Best Terminal Emulators for Windows of 2025

ZOC is professional terminal emulator software for Windows and macOS. It has a large number of emulations, powerful features, and is reliable and elegant. You can connect to hosts and mainframes using secure shell, telnet and serial cable, as well as other communication methods. This terminal is easy to use thanks to its modern user interface. ZOC is versatile, robust, and reliable. Tabbed sessions with thumbnails, an address book with folders, color-coded hosts and host names, highly customizable to your preferences and needs. A scripting language with over 200 commands is available. It is compatible with Windows 10/11, macOS 12 Monterey and is administrator friendly (deployment and configuration). Logging, scrollback, keyboard remapping and extensive logging. You can define buttons, automate actions, and create macros. Emulations include xterm and VT220.

Tera Term is a versatile terminal emulator designed for Microsoft Windows that facilitates connections via serial ports, telnet, and SSH. In addition to its numerous functionalities, it features a built-in macro scripting language that is particularly useful for automating tasks associated with remote connections from a PC. This free software is capable of handling various communication types, including serial port connections and TCP/IP (telnet, SSH1, SSH2) connections, as well as offering capabilities such as log replaying, named pipe connections, and supporting IPv6. Furthermore, Tera Term provides emulation for VT100 along with selected VT200/300 and TEK4010 types, and it supports various file transfer protocols like Kermit, XMODEM, YMODEM, ZMODEM, B-PLUS, and Quick-VAN. It also accommodates scripts through the "Tera Term Language" and supports an array of character sets and encodings, including Japanese, English, Russian, Korean, and UTF-8, along with a message catalog available in multiple languages such as German, French, and Chinese. Overall, Tera Term stands out not only for its robust features but also for its ability to cater to a diverse set of user needs across different languages.

Rio is a terminal application developed using Rust, WebGPU, and the Tokio runtime, aimed at delivering an exceptional frames-per-second experience while also providing the flexibility to minimize GPU usage. The terminal's rendering engine utilizes a Redux state machine, ensuring that unchanged lines are not redrawn, thereby prioritizing a minimal rendering process most of the time. Furthermore, Rio is crafted to be compatible with a WebAssembly runtime, paving the way for future enhancements such as customizable tab systems through WASM plugins written in various programming languages. Additionally, Rio employs WGPU, which serves as a WebGPU implementation designed for non-browser environments and acts as a backend for Firefox’s own WebGPU implementation, allowing for a more efficient utilization of modern GPUs compared to WebGL alternatives. This focus on performance and customization makes Rio a versatile choice for terminal users seeking both speed and adaptability.

MobaXterm serves as an all-encompassing toolkit for remote computing tasks. This single Windows application is equipped with a myriad of features designed specifically for programmers, webmasters, IT administrators, and virtually anyone who requires a more straightforward approach to managing their remote work. One of the key benefits of utilizing an integrated network application for your remote activities is that, for instance, when you establish an SSH connection to a remote server, a graphical SFTP browser conveniently appears, enabling you to edit your remote files instantly. Additionally, any remote applications you run will integrate smoothly with your Windows desktop thanks to its built-in X server. The development of MobaXterm was driven by a clear mission: to offer an intuitive user interface that allows you to easily access remote servers across various networks and systems. Users can download the MobaXterm Home Edition at no cost, while companies interested in enhanced features should consider opting for a subscription to the MobaXterm Professional Edition. With its extensive functionalities and user-friendly design, MobaXterm stands out as a reliable solution for remote computing needs.

PuTTY serves as a free software solution for SSH and Telnet on both Windows and Unix systems, also functioning as an xterm terminal emulator. This client application supports protocols including SSH, Telnet, Rlogin, and SUPDUP, which facilitate remote sessions on computers over a network. Essentially, it operates from the client side of these sessions, where users can view and interact with the remote system. For instance, if you launch PuTTY on a Windows device and establish a connection to a Unix server, a window will open for you. Any commands you enter in this window are transmitted directly to the Unix machine, and the responses from the server will appear in the same window. Consequently, it allows you to operate on the Unix system as if you were physically present at its terminal, even though you could be located in a different place entirely. Additionally, PuTTY permits users to save their configurations in named session profiles, while also giving them the option to modify the default settings that apply to new connections. This flexibility makes it a versatile tool for managing remote sessions effectively.

