Termique vs Xshell
Termique vs Xshell:
which SSH client is right for you?
Xshell is a mature, scriptable Windows terminal with a long track record in enterprise environments. The trade-offs: SFTP requires purchasing Xftp separately, there's no cloud sync, credential encryption uses a fixed key unless you enable an optional Master Password, and NetSarang's supply chain was compromised by the widely documented ShadowPad backdoor in 2017. Termique runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, includes SFTP free on every plan, and syncs your credentials end-to-end encrypted by default.
Competitor claims on this page last reviewed July 26, 2026.
| Feature | Termique | Xshell |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | macOS, Windows, Linux | Windows only |
| Price | Free + $5/mo Pro | Free (non-commercial) + $119-399 per product |
| Encrypted credential storage | AES-GCM, E2EE, on-device key derivation, always on | Fixed-key encryption (optional Master Password) |
| Cloud sync | Included | Not available |
| SFTP file transfer | Free, all plans | Separate purchase (Xftp) |
| AI terminal assistant | Free tier + Pro | Not available |
| SSH key manager | Included | Included |
| Command audit logs | Pro | Not available |
| Mobile app | iOS + Android | Separate product (PortX) |
Key differences
One app, one price vs a la carte products
Getting SFTP alongside Xshell means buying Xftp separately, or the $399 Xmanager Power Suite bundle if you want the full NetSarang lineup. Mobile access is yet another separate product, PortX. Termique includes SFTP free on every plan, with SSH key management and mobile access in the same app - nothing else to buy.
Encryption that's off by default
Xshell encrypts saved passwords with a fixed key unless you explicitly enable a Master Password, at which point that becomes the required unlock every session. Termique's on-device key derivation is not optional - every credential is encrypted the same way from the first host you add, with no configuration step to remember.
A supply chain incident worth knowing about
In 2017, NetSarang's build infrastructure was compromised and a backdoor known as ShadowPad was distributed inside several of its products, including an Xshell release - a widely documented incident in the security community. It doesn't mean Xshell is unsafe today, but it's a relevant data point when evaluating who you trust to hold your SSH credentials.
Platform by platform
Windows
Xshell is Windows-only and mature there, with .xsh session files under Documents\NetSarang Computer. Termique's Windows build stores credentials in the Windows Credential Manager.
macOS and Linux
Not available. NetSarang's suite has never covered them, so cross-platform teams end up with two toolchains.
When Xshell is still the better choice
Xshell is free for home and school use, has a mature scripting layer, and slots into NetSarang's wider suite - Xftp for transfers, Xmanager for X11, Xlpd for printing. If you already own that suite or you need its scripting, replacing one piece of it with Termique does not obviously help. Xshell is also very well established on Windows and unlikely to surprise anyone in a change-approval meeting.
Switching from Xshell
Locate your session files
Xshell writes one .xsh file per session, under Documents\NetSarang Computer\<version>\Xshell\Sessions by default. They are INI-style and readable.
Export your keys
Xshell's user key manager can export in OpenSSH format, which is what Termique uses.
Add hosts in Termique
Recreate the hosts, mirroring your session folders as groups. Credentials go in once and are AES-GCM encrypted on-device.
Termique vs Xshell: common questions
Is Termique cheaper than Xshell?
Xshell is free for home and school use and licensed per seat commercially, usually as part of a bundle with Xftp. Termique is free to download for any use, with a single $5/mo Pro tier that includes SFTP-equivalent functionality in the base app.
Do I need a separate app for file transfer?
No. SFTP is built into Termique on every plan, in the same window as the session. With Xshell you generally add Xftp.
Does Termique run on macOS and Linux?
Yes. Xshell is Windows-only.
Does Termique support scripting?
Not in Xshell's sense. There are reusable command snippets and an AI assistant that proposes commands for approval, but no session scripting API.
Can I import .xsh session files?
Not as a file format. They are readable INI files, so you can copy the host details across, or move them into ~/.ssh/config which Termique imports directly.
Also compare
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