Best MobaXterm alternative for Mac

MobaXterm is a go-to for remote connections with features like SSH, X11 forwarding, and an integrated terminal. But since there isn’t a version for macOS, Mac users have been searching for solid alternatives. If you’re on the lookout for something like MobaXterm for your Mac, you’re in luck. Let’s dive into some great options together.

Is there a MobaXterm for Mac?

Unfortunately, MobaXterm isn’t available for macOS. It’s mainly aimed at Windows users, and a Mac version hasn't been released yet. But don’t sweat it! There are lots of great alternatives out there that can do the job just as well.

I put together a handy table that shows the apps and what they can do. Before diving into the full article, take a quick look at this overview of alternatives:

MobaXterm alternative for Mac	Superpowers
SSH Config Editor	Manages SSH connections effortlessly
Core Shell	Terminal with built-in scripting support
ForkLift	Dual-pane file manager with cloud support
CodeRunner	Code editor with terminal access
iTerm2	Advanced terminal emulator
Royal TSX	Remote desktop and connection management

If you’re curious about these apps before you hit that install button on your MacBook, keep reading! I’ll go over the good and the not-so-good, and then you can decide what’s best for you.

Best MobaXterm alternatives for Mac

Here’s a casual look at some of the best MobaXterm equivalents for Mac, along with what makes each one special.

SSH Config Editor — streamlined SSH management

SSH Config Editor is an awesome tool if you’ve got a bunch of SSH connections to handle. My colleague and I found it super simple to set up and switch between different SSH setups during our tests. The interface is really user-friendly, so you can easily access your saved sessions. It’s just perfect for anyone who wants to connect to different servers quickly.

Pros:

• Simple and intuitive interface for hassle-free management
• Quick access to all your saved SSH sessions
• Ideal for users requiring quick SSH setups

Cons:

• Limited functionality compared to full terminal applications
• Not designed for extensive file management tasks

Core Shell — powerful terminal experience

Core Shell is also on our MobaXterm equivalent for Mac list. It’s a great terminal environment that’s perfect for both developers and power users. It comes with handy scripting tools that help those who like to tinker automate their tasks easily. We really enjoyed how it supports multiple terminal tabs, which makes it super easy to juggle different projects at the same time.

Pros:

• Supports multiple tabbed terminal sessions for multitasking
• Customizable prompts that match your personal workflow
• Excellent for users who need scripting functionality

Cons:

• New users might find the learning curve a bit steep
• It might lack some graphical features present in other terminals

You may also like: “11 Terminal alternatives for Mac.”

ForkLift — dual-pane file management

ForkLift is a great dual-pane file manager that makes moving files and connecting to servers a breeze. We really liked how simple it was to drag and drop files between different locations and servers, all thanks to its user-friendly layout. Plus, with so many protocol options, you can easily connect to almost any server you need.

Pros:

• User-friendly dual-pane interface for simple file transfers
• Supports a wide variety of protocols, including FTP and SFTP
• Smooth integration with cloud storage services

Cons:

• Some advanced features might feel complicated for beginners
• Can consume more system resources than smaller apps

You may also like: “How to speed up a slow Mac: 17 proven methods.”

CodeRunner — multi-language coding tool

CodeRunner is a pretty good code editor that lets you code and test all in one place. We really liked how you can run your code right in the app — it’s super helpful, especially if you’re working with different programming languages. Plus, the clean layout makes it easy to get into your coding zone without any distractions.

Pros:

• Supports multiple programming languages for flexibility
• Clean design that makes coding easy
• Integrated terminal for script execution without leaving the app

Cons:

• More geared towards coding, not primarily a remote management tool
• Some advanced features may need extra setup to fully utilize

iTerm2 — advanced terminal functionality

iTerm2 is a fantastic terminal emulator that really amps up your command-line vibe on a Mac. We found the split pane feature to be a total game-changer during our tests, letting us juggle multiple tasks without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s super customizable, so you can tweak it to match your style perfectly.

Image source: iterm2.com

Pros:

• Split panes for effective multitasking
• Extensive customization to tailor it to your needs
• Searchable terminal history for easy navigation

Cons:

• There can be a learning curve for new users
• Might not fully replace dedicated SSH clients for everyone

Royal TSX — all-in-one connection manager

Royal TSX is a super handy tool for managing all your remote desktop connections. It really helps keep everything neat and easy to find. We especially liked that it supports different protocols like RDP and SSH, which is super helpful when you're trying to handle multiple active connections at once.

Image source: royalapps.com

Pros:

• Supports RDP, SSH, and more for versatile connection management
• Helps organize multiple connections in a tidy interface
• User-friendly design makes it easy to get started

Cons:

• Some advanced features may require a paid version
• Could be overwhelming when managing numerous connections at once

How to choose the best MobaXterm equivalent?

Not sure which app to choose? Here are some simple tips to help you find the right MobaXterm macOS replacement:

• Identify your needs: Think about which features are most important to you, such as file transfers or scripting options.
• Check compatibility: Ensure the app works well with macOS and your other Apple devices.
• Try it out: Use free trials to explore different options and see which one suits you best! Many apps, like ForkLift and CoreShell, offer free trials, so you can test them before making a purchase.

MobaXterm for macOS: Final thoughts 

While there isn’t MobaXterm for Mac, there are some great alternatives out there. Each one has its own cool features, whether it’s for managing SSH or some solid coding tools. Take a look at the apps listed to find what works best for you.

Many of these tools (SSH Config Editor, Core Shell, ForkLift, and CodeRunner) can be found on Setapp, and you can give them a shot with a seven-day free trial. This way, you can see which one fits your style and workflow the best. 

Just keep in mind that the right tool for you really comes down to what you need — like good file management, easy remote access, or advanced coding help. By trying out different apps and looking at what features match your tasks, you’ll be able to choose one that boosts your productivity on your Mac. 

The best part about Setapp? It hosts 250+ other apps to help you with just about anything you can think of. Give Setapp a try now and discover your new favorites.