SSHive vs SecureCRT: enterprise scripting, or a simpler client for Mac?
SecureCRT is an enterprise SSH client from VanDyke Software, for Windows, macOS and Linux. SSHive is a modern alternative with comparable everyday features at a lower price.
By Lucas Russo, developer of SSHive · Updated
SecureCRT by VanDyke Software has been the enterprise-grade SSH client of choice for decades. It offers advanced scripting, session management, and protocol support. However, at $119 per license, it is priced for enterprise budgets. SSHive provides comparable SSH and SFTP functionality, adds RDP, VNC and AI integration, and costs either nothing (free tier) or $12.99 for the Pro upgrade. For individual developers, sysadmins, and small teams, SSHive delivers enterprise-quality features at an accessible price point.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | SSHive | SecureCRT |
|---|---|---|
| SSH Terminal | Yes | Yes |
| SFTP File Manager | Yes | Yes |
| RDP Client | Yes | No |
| VNC Client | Yes | No |
| Serial console (USB adapter) | Yes | Yes |
| Telnet client | Yes | Yes |
| SSH Tunnels | Yes | Yes |
| Broadcast Mode | Yes | Yes |
| MCP / AI Integration | Yes | No |
| macOS app | Yes | Yes |
| Keychain Integration | Yes | No |
| Mac App Store | Yes | No |
| Price | Free / Pro (one-time) | $119 |
Competitor prices checked on September 22, 2026.
The verdict
SecureCRT is aimed at enterprise users with budgets to match. SSHive's free tier already covers SSH and SFTP, and a one-time $12.99 Pro purchase adds RDP, VNC and AI integration.
Where SecureCRT does better
SecureCRT's scripting is in another league: Python on Windows, macOS and Linux, VBScript, JScript and PerlScript on Windows, and a script recorder to get started. Its button bar maps a click to a command, a script or an external program, and the Command window sends a line to the active session, all sessions, a tab group or the visible sessions, where SSHive's broadcast always targets every connected SSH session. It also offers X11 forwarding, Xmodem, Ymodem, Zmodem and Kermit transfers, and one license that registers on Windows, macOS or Linux.
Who should keep SecureCRT
Stay with SecureCRT if your work runs on scripts and button bars, if you configure network equipment through its Command window, or if your company buys and manages it centrally. SSHive suits the admin who wants SSH, an SFTP browser and tunnels without a scripting layer, and remote desktops in the same app.
What each costs over time
VanDyke lists one SecureCRT license at $119 with a year of software updates and support; once that year is over, newer versions are bought as an upgrade or as maintenance. A license is used on one machine at a time. SSHive's free tier costs nothing, and Pro is $12.99 once, updates included while the app is maintained, for your Mac, iPhone and iPad together.
Moving from SecureCRT to SSHive
SSHive has no SecureCRT importer. If your sessions also exist as hosts in ~/.ssh/config, import that file with one click from the sidebar; otherwise recreate them, 5 at most on the free tier. Port forwards are rebuilt as tunnels on each profile: on the Mac, Pro allows up to 10 local, 5 remote and 1 SOCKS port per profile (SOCKS5 proxy guide). Scripts do not carry over; for commands you repeat, SSHive has snippets.
Frequently asked questions
Can SSHive run scripts like SecureCRT?+
Can I move my SecureCRT sessions to SSHive?+
~/.ssh/config import in one click, and port forwards are rebuilt as tunnels on each profile.