Termique vs Electerm
Termique vs Electerm:
which SSH client is right for you?
Electerm is a free, actively developed, open-source terminal with a genuinely useful AI integration (bring your own OpenAI-compatible key) and flexible cloud sync options via WebDAV, gist, or a custom server. It also has a public security advisory (GHSA-g29v-q6h7-76wh) describing its encryption as a fixed, deterministic scheme with no authentication tag - meaning synced credentials can be cracked or tampered with undetected. Termique's credentials are encrypted with AES-GCM using a key derived fresh on-device from your master password, not a static, hardcoded scheme.
Competitor claims on this page last reviewed July 26, 2026.
| Feature | Termique | Electerm |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS, Windows, Linux, web |
| Price | Free + $5/mo Pro | Free, open source (MIT) |
| Encrypted credential storage | AES-GCM, E2EE, on-device key derivation | AES-192-CBC, fixed IV - documented CVE |
| Cloud sync | Included | Included |
| AI terminal assistant | Scoped to SSH session, free tier + Pro | Bring-your-own API key |
| SFTP file transfer | Free, all plans | Included |
| Command audit logs | Pro | Not available |
| Mobile app | iOS + Android | Web only |
| Runtime | Tauri (native) | Electron |
Key differences
A documented encryption weakness
Electerm's own security advisory (GHSA-g29v-q6h7-76wh, CVSS 6.0) describes its encryption as using a fixed, zero initialization vector and a constant key-derivation salt with no message authentication - meaning synced bookmarks and profiles can, in principle, be cracked offline or tampered with undetected. Termique derives a fresh encryption key on-device from your master password via PBKDF2 for every credential, with no static or hardcoded component.
Bring-your-own AI vs a purpose-built assistant
Electerm's AI integration is a real feature - point it at any OpenAI-compatible endpoint and it can help write commands. It also means managing your own API key and provider relationship. Termique's assistant is scoped specifically to the active SSH session context and included on the free tier with no separate key to configure.
Native Tauri vs Electron
Electerm is Electron-based, bundling a full Chromium runtime to render a terminal. Termique uses Tauri - a Rust-based native runtime with a fraction of the memory footprint and a smaller attack surface for an app that handles SSH credentials.
Platform by platform
All three desktops
Both cover macOS, Windows and Linux. Electerm is Electron-based; Termique is Tauri on a Rust backend using the OS webview.
Mobile
Electerm is desktop-only. Termique's iOS and Android apps share the same end-to-end encrypted host list.
When Electerm is still the better choice
Electerm is free, open source, cross-platform and speaks SSH, SFTP, Telnet, serial, RDP and VNC. That protocol breadth is real and Termique has none of it. If you want one free tool for everything and you are comfortable managing credential security yourself, Electerm covers a lot of ground for zero cost.
Switching from Electerm
Export your data
Electerm has a built-in export that writes your bookmarks and settings to a JSON file. Use it before uninstalling - it is the cleanest record of what you had.
Review where your passwords were
Electerm's local credential storage has historically been reversible rather than derived from a user secret. Treat any password that lived there as one worth rotating, not just moving.
Add hosts in Termique
Recreate the SSH hosts from the export. Credentials are encrypted with AES-GCM under a PBKDF2 key derived from your master password, which is never stored anywhere.
Termique vs Electerm: common questions
Why does the encryption difference matter?
If a credential store is encrypted with a key shipped inside the application, anyone with the file and the application can read it. A key derived from a password you know and never store means the file alone is not enough.
Does Termique support RDP or VNC?
No. Electerm does. Termique is SSH and SFTP only.
Is Termique free?
Free to download, with unlimited hosts, unlimited sessions and SFTP on the free tier. Pro is $5/mo. Electerm is free entirely.
Can I import Electerm bookmarks?
Not as a file format. Export to JSON from Electerm, then add the SSH hosts in Termique or move them into ~/.ssh/config.
Is Termique also Electron-based?
No, it is built with Tauri on a Rust backend and uses the OS webview rather than bundling Chromium.
Also compare
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