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Xshell vs PuTTY-CAC: catalog facts
Xshell	PuTTY-CAC
Paid Commercial software sold by NetSarang.	Free Free to download from the project's GitHub releases page.
Windows	Windows
Session manager with shared authentication profiles Triggers, quick commands and script recording	SSH login with smart cards, CAC cards and certificates FIDO key support, including YubiKeys and passkeys
Windows only Commercial licence required	Windows only Interface keeps PuTTY's dated configuration dialogs
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Not stated if it works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked October 1, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.