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OpenConnect vs PuTTY

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

OpenConnect icon
OpenConnect
PuTTY icon
PuTTY

OpenConnect vs PuTTY: The Verdict

⚡ Summary:

OpenConnect: OpenConnect is an open-source client for Cisco AnyConnect compatible VPNs. It allows users to securely access private intranet services through an encrypted VPN tunnel.

PuTTY: PuTTY is a popular open-source terminal emulator and SSH client for Windows. Developed by Simon Tatham, PuTTY provides a lightweight and versatile tool for connecting to remote servers using various network protocols, including SSH, Telnet, and Rlogin. It is widely used for secure and convenient command-line access to remote systems.

Both tools serve their respective audiences. Compare the features, pricing, and user ratings above to determine which best fits your needs.

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature OpenConnect PuTTY
Sugggest Score — —
Category Network & Admin Network & Admin
Pricing Open Source Open Source

Product Overview

OpenConnect
OpenConnect

Description: OpenConnect is an open-source client for Cisco AnyConnect compatible VPNs. It allows users to securely access private intranet services through an encrypted VPN tunnel.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

PuTTY
PuTTY

Description: PuTTY is a popular open-source terminal emulator and SSH client for Windows. Developed by Simon Tatham, PuTTY provides a lightweight and versatile tool for connecting to remote servers using various network protocols, including SSH, Telnet, and Rlogin. It is widely used for secure and convenient command-line access to remote systems.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

Key Features Comparison

OpenConnect
OpenConnect Features
  • Open source VPN client
  • Supports Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN
  • Supports DTLS and TLS protocols
  • User authentication via certificates or passwords
  • NetworkManager integration
  • Proxy support
  • IPv4 and IPv6 support
PuTTY
PuTTY Features
  • SSH client
  • Telnet client
  • Rlogin client
  • Raw socket connection
  • Serial port connection
  • Basic file transfer (SCP and SFTP)
  • Proxying for tunneling connections through HTTP proxies
  • Local terminal emulator (with VT100 and VT52 emulation)
  • Configurable keyboard shortcuts
  • Session logging

Pros & Cons Analysis

OpenConnect
OpenConnect
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Works on Linux, macOS, Windows, Android
  • Actively maintained
  • Secure encrypted connections
  • Easy to setup and use
Cons
  • Limited configuration options
  • No official support from Cisco
  • Lacks some AnyConnect features like Always-On VPN
  • Setup can be tricky for novice users
PuTTY
PuTTY
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Lightweight and fast
  • Supports multiple network protocols
  • Available for Windows, with unofficial ports for other platforms
  • Highly configurable with many options
  • Actively developed and maintained
Cons
  • Official builds only for Windows
  • Limited file transfer capabilities compared to FTP/SFTP clients
  • Minimalist interface lacks some conveniences of other SSH clients
  • Lacks advanced SSH features like agent forwarding or port tunneling
  • No official support offered

Pricing Comparison

OpenConnect
OpenConnect
  • Open Source
PuTTY
PuTTY
  • Open Source

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Learn More About Each Product

OpenConnect
OpenConnect
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →
PuTTY
PuTTY
Reviews, pricing & alternatives →

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