My favorite SSH clients for Android – and why you need them

I regularly need quick access to one of the Linux machines on my local area network, but sometimes I do not have a laptop. If I have my Android phone handy, I do not have to worry about grabbing my laptop or standing at my desk so I can run an SSH command.

Also: These 6 Linux apps are the secret sauce to my creative process

So, how do you connect via SSH from an Android device? Fortunately, there are a few apps in the Google Play Store that make this process easy. Each app can be installed and used for free, so you can test each one and decide which you prefer. Some apps have free and paid plans, but all can be used for free (with basic features).

Let us get to the clients.

1. JuiceSSH

JuiceSSH is one of the best SSH clients for Android. This free client offers just the right features to make accessing remote machines a snap. One of my favorite features of JuiceSSH is the ability to quickly enlarge the font using the Volume Up key on your phone. This trick is handy because the text can be small — and that is important for older eyes like mine.

Also: How to make SSH even easier to use with config files

JuiceSSH also features identity management, automatic script run on login, plugins, themes, external keyboard support, SSH agent forwarding, and easy access to commands like Ctrl, Alt, Esc, Tab, and more. The Pro version of JuiceSSH adds snippets, Amazon EC2 access, and a security lock. The Pro version is a one-time cost of $9.99, and the license is purchased in-app. The available plugins include a performance monitor, OpenSSH Importer, Cluster Snippets, Tasker, Port Knocker, and a Plugin Audit Log.

2. Termius

Termius is one of my favorite desktop GUI SSH apps and also does a great job on Android. Termius is another SSH client with a free and paid app. However, you still benefit from cloud-based, encrypted storage of your connection configurations and settings in both versions. Termius includes a connection manager, SSH key authentication, SFTP support, and plenty of built-in themes, groups, tags, and vaults.

Also: The best SSH clients for Linux (and why you need them)

The Pro edition adds snippets, agent forwarding, host chaining, and proxy configurations. With Termius, you can zoom in and out (to increase or decrease the font size) with the standard Android pinch gestures. You will also find quick access to Ctrl, Escape, function keys, and even a built-in AI to convert text to a command.

One thing about Termius is that it requires you to set up a vault via Google, Apple, or an email address. Even though you have to create an account, Termius can be used for free. You can also purchase a Pro account (in-app) that adds a personal vault, sync across mobile and desktop, and snippets automation.

3. Termux

Termux is more of a terminal emulator than a basic SSH client, which means you can do more. In fact, Termux transforms your Android phone or tablet into a Linux environment that allows you to run many traditional Linux commands, one of which is SSH. However, there is a catch. To add SSH functionality, you have to install it. To do this, install Termux, open the app, and then run the command:

After installing openssh, you can run a standard SSH command as you normally would.

Also: How to start using the new Linux terminal on your Android device

As far as SSH goes, Termux is fairly basic. There is no connection manager, plugins, or other handy features. But having a straightforward Linux terminal for SSH connections is pretty sweet. Termux is free to install and use.

4. ConnectBot

ConnectBot is the only open-source app on the list, which makes it special in my eyes. ConnectBot has a clean and easy-to-use interface, with just enough features to make it worth your time. You will find color categories, font size configuration, SSH key authentication, DEL key configuration, SSH auth agent support, compression, persistent connections, close on disconnect, and post-login automation.

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One nice feature of ConnectBot is that it allows you to remain connected to a machine. As long as you are on the same network, the connection works. You could create multiple connections in the connection manager, connect to all of them, and remain connected, so you can quickly switch between different machines. That feature alone makes ConnectBot a favorite. ConnectBot is free to install and use.

Honorable mention

With a recent Android update, it is now possible to use a full-blown Linux environment without having to install a third-party app. Once you have enabled the environment, you can install SSH with apt install openssh-client. Once installed, you can use SSH exactly as you would on Linux (even with config files and more).

Also: 5 ways to use the Linux terminal on your Android phone – including my favorite

Any one of these SSH Android clients will serve you well. My favorite is a toss-up between the new Linux Terminal Environment and ConnectBot.

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