The SecureCRT Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about SecureCRT in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
SecureCRT
The Insider’s Guide
SSH, Telnet and serial terminal for Windows, macOS and Linux
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among remote desktop apps, read from SecureCRT’s own pages.
Made by VanDyke Software, Inc. · checked Nov 13, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from SecureCRT’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on SecureCRT’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 13, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.6
GPA, above 49 of the 85 other remote desktop apps we grade
SecureCRT is a terminal emulator from VanDyke Software that supports SSH, Telnet, serial and, on Windows, RDP. It has tabbed sessions, keyword highlighting and scripting in Python and other languages. It pairs with the SecureFX file transfer client, and one client license covers Windows, macOS and Linux.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about SecureCRT, taken from its own pages and our grades.
Sessions, scripts and highlighting rules all have to be set up by you.
- 1
Best for scripted SSH and serial sessions across desktops
SecureCRT is a terminal for SSH, Telnet and serial that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux under one license, with scripting in Python and other languages.
- 2
Paid plans start at $9.92 a month when paid by the year for each person
As its pricing page puts it: $119 per user, with 1 year of updates.
- 3
You can try it first
30-day evaluation license, fully functional
- 4
It runs on 4 platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux and iOS.
- 5
Session management
Tabbed sessions and tab groups, with keyword highlighting that accepts regular expressions for prompts and errors.
- 6
Several protocols
SSH2, SSH1, Telnet, Telnet over TLS and serial connections, plus RDP on Windows only.
- 7
Scripting
Scripts in VBScript, JScript, PerlScript or Python, and a script recorder that turns keystrokes into a script.
- 8
A 2.6 GPA, above 49 of 85
That is against the other remote desktop apps we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
Keep it
To replace SecureCRT you would be making connections to other products, each kept working as those products change. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
SecureCRT at a glance
- Pricing
- Free trial, from $119 per user, with 1 year of updates
- Free plan
- No
- Free trial
- 30-day evaluation license, fully functional
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS
- Made by
- VanDyke Software, Inc.
- Category
- Remote Desktop
- Our grade
- 2.6 GPA, good
The report card
Best for scripted SSH and serial sessions across desktops
SecureCRT is a terminal for SSH, Telnet and serial that runs on Windows, macOS and Linux under one license, with scripting in Python and other languages. It starts at $119 for a year of updates, there is no free plan, and RDP only works on Windows.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | B | $119 per user with 1 year of updates is under two years of the category's middle subscription. Three years of updates is $190, and the SecureFX bundle is $129 for a year. |
| Free plan and trial | C | A fully working 30-day evaluation license, but nothing free after that, and the page does not say whether a card is needed. |
| Features | B | SSH, Telnet, serial, tabbed sessions, keyword highlighting, a script recorder and scripting in four languages. The listing shows no gap in the core terminal job. |
| Ease of use | C | No store rating on record. Sessions, scripts and highlighting rules all have to be set up by you. |
| Platforms and integrations | B | Windows, macOS and Linux on one license, plus an iOS version. No web version, and RDP is Windows only. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who SecureCRT is for
- Fits if you script repetitive terminal work or talk to network gear over serial
- Works for a team that mixes Windows, Mac and Linux machines on one license
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you want a free tool, since after the 30-day evaluation you pay per user
- Pricey if you need FTPS, SCP or WebDAV too, as that is the separate SecureFX client and the bundle costs $129
- Watch out: a license covers 1 year of updates and support, and the longer 3-year option costs $190
- Watch out: RDP works on Windows only, and Python 3 scripting is listed for Windows, macOS and Ubuntu only
- Watch out: 50 or more licenses go through sales, not the price list
Good to know
Good for
- Network and systems admins who script repetitive terminal tasks
- Teams that mix Windows, macOS and Linux workstations under one license
- Buyers who want to evaluate fully before paying
Worth knowing
- No free plan: licenses are sold per user, and the free option is a 30-day evaluation.
- Licenses include one year of updates and support (or three years at a higher price).
- RDP support is Windows only, and Python 3 scripting is listed for Windows, macOS and Ubuntu Linux.
- Prices are quoted per order; 50 or more licenses go through sales.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$9.92
A month to start, paid by the year, for each person
SecureCRT is a paid product with a free trial, starting at $119 per user, with 1 year of updates.
SecureCRT, 1 year of updates
$119
per license, 1 year of updates and support
Single license; $116 each for 2 to 9, $114 each for 10 to 24 and $100 each for 25 to 49.
SecureCRT, 3 years of updates
$190
per license, 3 years of updates and support
Single license; $186 each for 2 to 9, $182 each for 10 to 24 and $140 each for 25 to 49.
SecureCRT + SecureFX bundle
$129
per license, 1 year of updates and support
Terminal plus the SecureFX file transfer client; $206 for 3 years of updates.
Trying it first
30-day evaluation license, fully functional
Read from vandyke.com on Nov 13, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
4
Places it runs: macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS
SSH, Telnet and serial terminal for Windows, macOS and Linux. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: one-time purchase, workflow automation, file sharing.
SSH, Telnet, serial, tabbed sessions, keyword highlighting, a script recorder and scripting in four languages.
- Session management
- Tabbed sessions and tab groups, with keyword highlighting that accepts regular expressions for prompts and errors.
- Several protocols
- SSH2, SSH1, Telnet, Telnet over TLS and serial connections, plus RDP on Windows only.