Muon offers a straightforward and enjoyable method for managing remote servers using SSH. This graphical SSH client includes an advanced SFTP file browser, an SSH terminal emulator, a remote resource and process manager, a server disk space analyzer, a remote text editor, a substantial remote log viewer, and numerous additional tools that facilitate remote server interactions. By functioning similarly to web-based control panels, Muon operates directly over SSH from a local machine, eliminating the need for any server-side installations. Compatible with both Linux and Windows, Muon has been verified with various Linux and UNIX servers, such as Ubuntu server, CentOS, RHEL, OpenSUSE, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, and HP-UX. Primarily aimed at web and backend developers who regularly deploy and debug their applications on remote servers while preferring to avoid complex command-line operations, this tool can also be beneficial for system administrators managing multiple remote servers. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, Muon enhances productivity by simplifying server management tasks.

Robust connection management supports various types of connections seamlessly. Whether you are using RDP, VNC, SSH terminals, S/FTP, or web-based interfaces, Royal TS has everything under control! It features an integrated credential management system and secure team-sharing options. This allows you to distribute a list of connections while keeping your personal credentials confidential. With command tasks and key sequence tasks, repetitive operations can be automated easily and efficiently. The SSH-based tunneling support acts as a secure gateway, seamlessly integrated into Royal TS. Additionally, Dynamic Folders enable the dynamic importation of data from external sources. You can assign specific credentials to individual connections by simply naming them, thus ensuring that sensitive information remains private in a secured document accessible only by you. Furthermore, Royal TS is capable of managing documents that are simultaneously accessed by multiple users and facilitates synchronization of document changes without requiring a SQL database backend, enhancing collaboration and efficiency. This makes Royal TS a comprehensive solution for connection management.

The PowerTerm InterConnect Series includes a variety of powerful terminal emulation tools designed to meet the host access demands of both large and small enterprises. This suite enables companies to adopt a unified host access solution across their operations. The PowerTerm InterConnect applications ensure quick and dependable access to information stored on numerous host systems, including IBM Mainframe zSeries, IBM AS/400 iSeries, UNIX, OpenVMS, Tandem, and HP. Each product within the series facilitates terminal emulation through multiple communication methods. Additionally, PowerTerm InterConnect comes equipped with a versatile and comprehensive feature set aimed at optimizing user productivity while offering a multitude of options. With the integration of Power Script Language, users can streamline processes and enhance their operational efficiency. Furthermore, the compact design of PowerTerm InterConnect allows it to serve as a straightforward, rapid, and efficient solution for executing legacy applications, and its installation is quick and hassle-free on any personal computer. Overall, the series stands out for its ability to adapt to diverse user needs while maintaining high performance levels.

The PowerTerm Pro Series represents Ericom Software's top-tier terminal emulation solution designed for Windows, enhancing and simplifying access to legacy systems. It accommodates a wide variety of hosts and emulation types, allowing businesses to unify their access strategy with a single solution. With features such as a customizable graphical user interface, SSL, SSH, and secure file transfer (SFTP), both PowerTerm Pro and PowerTerm Pro Enterprise present various options tailored to the specific host, security, server, and productivity requirements of organizations. The user-friendly interface promotes efficiency, enabling quick work completion through intuitive drag-and-drop tools for seamless data access, and includes AS/400 DFT for straightforward file transfers between PCs and AS/400 hosts. Moreover, this terminal emulation software is centrally installed on a server and accessed from Windows desktops, operating on a per-user licensing model, which streamlines management and deployment across an organization. As a result, PowerTerm Pro not only enhances productivity but also supports a modernized approach to legacy system connectivity.

