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SSH workspace comparison

Find your workflow.

Compare your SSH options. Find the workspace that fits your day.

Compare toolsDownload Zync

Side by side

What changes in practice.

Four tools can connect you to a remote machine. What changes is what they put around that connection.

Compare Zync with
DetailZyncLocal-first SSH workspaceVS Code RemoteIDE remote development
Workspace
Best fitDay-to-day SSH work in one local-first desktop appEditing, building, and debugging on a remote host
WorkspaceHosts, terminals, files, tunnels, and vault togetherRemote editor window with terminal and extensions
Files / SFTPLocal files, SFTP, Places, in-app editingRemote explorer inside the IDE
Port forwardingLocal, remote, and SOCKS. Public URLs is separate.Forwarded ports for remote sessions
Credentials & Sync
CredentialsOptional on-device vault, or local key filesKeys, agent, and host auth you configure
SyncOptional manual encrypted backup to your Google DriveManage SSH config separately from editor Settings Sync
Cost & Platforms
PlatformsLinux, Windows, macOSLinux, Windows, macOS; remote host requirements apply
LicenseFSL-1.1-ALv2; Apache 2.0 after two yearsMicrosoft license. Remote extensions are not OSS.
PricingFree. No subscription limits.Free with VS Code and Remote SSH
DetailZyncLocal-first SSH workspaceMobaXtermWindows terminal toolbox
Workspace
Best fitDay-to-day SSH work in one local-first desktop appWindows terminal, X11, and network tools
WorkspaceHosts, terminals, files, tunnels, and vault togetherTabbed terminal with X11 and embedded tools
Files / SFTPLocal files, SFTP, Places, in-app editingGraphical SFTP beside sessions
Port forwardingLocal, remote, and SOCKS. Public URLs is separate.Graphical SSH tunnels manager
Credentials & Sync
CredentialsOptional on-device vault, or local key filesPasswords behind a master password
SyncOptional manual encrypted backup to your Google DriveSaved sessions; see vendor documentation for sharing options
Cost & Platforms
PlatformsLinux, Windows, macOSWindows
LicenseFSL-1.1-ALv2; Apache 2.0 after two yearsProprietary Home and Professional
PricingFree. No subscription limits.Free Home: 12 sessions, 2 SSH tunnels; paid Professional
DetailZyncLocal-first SSH workspaceTermiusManaged cross-device SSH
Workspace
Best fitDay-to-day SSH work in one local-first desktop appManaged SSH across desktop and mobile
WorkspaceHosts, terminals, files, tunnels, and vault togetherSSH client with vaults, groups, and snippets
Files / SFTPLocal files, SFTP, Places, in-app editingBuilt-in SFTP client
Port forwardingLocal, remote, and SOCKS. Public URLs is separate.Port forwarding in the SSH client
Credentials & Sync
CredentialsOptional on-device vault, or local key filesLocal vault on Starter. Cloud vaults on paid plans.
SyncOptional manual encrypted backup to your Google DrivePaid plans sync desktop and mobile
Cost & Platforms
PlatformsLinux, Windows, macOSLinux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
LicenseFSL-1.1-ALv2; Apache 2.0 after two yearsProprietary
PricingFree. No subscription limits.Free Starter, paid individual and team plans

Compared against current public product information. Plan details can change. Zync is desktop only.

Reviewed . Read the tradeoffs and sources.

The tradeoffs

Choose for the work you do.

Zync or Termius?

Zync fits when

You want local terminals, files, tunnels, and credentials together on your desktop without a required account. Optional Google Drive backup is manual rather than a managed team vault.

Consider the alternative when

You need mobile access, paid cloud sync, or team collaboration. Termius also offers a free Starter plan with SSH, SFTP, port forwarding, and a local vault. Zync is desktop only.

Zync or MobaXterm?

Zync fits when

You want SSH, SFTP, and tunnels across Linux, Windows, and macOS. Zync brings those workflows into one desktop workspace, but does not replace the whole MobaXterm toolbox.

Consider the alternative when

Your Windows workflow depends on integrated X11, RDP, or VNC tools alongside SSH. Its free Home edition has session, tunnel, and macro limits; Professional removes those limits.

Zync or VS Code Remote SSH?

Zync fits when

The main job is terminal access, file transfers, and tunnel management using SSH and SFTP. Zync can work alongside your editor, but does not replace the VS Code debugger or development extensions.

Consider the alternative when

You need to edit, build, and debug projects on a remote machine using the editor and extensions. Remote SSH installs a VS Code Server on the target and has host prerequisites.

Sources & reviewReviewed

Published by the Zync maintainers. This is a feature comparison, not a performance benchmark. Edition details can change; check the linked product documentation before choosing.

Take it for a spin

Try your everyday workflow.

Start with one test host. Check the parts you depend on before moving your everyday work.

  1. Connect

    Import a host and check its credentials.

    Migration guide

  2. Move a file

    Upload and download over SFTP.

    File transfer guide

  3. Open a tunnel

    Try local, remote, or SOCKS forwarding.

    Tunnel guide
Watch the workspace demo

A few more details

Before you switch.

Cost, licensing, and moving your existing connections.

Which free SSH client should I choose?

Choose around your operating system and daily work. Zync is a free desktop option for SSH, local terminals, SFTP, tunnels, and an optional encrypted vault. Termius Starter also includes SSH and SFTP, MobaXterm Home provides a Windows toolbox with edition limits, and VS Code Remote SSH focuses on remote development.

Is Zync open source?

Current Zync desktop source is available under FSL-1.1-ALv2. You can use Zync free for personal or commercial work, and read, modify, and build on the source. The one restriction: you cannot offer Zync itself as a competing commercial product or hosted service. Each version becomes available under Apache 2.0 two years after release, so it is source available, not an OSI-approved open-source license. Earlier MIT releases remain MIT.

Can I move my saved hosts to Zync?

Zync imports common fields from an SSH config file and supports its own connection exchange formats. Do not assume another client's vault or session export is compatible. Review imported hosts, assign credentials, and recreate tunnels or app-specific settings as needed.

Does Zync require an account or subscription?

The core desktop workspace is free and does not require a Zync account. Optional Google Drive backup and Public URLs use separate sign-in flows. Third-party AI providers may charge for their services.

Download Zync