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Sshly

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Sshly is a native SSH client for Mac that combines connections, SSH keys, file management, and port forwarding in one app, with a local workflow and one-time license instead of a subscription.

What is Sshly?

Sshly is a native SSH client for Mac that combines terminal access, SSH key handling, file transfer, and port forwarding in one application. It is aimed at users who want to work with remote servers from a local desktop app rather than switching between separate tools.

The product is centered on practical server workflows: connecting to hosts, browsing and editing files over SFTP, managing keys in the macOS Keychain, and keeping sessions available from the menu bar. A free tier supports up to 3 connections, and a one-time license unlocks unlimited use according to the site’s shipped roadmap and release notes.

What can Sshly do?

GPU-accelerated terminal

The terminal uses xterm.js with WebGL rendering and is described as capable of smooth scrolling and instant keystrokes.

SFTP file manager

Browse files over SFTP, drag and drop them, and edit files inline next to the terminal.

SSH key management

Import and manage SSH keys, with passphrases stored in the macOS Keychain for future connections.

Port forwarding and tunnels

Set up local, remote, and dynamic tunnels from a single interface, with auto-start support noted on the roadmap.

Menu bar persistence

Keep Sshly running from the menu bar so sessions stay alive even after the main window is closed.

AI server access via MCP

Let AI tools run commands on your servers through Sshly while credentials stay in the app and each command is approved by the user.

Use Cases

“Remote shell work on a Mac”

Use Sshly as a daily SSH client for connecting to servers, running commands, and keeping a terminal session open in a native desktop app.

“Editing server files without leaving the app”

Open remote files over SFTP, make inline changes, and move files with drag and drop instead of using a separate file transfer tool.

“Managing credentials for repeat connections”

Store SSH key passphrases in the macOS Keychain and reuse them for future logins on the same Mac.

“Running tunnels and forwarded ports”

Create local, remote, or dynamic tunnels when a server workflow depends on port forwarding rather than only shell access.

“Allowing approved AI command execution”

Use the MCP bridge when an AI tool needs to run commands on a server, with per-command approval and credentials kept inside Sshly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What platform does Sshly support?

Sshly is a native app for Mac. The download page says it requires macOS 12 Monterey or later and supports Apple Silicon.

How do you install it?

Download the .dmg, drag Sshly into the Applications folder, and launch it. If you have a license key, paste it in Settings → License after installation.

Does Sshly include file transfer?

Yes. The shipped feature set includes an SFTP file manager with browsing, drag-and-drop, and inline editing.

Can it be used with AI tools?

Yes. The site describes an MCP bridge that lets tools such as Claude Code run commands through Sshly, with user approval for each command and credentials kept inside the app.

Is pricing fully confirmed on the site?

No. The site indicates a free tier and a one-time license, but the pricing page returned a 404 during collection, so exact pricing details were not available.

Quick Facts

Category
Developer Tool
Platform
macOS
Support
Requires macOS 12 Monterey or later; Apple Silicon noted on the download page
License model
Free tier plus one-time license
Primary workflows
SSH connections, SFTP file management, SSH keys, port forwarding, AI-assisted server commands
Source domain
sshly.app

Sshly Traffic Analysis

Traffic data is for reference only.

Domain Rating
1

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