SecureCRT, available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, offers reliable terminal emulation tailored for IT professionals, enhancing efficiency through sophisticated session management and various methods to automate tedious tasks. This robust application ensures secure remote access, file transfers, and data tunneling for all members of your team. Whether transitioning from Telnet or Terminal, or in search of a more versatile secure remote access solution, SecureCRT is a tool that can be used extensively throughout your day. With its dependable SSH security, comprehensive session management, and advanced scripting capabilities, SecureCRT is designed to significantly boost your productivity. Users can easily highlight specific words, phrases, or substrings within the session window, aiding in the identification of mistakes in log files or streaming outputs while also emphasizing prompts. Additionally, support for regular expressions simplifies the process of highlighting elements such as IP addresses, and various keyword display attributes like bold, reverse video, and color can be mixed and matched for enhanced visibility. Overall, this powerful tool stands out as an essential resource for professionals seeking to optimize their workflow.

Terminal emulation allows a computer terminal, often a personal computer, to mimic the appearance and functionality of an older terminal type, enabling users to run software that was designed for that specific terminal. Among the top terminal emulator software is OpenText HostExplorer, which is particularly well-suited for IBM® 3270 Mainframes, AS/400s, UNIX, and FTP hosts. This software offers speedy, secure, and dependable connections from Microsoft® Windows® PCs to various enterprise systems. By utilizing HostExplorer, organizations can harness the advantages of modern PC and web technologies while safeguarding their investments in data and information systems. The seamless transition to this software preserves the existing user experience, negating the need for retraining and minimizing disruptions to business workflows. Furthermore, it streamlines maintenance by providing automatic upgrades and centralized management, thus significantly reducing both cost and effort associated with upkeep. With its robust capabilities, HostExplorer stands out as an essential tool for businesses looking to modernize their terminal access without compromising on reliability.

StayLinked allows you to move to the most advanced devices, measure and optimize productivity using cutting-edge business intelligence and interface with ground-breaking technologies such as automation, robotics and augmented reality. It is crucial to keep employees on the job. Traditional terminal emulator solutions can cause erratic performance and connectivity. End users spend more time attempting to fix problems with the help desk than they do performing critical application tasks. StayLinked ensures that applications and users run at their best by eliminating lost sessions, enabling central application configuration and management, as well as providing highly efficient help desk tools. StayLinked Terminal Emulation is the fastest TE solution for mobile devices. Traditional terminal emulators send all telnet/SSH traffic directly to the mobile device.

Initially created to add sophisticated improvements to the basic and utilitarian GNU Screen for the Ubuntu server version, Byobu has evolved significantly. It now features an upgraded profile, user-friendly keybindings, configuration tools, and optional system status alerts for both the GNU Screen window manager and the contemporary Tmux terminal multiplexer, functioning seamlessly across various Linux, BSD, and Mac distributions. Additionally, Byobu boasts an enhanced profile, configuration tools, and system status notifications specifically tailored for the GNU Screen and Tmux. Byobu is made available as free software under the GPLv3 license, ensuring that users can freely access and modify it. This commitment to open-source principles strengthens its community support and continuous improvement.

Rocket® Passport terminal emulation solutions encompass both Rocket Passport Web to Host® and Rocket Passport PC to Host, providing a comprehensive suite for host access. The Rocket Passport Web to Host software serves as a robust, browser-based IBM® 3270 emulator that can lead to significant cost savings for businesses currently relying on other desktop terminal emulators. It offers advanced IBM TN3270E emulation alongside basic TN3270 emulation, and supports IBM® i (TN5250), UNIX/DEC (VT), and secure File Transfer Protocol (FTP). By utilizing Passport Web to Host, remote or distributed Windows users can access essential tools for secure, reliable, and efficient connectivity to host systems. This includes features such as SSL and SSH security support, VB Script for macro development, HLLAPI, and an Object API for seamless integration with IBM applications, along with extensive Windows cut-and-paste functionality. In addition, Passport PC to Host empowers Windows users with all necessary tools to establish secure and productive connections to host systems, ensuring a streamlined user experience. The combination of these solutions solidifies Rocket's position as a leader in terminal emulation technology.

Flynet Viewer™, TE (Terminal Emulation), is a browser-based terminal emulator that allows you to access key business systems. Access Mainframe, iSeries and Unix systems from any device that has zero client software. The terminal emulator is installed on a server environment either on-premises or in the cloud and centrally managed by Flynet Viewer administration center. Flynet Viewer is compatible with all browsers and devices that do not require ActiveX or Java plugins. Flynet Viewer includes all the features that you would expect from an enterprise terminal emulator. These include file transfer, client and server-side macros, single sign-on and MFA, file transfer, file transfers, file transfer, single-sign-on, MFA, and keyboard remapping. Flynet Viewer Terminal Emulation offers the same functionality as a full fat desktop Terminal Emulation Client but is delivered over the internet and served up via browser. Flynet Viewer Terminal Emulation can be used on any device, regardless of the operating system or native browser.

