How to organize SSH access when you're managing dozens of servers.
If you manage more than a handful of servers, you need a system for SSH connections. Remembering hostnames, ports, usernames, and key files does not scale. Here are the main approaches, from manual config files to dedicated tools.
Best for: Developers comfortable with config files who want zero dependencies.
The built-in SSH config file is the simplest approach. Define hosts with aliases, specify keys, ports, and jump hosts. It works in every terminal on every platform.
Pros: No extra software, works everywhere, version-controllable, well-documented.
Cons: No GUI, no search, no tagging, credentials in plain text (keys are files, but the config itself is readable), no team sharing without manual coordination, gets unwieldy past ~50 hosts.
Best for: Developers who want SSH management integrated into their terminal alongside databases and AI.
Yaw's connection manager handles SSH connections alongside PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server, MongoDB, and Redis. Connections are tagged, searchable from the command palette, and credentials are encrypted with AES-256-GCM locally. Broadcast mode lets you run commands across multiple connections simultaneously.
Pros: Integrated in your terminal, built-in file editor, also handles databases, encrypted credentials, broadcast mode.
Cons: Newer tool, smaller community than established SSH clients.
Best for: Users who need SSH access from mobile devices with cloud sync.
Termius is a dedicated SSH client with a polished interface, cloud sync across devices, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. It organizes connections into groups and supports SFTP, port forwarding, and snippets.
Pros: Mobile apps, cloud sync, polished UI, SFTP, established platform.
Cons: Free tier is limited, credentials stored in cloud (encrypted), subscription pricing, not a full terminal for local work.
Best for: Windows sysadmins who need SSH with X11 forwarding and SFTP.
MobaXterm manages SSH connections with a session manager, includes X11 forwarding, automatic SFTP sidebar, and bundled Unix tools. It is Windows-only but deeply featured for remote administration.
Pros: X11 forwarding, SFTP sidebar, session manager, bundled tools, affordable Pro license.
Cons: Windows only, dated interface, no AI, no database connections.
Best for: IT teams managing large fleets of connections across protocols.
Royal TS (Windows) and Royal TSX (macOS) manage SSH, RDP, VNC, web, and other connection types. They support team sharing through shared documents, credential management, and extensive organization features.
Pros: Multi-protocol, team sharing, extensive organization, credential management.
Cons: Paid ($50+ individual), heavy application, enterprise-oriented, no AI.
Best for: Windows users who want a simple, proven SSH client.
PuTTY has been the default Windows SSH client for decades. KiTTY is a fork with quality-of-life improvements. Both are free, lightweight, and reliable.
Pros: Lightweight, proven, free, simple.
Cons: Dated interface, sessions stored in Windows registry, no tabs, no modern features, Windows only.
| Tool | Type | Database | AI | Mobile | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~/.ssh/config | Config file | No | No | No | Free |
| Yaw | Terminal | Yes (6) | Yes (9) | No | Free |
| Termius | SSH client | No | No | Yes | Free/Paid |
| MobaXterm | SSH terminal | No | No | No | Free/Pro |
| Royal TS | Connection mgr | No | No | No | Paid |
| PuTTY | SSH client | No | No | No | Free |
If you have fewer than 20 connections and work alone, ~/.ssh/config is probably fine. If you need mobile access, Termius is the best option. If you manage a large fleet on Windows, MobaXterm or Royal TS make sense.
If you want your SSH connections in the same app as your terminal, databases, and AI — without a separate tool — yaw consolidates everything.
Try yaw on Windows
Free, no account required. Install from PowerShell:
irm https://yaw.sh/install-win.ps1 | iex