Motty

Motty is an open-source native desktop SSH client that combines terminal, file transfer, port forwarding, remote desktop, and AI assistance.

Motty is a native desktop SSH client for macOS, Windows, and Linux that combines a terminal, file panel, port forwarding, remote desktop, and AI assistant into one window. Written in Go on the Viva framework, it renders directly via Metal, Direct3D, or Vulkan without an Electron runtime or embedded browser. It includes SFTP and SCP with resumable queues, local, remote, SOCKS5, and HTTP CONNECT port forwarding, jump hosts, and VNC and RDP remote desktop tabs. Host keys are verified before sending credentials, and credentials are stored securely with AES-256-GCM and system keychains. It is free and open source under the Apache-2.0 license with no account required.

Motty at a glance

Best for: Software engineer
Runs on: macOS, Windows, Linux
Pricing: Free and open source under the Apache-2.0 license
Released: October 2026
Category: AI coding tool
Website: motty.page

Key features

Native PTY terminal with true color and split panes
SFTP and SCP with resumable queues and atomic saves
Local, remote, SOCKS5, and HTTP CONNECT port forwarding
Jump host chains with independent host key validation
VNC and RDP remote desktop tabs with certificate pinning
AI assistant with ask and agent modes and risk levels
Host and credential management with AES-256-GCM encryption
Import and sync support for standard SSH config files

Use it for

Manage remote servers and execute terminal commands
Transfer files alongside active shell sessions
Configure and monitor port forwarding rules
Access remote desktops via VNC and RDP tabs

Alternatives to Motty

Tamio — It runs local Ghostty terminals, manages servers, and securely connects AI agents via MCP.
Pebrel — It brings local shells, remote hosts, and AI command-line tools into one workspace.
Gvmux — It wraps libghostty with a vertical tab layout and live Claude Code tracking.
tabsh — Keeps your shells and AI agents in one scrollable list right inside your browser.
cmux — It features vertical tabs, notification rings, and split panes for AI coding.
Agentty — A single 24.4 MB static binary with native speed and no runtime dependencies.
rmux — Drive persistent shells and CLI apps from Rust, Python, or TypeScript.
jevgrep — Reduces coding agent costs by providing targeted, relevant repository context.
OpenCode — Works with 75+ model providers, local models, and existing subscriptions
devpit — Control multiple coding agents in one window with side-by-side panes and cost tracking.
tty7 — Background server architecture keeps sessions and builds running after quitting the app.
agterm — It organizes sessions into named workspaces and includes a local control API.

All Motty alternatives