HostAccess is a PC terminal emulator software. It provides a range of terminal emulator tools for Microsoft Windows users. This allows secure access on various platforms such as Linux, Unix and IBM. HostAccess' main purpose is to connect to PICK (multivalue), such as UniVerse and UniData, D3, ONware etc., and to use your own package of programs written using PICK Basic. These programs offer APIs for data exchange as well as extensive GUI capabilities. Quickly create reports and integrate data with Windows applications. Connect to multiple systems in one environment. HostAccess provides all the essential terminal emulator software features you require in one page. So, whether you're looking for asynchronous/synchronous connections, server-based administration, concurrent users, or multiple session access, HostAccess is an ideal solution for you.

Enhance host applications to be as user-friendly as those found in Office by integrating contemporary user-interface components. Utilize the productivity features of Microsoft Office to empower users in achieving their best performance from any location. Simplify and secure your host-access operations by integrating Reflection with MSS, ensuring that Reflection Desktop works seamlessly with your Identity and Access Management (IAM) system, including SAML-enabled options for authentication to MSS. This integration allows MSS to effortlessly update application settings and user-specific content from a centralized server. Protect your essential host systems with straightforward access controls, enabling you to grant or deny access based on user roles or groups. Quickly apply modifications to adapt to evolving business requirements and make immediate post-installation changes. Transition from weak, eight-character passwords to robust, complex alternatives, while also employing optimal multifactor authentication strategies, such as one-time passwords (OTP), biometric options, push tokens, and mobile authentication, to enhance security further. This comprehensive approach not only boosts usability but also fortifies the security and management of host systems.

You can configure sessions with hotspots and keyboard mapping. Web frameworks built around mainframe applications. You can centrally install and deploy applications for instant availability. Users automatically download the latest version of your updates when they connect to your server. Connect to any major GDS. To generate tickets, baggage tags, boarding passes, and tickets using the Airlines Printer component, Connect to host systems to make IBM, UNIX and Unisys data instantly available to browsers from any location, without the need to use Java. End users can access the mainframe and other applications using the new Reflection for the Web Launcher. This removes the need for Oracle Java. Allow users to work in the way they prefer by allowing them to access terminal sessions, file transfer, and printing.

Entire Connection is terminal emulation software designed to link Windows® users with applications across various platforms, including mainframe, UNIX®, Linux®, OpenVMS, and BS2000. This software allows for the connection of thousands of simultaneous Microsoft® Windows® users to applications hosted on these platforms, ensuring a highly scalable solution. To enhance security and safeguard applications from unauthorized desktop access, users must input a user ID and password to initiate a terminal session with Entire Connection. Additionally, you can implement Single Sign-On (SSO) by securely storing host user credentials in an encrypted shared file, utilizing the Entire Connection script language to facilitate automatic logins to the host system. This combination of features not only streamlines access but also reinforces the security of application interactions.

InterSoft International, Inc. creates acclaimed software products that operate on Microsoft Windows workstations, facilitating connections to host systems such as IBM, UNIX, Windows, and VMS. Our solutions are utilized globally by both individuals and organizations to fulfill their client/server demands. The impressive capabilities of NetTerm make it suitable for use by military personnel, IBM, federal courts, the National Institutes of Health, public libraries, car dealerships, and countless individuals needing access to Internet accounts, public library systems, and various database connectivity options. Experts in the medical, financial, and legal sectors rely on NetTerm to navigate a wide array of databases across the globe. Recognized for its excellence, NetTerm is a powerful and customizable terminal emulator that supports Internet and intranet connections, offering compatibility with protocols including Telnet, rlogin, dial-up, and more. With its versatility and reliability, NetTerm continues to serve a diverse clientele and adapt to their evolving technological needs.

