A terminal emulator is a program that emulates the functionalities of the traditional computer terminals.

In simple words, unlike the classic terminal that performed functions using hardware, the terminal emulator executes the same tasks in software.

7. PuTTY – Most popular terminal emulator

PuTTY is a free serial console, terminal emulator, and the most popular SSH client. Download Putty from www.puttykey.com


Written in C language and developed by Simon Tatham, PuTTY supports several network protocols such as Telnet, Secure copy protocol (SCP) login, and SSH.

t is one of the oldest terminal emulators that are still actively developed and updated.

PuTTY is an SSH and Telnet client. If you just want the network client or a beginner emulator, then Download Putty should be an option for you

2. Cmder
Cmder is one of the most popular portable terminal emulators available for Windows OS.

The program's official website states that it was developed ‘out of pure frustration’ noting that there were no available alternatives in the market. The software package is written in C++ and Powershell.

3. ZOC Terminal Emulator

ZOC is one of the best terminal emulators and SSH clients especially for programmers that want to access data on Unix machines from Windows.

The software is not free but has impressive features for advanced users. It is a one-stop tool for developers as it integrates connectivity to text-based servers and remote machines.

4. Mintty console emulator for Cygwin

Mintty is an open-source console emulator for Cygwin – Unix-like functionality for Windows. As Cygwin natively runs on Windows OS, mintty does not need a display server.

The software tool is perfect for programmers that predominantly use Cygwin for Windows shell. In fact, since 2011 mintty is Cygwin’s default terminal.

5. MobaXterm emulator for remote computing
MobaXterm is one of the best all-in-one application for remote computing.

It is an ultimate toolbox – where it provides several network tools and an unmatchable amount of functions in a single window.

6. Babun -a Cygwin Shell

Babu is a shell that is built on Cygwin – Unix-style environment on Windows. The software is entirely free and is often touted as “a Windows shall you will love!.”

It brings zsh, oh-my-zsh – a community-driven framework for organizing Zsh configuration, to Windows.

7. KiTTY

The KiTTY program is an adaptation of PuTTY, as it is developed based on the same programming foundations of PuTTY.

As such, it is easy for programmers to switch to KiTTY as it has the same UI (User Interface) and UX (User Experience) as PuTTY.

8. Xshell terminal emulator

Xshell is a terminal emulator that mirrors the presence of a virtual console.

The software enables the computer to work as a terminal and make it easy for programs to access data in a mainframe. Although it is designed for Windows, interacting with Linux servers is very easy.

9. ConsoleZ – an enhancement for Windows console

console is an enhancement for Windows console that is not a shell akin to the above alternative terminal emulators.

As such, it does not execute many of the shell features such as syntax coding and command history.

11. Console2 – best terminal emulators and the command prompt for Windows

Console2 is one of the best terminal emulators and famous command prompt alternative for Windows.

The program requires installations and is filled with lots of features that the original Windows command prompt lacks.