When comparing SecureCRT vs Bitvise SSH Client, the Slant community recommends Bitvise SSH Client for most people. In the question“What are the best SSH clients for Windows?” Bitvise SSH Client is ranked 8th while SecureCRT is ranked 10th. The most important reason people chose Bitvise SSH Client is:
The SSH client software is free without any limitations.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro VT220 emulation
Some of us still need actual VT220 emulation to log into OpenVMS machines. SecureCRT does a superior job at it.
Pro Buttons bar
SecureCRT while not free has the ability to make common commands in to button for faster command processing. Commands like: exit, clear, :wq!, ls -lha and the etc.
Pro Scriptable via Python API
Has a Python API to control most aspects of the terminal and sessions. Scripts can be bound to buttons, menu items, and keyboard shortcuts.
Pro Puts emphasis on security
SecureCRT has strong data encryption and secure authentication through the support of password and public keys.
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 Not free
Paid product. Some nice additional Cygwin type features and server version are integrated, but for most users the feature set probably does add enough value for a paid only client.
Con Expensive
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.