- Scripting
- Scripts in VBScript, JScript, PerlScript or Python, and a script recorder that turns keystrokes into a script.
- File transfer
- SFTP, Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem and Kermit transfers, plus a built-in TFTP server; SecureFX adds FTPS, SCP and WebDAV.
- One license, three desktops
- The vendor says client licenses are not platform-specific, so one license registers Windows, macOS and Linux copies.
Where it runs
- macOS
- Windows
- Linux
- iOS
What it works with
- SecureFX
- VShell Server
SecureCRT is made by VanDyke Software, Inc.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
49/85
Other remote desktop apps it is graded above
SecureCRT's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 49 of the 85 other remote desktop apps we grade, and level with 19.
It stands best on features (B, above 55 of 85) and worst on ease of use (C, above 10).
Its paid plans start at $9.92 a month when paid by the year for each person, against a middle price of $8.33 for the category: 25 of the 44 others that charge start lower.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 2.7 out of 4. 3 tools score higher and cost less.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 86 remote desktop apps we grade, cut by the letter each got. SecureCRT’s own letter is outlined.
- BValue for moneyAbove 54 of 85
- CFree plan and trialAbove 19 of 85
- BFeaturesAbove 55 of 85
- CEase of useAbove 10 of 85
- BPlatforms and integrationsAbove 28 of 85
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 59 remote desktop apps. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. SecureCRT is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
To replace SecureCRT you would be making connections to other products, each kept working as those products change. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
It costs $119 a year.
What you could not
- Connections to other products, each kept working as those products change.
- Storing and serving files for other people.
- Apps for macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS that stay in step with each other.
- It is priced for each person, which means accounts and billing for a team.
- The depth: we grade its features B, which means it covers the whole job.
What this rests on. SecureCRT’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Xshell, MobaXterm, PuTTY, Termius and Tabby
The 5 tools SecureCRT is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.4GPA
Xshell
Free plan · from $119/yr
SSH terminal for Windows with session, tab and file managers.
- Xshell has a free plan. SecureCRT does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only SecureCRT lists macOS, Linux and iOS apps.
- SecureCRT also covers file sharing.
- 2.8GPA
MobaXterm
Free plan · from $69 one-time
Tabbed SSH client and X server for Windows in one portable app.
- MobaXterm has a free plan. SecureCRT does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only SecureCRT lists macOS, Linux and iOS apps.
- SecureCRT can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 3.0GPA
PuTTY
Free
Free SSH and Telnet client for Windows with file-copy utilities.
- PuTTY has a free plan. SecureCRT does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only SecureCRT lists macOS and iOS apps.
- SecureCRT can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.6GPA
Termius
Free plan · from $10/mo
SSH and SFTP client for desktop and mobile with a synced vault.
- Termius has a free plan. SecureCRT does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Termius lists an Android app.
- SecureCRT can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 3.2GPA
Tabby
Free
Configurable terminal with built-in SSH, Telnet and serial clients.
- Tabby has a free plan. SecureCRT does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only SecureCRT lists an iOS app.
- Only Tabby lists a web app.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
11
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is SecureCRT free?
No, SecureCRT is a paid product, but you can try it first. 30-day evaluation license, fully functional.
How much does SecureCRT cost?
SecureCRT lists 3 plans. SecureCRT, 1 year of updates: $119 per license, 1 year of updates and support.
What platforms does SecureCRT work on?
SecureCRT is available on Windows, macOS, Linux and iOS.
Does SecureCRT have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 13, 2026. SecureCRT is listed for Windows, macOS, Linux and iOS.
Is SecureCRT open source?
SecureCRT is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Nov 13, 2026.
What does SecureCRT integrate with?
SecureCRT's listing names SecureFX and VShell Server. A listing names up to eight integrations, so it may connect to more.
Who makes SecureCRT?
SecureCRT is made by VanDyke Software, Inc.
What are the alternatives to SecureCRT?
The closest alternatives to SecureCRT in our directory are Xshell, MobaXterm, PuTTY, Termius and Tabby.
How does SecureCRT compare with other remote desktop apps?
SecureCRT's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 49 of the 85 other remote desktop apps we grade, and level with 19.
Is SecureCRT good value for money?
ToolGPA grades SecureCRT B for value for money. Its paid plans start at $9.92 a month when paid by the year for each person, against a middle price of $8.33 for the category: 25 of the 44 others that charge start lower.
Could I make my own version of SecureCRT?
To replace SecureCRT you would be making connections to other products, each kept working as those products change.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from SecureCRT’s own pages on Nov 13, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 13, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from VanDyke's own pages on 13 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by VanDyke Software, Inc. Prices change, so check vandyke.com before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
7,721
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
7,721
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- SecureCRT, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/securecrt
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "SecureCRT: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 13, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/securecrt
Know someone choosing between remote desktop apps?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/securecrt/guide
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See our other guides
The best-graded remote desktop apps after SecureCRT, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Remote Desktop Insider's GuideEvery one of the 86 remote desktop apps we grade, compared
- Chrome Remote Desktop Insider's GuideGoogle's free remote access to your own computers from a browser3.2 GPA
- DWService Insider's GuideFree browser-based remote access to computers via an agent3.2 GPA
- HopToDesk Insider's GuideFree open-source remote desktop with a paid device dashboard3.2 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what SecureCRT’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. SecureCRT is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by VanDyke Software, Inc. Prices and plans change: check vandyke.com before you buy.