[ VS SECURECRT Side by side ]
A SecureCRT alternative
compared, side by side.
SecureCRT is a paid terminal client with scripting, many terminal emulations and smart card support. Vaulterm is a free or low-cost SSH client for individuals and small teams, with an encrypted vault, end-to-end encrypted sync, SFTP and S3, tunnels and an editor.
Checked 2026-10-25 against the VanDyke pages under Sources. VanDyke marks its prices as subject to change.
| Feature | Vaulterm | SecureCRT |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | macOS 13+, Windows 10+, Linux (AppImage, .deb, .rpm) | Windows, macOS and Linux |
| Price | Free. Pro $5 a month, $49 for 12 months or $349 once. Ultra from $24 for 3 months, or $499 once | $190 with 3 years of updates, or $119 with 1 year. With SecureFX: $206 or $129. 30-day evaluation |
| Protocols | SSH, Telnet and rlogin free. Serial in Pro | SSH1 and SSH2, Telnet, Telnet/TLS, serial, and RDP on Windows only |
| Terminal emulations | A terminal for SSH, Telnet and rlogin | VT100/102/220, TN3270, ANSI, SCO ANSI, Wyse 50/60, Xterm and Linux console |
| Scripting | Snippets with variables, and tasks in Vaulterm Code | VBScript, JScript, PerlScript and Python, with a script recorder and Command Manager |
| File transfer | SFTP browser, free. FTP, FTPS and S3 in Pro | SFTP, and SecureFX integration |
| Smart card and FIPS | No. Hardware-key unlock is planned | X.509 smart cards (PIV/CAC) for two-factor authentication, and optional FIPS 140-2 approved ciphers |
| Encrypted vault with hostnames | Yes. Hosts, keys and passwords, hostnames included | Not listed on vandyke.com/products/securecrt/ |
| Sync between devices | End-to-end encrypted on every plan: Free 5 items, Pro 250, Ultra 10,000 | Not listed on vandyke.com/products/securecrt/ |
| Code editor | Vaulterm Code, in the same app | Not listed on vandyke.com/products/securecrt/ |
Where SecureCRT is stronger
- Scripting. VBScript, JScript, PerlScript and Python, with a script recorder and a Command Manager.
- Emulation and protocols. Terminal emulations such as VT220 and TN3270, Telnet/TLS, and RDP on Windows.
- Enterprise and compliance needs. X.509 smart card sign-in (PIV/CAC) and optional FIPS 140-2 approved ciphers are on VanDyke's page. Vaulterm has neither, and no audit or certification.
Where Vaulterm fits
- Free to start. Free has no time limit and no account. Pro is $5 a month, $49 for 12 months or $349 once.
- An encrypted vault. Hosts, keys and passwords are encrypted on your computer, hostnames included, and sync is end-to-end encrypted on every plan.
- SFTP, S3 and tunnels. FTP, FTPS and S3 open as tabs in Pro, and tunnels are in Pro. About the file client
- An editor. Vaulterm Code opens in its own window from the same install.
SecureCRT's price is $190 with 3 years of updates or $119 with 1 year, and its evaluation lasts 30 days. Prices are as VanDyke listed them on 2026-10-25 and subject to change. See also the best SSH client comparison.
Questions
Is there a free SecureCRT alternative?
Vaulterm Free has no time limit and no account: SSH, Telnet, SFTP, split panes and an encrypted vault. SecureCRT offers a 30-day evaluation. If you rely on scripting in SecureCRT, check it before you switch: Vaulterm has snippets and Code tasks, not a script recorder. See Pricing.
Is there a SecureCRT alternative for Mac or Linux?
SecureCRT lists Windows, macOS and Linux. Vaulterm runs on all three too: a signed Mac app, and an AppImage, .deb and .rpm for Linux.
Can Vaulterm replace SecureCRT in a company?
It depends on what you need. For scripting, terminal emulations, smart cards or FIPS ciphers, SecureCRT lists them and Vaulterm does not. Vaulterm suits individuals and small teams. See Security for what Vaulterm does claim.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-25. Vendor pages carry no date of their own, so prices and features may have changed since.
- SecureCRT product page
www.vandyke.com/products/securecrt/ - VanDyke pricing
www.vandyke.com/pricing/index.html
SecureCRT and SecureFX are trademarks of their owners. Vaulterm is not affiliated with them.
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