FlexTerm is developed entirely in C# .NET, offering a long-awaited modern user interface for the terminal emulation community. This interface features an innovative ribbon command bar that organizes the program's functionalities into a series of tabs located at the top of the window. By enhancing the discoverability of features and functions, it facilitates a quicker learning curve for users and fosters a sense of control over their interaction with the software. The ribbon not only replaces the conventional menu bar and toolbars but is also fully customizable, enabling users to design their own custom tabs and tab groups to suit their preferences. Additionally, a FlexTerm workspace can encompass a single session or multiple sessions, which can be docked and arranged as tabs or allowed to float independently. Users can effortlessly rearrange sessions within a workspace using intuitive drag-and-drop functionality, making it easier to tailor their workspace to their needs. This flexibility ensures that users can organize their terminal environment in a way that enhances their productivity and efficiency.

The highly regarded emulator favored by global mainframe clients is designed to seamlessly transition mission-critical terminal applications to modern platforms like the web and mobile devices, or even as APIs, all without altering the original application. HCL ZIE for Transformation facilitates this extension of essential terminal applications, enabling their deployment as standard SOAP or RESTful web services without necessitating any rewrites or access to the application's source code. By implementing this solution, organizations can significantly cut down on training expenses while enhancing user productivity through better navigation and usability, thereby minimizing data entry mistakes. The tunable default rendering and customizable screens of ZIE for Transformation ensure that all existing application interfaces are presented with a fresh, user-friendly design. Furthermore, this solution supports deployment across various environments, including web portals and Eclipse RCP, granting access through numerous web browsers, including those on mobile devices, which broadens the accessibility of critical applications. This versatility not only modernizes the user experience but also empowers businesses to adapt to evolving technological landscapes efficiently.

Rocket® Terminal Emulator, previously known as Rocket® BlueZone®, offers a unique approach to terminal emulation solutions. Users have the ability to tailor their environments extensively, enhancing both comfort and productivity. This solution features robust security measures that safeguard vital business information, and it serves as an economical option that provides significant value. Transitioning from your current terminal emulation tool is made simple with our helpful migration wizards and a dedicated support team to assist you in the switch to Rocket Terminal Emulator. Each user can personalize their terminal setup to create a familiar and inviting workspace. Often, users of host systems have specific shortcuts and hot-keys arranged for their frequently performed tasks, and with Rocket Terminal Emulator, many of these macros can seamlessly transfer from your previous emulator, ensuring a smooth continuation of your workflow. Consequently, the transition not only enhances user experience but also maintains productivity levels during the changeover.

ConEmu-Maximus5 is designed to be a practical, all-inclusive, quick, and dependable terminal window that can accommodate any console application built for either WinAPI (such as cmd, PowerShell, or Far) or Unix PTY environments (like Cygwin, MSYS, or WSL Bash). As an enhancement to the Windows console window, this local terminal emulator allows users to manage multiple consoles and simple GUI applications, such as PuTTY, within a single customizable tabbed interface equipped with a variety of features. It initiates console programs within a concealed console window, offering an alternative customizable graphical interface that boasts numerous capabilities. The application supports smooth resizing of windows and provides tabs for editors, viewers, panels, and consoles, facilitating the operation of straightforward GUI applications like PuTTY in separate tabs. Additionally, it includes support for Windows 7 Jump Lists and progress indicators on taskbar buttons, making it straightforward to run legacy DOS applications and games on Windows 7 or 64-bit operating systems. With features such as thumbnails and tiles in Far Manager and various display modes including normal, maximized, and full screen, ConEmu-Maximus5 ensures a versatile terminal experience. It effectively combines functionality with user-friendly design to enhance overall productivity.

OpenText™ Extra! is a Windows-based emulator that connects users to IBM UNIX and Linux host applications. OpenText™, Extra! is easy to use, manage and highly secure. Saves time by automating repetitive actions with macros and keystroke automation. OpenText Extra is integrated with Microsoft Office, which allows users to save time by eliminating keystrokes. OpenText Extra! is integrated with Microsoft Office. This allows users to eliminate keystrokes and save time. Various productivity features will help you complete repetitive tasks faster and more accurately. Customize your software completely before deployment using the custom installation wizard. Group policy allows you to centrally manage your setting files, saving time and improving management control.