When comparing PuTTY vs Bitvise SSH Client, the Slant community recommends PuTTY for most people. In the question“What are the best SSH clients for Windows?” PuTTY is ranked 4th while Bitvise SSH Client is ranked 8th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Free
Pro De facto standard client for SSH, Telnet and Rlogin on Windows
PuTTY is one of the oldest and most popular clients. It has earned the trust of a great number of users over a long period by being reliable, offering useful features and helpful support. It got into the 15 Essential Open Source Tools for Windows Admins list by InfoWorld.
Pro Can be used on any Windows computer, even without admin rights
Pro Source code available
Full source available. Compile and modify it yourself.
Pro Lightweight and portable
Doesn't require much resources (memory and hard-disk). Can even be run on a system by just downloading without install.
Pro Free
The SSH client software is free without any limitations.
Pro Built-in SFTP window
The client comes with built-in SFTP window to easily move files between the client and the server.
Pro Can save and load profiles
Profiles can be used to save connection information and connection specific settings.
Pro Renders everything quickly and reliably
Some SSH clients do not render mc or htop properly (or quickly) or vim is glitchy through tmux, etcetera. I have NOT encountered any issues with Bitvise.
Pro Very fast
New SSH windows pop up almost instantly when you launch one.
Pro Great option for small businesses
Bitvise is one of the few SSH clients that offers all features free for all types of users, including organizations. At the same time, there are no compromises in terms of functionality. It has an advanced GUI, corporation-wide single sign-on, learning resources including guides and FAQs, and other features.
Pro RDP over SSH
You can use Remote Desktop through SSH.
Pro Open New Terminal Console From Window
Bitvise's open new window feature is unique and very convenient, no need to enter login and password twice.
Cons
Con Only one session per window
Cannot open a second session in the same window (you need multiple windows).
Con Can not save passwords
Anyway, you can use "PuTTYgen" to generate a key pair, then use "Pageant" to do a password-less SSH remote login.
Con Lacks features
It is JUST an SSH client. There are many other options with built in X-servers, Multitabbing, etc.
Con Ugly design, too simple
Looks very dated. Does the basic functions very well, but not much more.
Con No global settings
If you want to change a setting for all your connections, you'd have to do it individually.
Con Organizing sessions
Does not have features for organizing session connections (like folders). If you have 5-10 connections that's fine. But if there are 30-50 connections - that becomes a nightmare.
Con Tedious logging/tracing
Its tedious to set up logging and tracing (e.g. for serial connections).
Con No login scripting
Con Saved profiles(sessions) feature is not good
Why not have a panel to show saved profiles that the user can easily to open sessions?
Con Dropped SSH connections have to be established in new windows
The SSH connection seems to drop easier than some other SSH clients and you have to open a new SSH window to reconnect.
Con Bitvise Main SSH Client Window pops up after closing terminal window
Bitvise opens main window after closing a terminal window. If you have a dozen terminal windows opened, bitvise main window will open after closing each terminal window. It is unintuitive and annoying.
Con No SCP Support
Has SFTP but not SCP support, which is incompatible with many devices.
