Its graphical SFTP client supports resumable and recursive transfers, directory mirroring with compatible SFTP v6 servers, and mapping SFTP storage as a Windows drive.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- Support is primarily by email and Bitvise says it can usually reply within one business day; it advises users to have a basic understanding of SSH configuration.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Terminal
- The integrated terminal supports bvterm, xterm, and VT-100, and can record terminal sessions.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Tunneling
- Port forwarding includes dynamic tunneling through SOCKS4, SOCKS4A, SOCKS5, and HTTP CONNECT proxies, as well as SSH jump proxy connections.checked 4 Oct 2026
The company
- Company history
- Bitvise says the company was formally founded in February 2001.checked 4 Oct 2026
- Founded
- 2001checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Colleyville, Texas, United Stateschecked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Windows support
- The client supports 32-bit and 64-bit desktop and server versions of Windows, from Windows XP SP3 and Server 2003 through Windows 11 and Server 2025.checked 4 Oct 2026
