ConnectBot

ConnectBot is a free, open-source Android client for accessing a remote machine’s shell and transferring files between that machine and a phone. It supports SSH and Telnet, can manage simultaneous SSH sessions, and provides tabs for session management. Users can save connection details in a Host List and reopen a server. The client also supports secure tunnels and port forwarding.

On-screen terminal controls can keep keys such as Ctrl, Esc, and the arrows available while typing. Reusable profiles let users set terminal colors and font size. GitHub releases offer a Google Play Services build and an OSS build that includes the cryptography provider in the APK. Network data travels directly between the device and selected remote server, not through ConnectBot developer infrastructure. Usernames and passwords are stored on the device, and developers do not have access to them. The privacy policy says OSS builds have no telemetry or tracking; Google Play builds may involve Google processing technical data. Private keys are excluded from Android system backups by default, with an app setting to opt in. ConnectBot has been available since 2007, and its source code is public for review.

ConnectBot provides remote shell access and file transfer with session, tunnel, and terminal controls. Users should note the differences between its OSS and Google Play builds and the default private-key backup setting.

ConnectBot suits Android users who need to access remote machines through SSH or Telnet. Its saved hosts, terminal controls, and tabs may be useful for people managing multiple connections.

ConnectBot is an open-source Android client for reaching remote machines over SSH and using their shell. It suits people who want a free, phone-based terminal for saved servers, concurrent sessions, and secure tunnels. Its focused feature set and local-first connection path are appealing, though Android is its only platform and key backups need attention.

Overview

ConnectBot brings remote shell access and file transfers to an Android device, with SSH and Telnet support. Saved hosts make repeat connections straightforward, while tabs help keep multiple sessions organized. Its open-source code is available for public audit, a meaningful advantage for users who value transparency in a security-sensitive tool.

Network traffic goes directly between the device and the chosen server rather than through the developer’s infrastructure. Usernames and passwords are stored locally, and the developers do not have access to them. The privacy distinction between builds matters: OSS builds have no telemetry or tracking, while Google Play builds may involve Google processing technical data.

Key features

Sessions, tunnels, and terminal controls

The Google Play build supports simultaneous SSH sessions and secure tunnels. These capabilities make ConnectBot useful beyond a single interactive login, especially for users who need to keep connections open or route traffic through a tunnel. Tabs provide a way to manage sessions, though the app is a mobile SSH client rather than a broader cross-platform administration suite.

On-screen controls keep Ctrl, Esc, arrow keys, and other terminal keys available while using a phone keyboard. That is a practical concession to terminal work on a touchscreen: essential keys remain within reach instead of relying on a desktop keyboard. Reusable profiles let users set terminal colors and font size, and saved hosts let them reopen server connections from the Host List.

Build choice and key backups

GitHub releases include a Google Play Services build and an OSS build that packages the cryptography provider in the APK. The OSS version is the clearer fit for users who want builds without telemetry or tracking; Google Play users should be comfortable with the possibility of Google processing technical data.

Private keys are excluded from Android system backups by default, but a setting allows users to opt in. That default is cautious for sensitive credentials, while the opt-in means users who want backup convenience should make a deliberate choice about the exposure trade-off.

Pricing

ConnectBot costs nothing. The free plan is the app itself: an open-source Android SSH client with SSH and Telnet support, port forwarding, and tab-based session management. There is no free trial because the plan is free; the price makes it a practical choice for individuals who need these core remote-access tools without a subscription.

The trade-off is scope, not a paid-plan cap: ConnectBot is Android-only. Readers who need desktop or iOS access, or a client spanning more protocols and platforms, should consider alternatives rather than expect a higher ConnectBot tier.

Platforms

ConnectBot supports Android. Its mobile terminal controls and saved hosts suit phone-based access, but users who need the same workflow on a computer, iPhone, or iPad will need a different client.

Who it's for

Choose ConnectBot if you want a free, open-source way to reach SSH or Telnet hosts from Android, keep sessions in tabs, and use port forwarding. It is especially well suited to users who prefer direct device-to-server traffic and want to choose an OSS build without telemetry or tracking.

Look elsewhere if your work depends on multiple operating systems or a wider platform footprint. Users who rely on key backups should also review the default exclusion and opt-in setting before settling on a backup routine.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free and open source, with source available for public audit; there is no subscription cost for its Android SSH client.
• Pros: Direct device-to-server networking and local credential storage keep the developer out of the connection and credentials path.
• Pros: Simultaneous SSH sessions, tabs, tunnels, port forwarding, saved hosts, and on-screen terminal keys cover useful remote-shell workflows on a phone.
• Cons: Android is the only supported platform, so it does not provide a cross-device client for desktop or iOS users.
• Cons: Google Play builds may involve Google processing technical data; users who want no telemetry or tracking should choose the OSS build.
• Cons: Private keys are not included in system backups unless users opt in, requiring a deliberate backup decision.

Alternatives

SSH Clients is the broader category to browse if ConnectBot’s Android-only scope is too narrow.

• Royal TS is worth considering for broader platform support, including Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and extensions; its free Lite plan caps use at 10 connections, 10 credentials, and one document.
• Core Shell is a fit for users on iOS or macOS who want a free plan with unlimited hosts; its Premium plan costs $29.99 a year.
• electerm suits users seeking a free, MIT-licensed terminal and file manager across platforms including Android, iOS, desktop systems, and web, with SSH, SFTP, FTP, Telnet, and other protocol support.
• Secure ShellFish is an iOS and macOS option with a free-to-try plan; some Pro features require an unlock.
• Termius offers broader platform coverage, including Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its free Starter plan includes a local vault, SSH and SFTP, AI-powered autocomplete, and port forwarding; Pro costs $10 a month when paid annually.
• Blink Shell is an iOS alternative with a $7.99 a month Blink Build plan and a free trial.
• Prompt is a paid iOS and macOS choice, with a $9.99 a year subscription and a free trial.
• SHELLNGN is a paid option for Android, iOS, web, and self-hosted use; its Cloud Free Trial lasts 30 days and allows one concurrent SSH session.

Verdict

ConnectBot is a strong choice for Android users who want a no-cost, open-source remote shell client with tabs, tunnels, and direct connections to their servers. Its chief reason to choose is the combination of practical terminal tools and local-first networking without a paid tier. Choose another client if you need iOS or desktop support, and select the OSS build if avoiding telemetry is a priority.