Software Alternatives & Startups

MobaXterm VS GNU Screen

Compare MobaXterm VS GNU Screen and see what are their differences

MobaXterm

Enhanced terminal for Windows with X11 server, tabbed SSH client, network tools and much more

Rating
0 reviews
GNU Screen

Screen is a full-screen window manager that multiplexes a physical terminal between several...

Rating
0 reviews

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, MobaXterm seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 42 times since March 2021.

social mentions
42 vs 0
SSH popularity
96% vs 4%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 62

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

MobaXterm
GNU
GNU Screen
Website mobaxterm.mobatek.net gnu.org
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

MobaXterm 6 features
GNU
GNU Screen 6 features
  • All-in-one Tool
    MobaXterm combines a variety of network tools such as SSH, RDP, VNC, and more, making it a comprehensive solution for remote computing needs.
  • Portable Version
    It offers a portable version that can be run directly from a USB drive without installation, making it handy for on-the-go use.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    MobaXterm has an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface that simplifies the management of remote sessions and file transfers.
  • Multiple Protocol Support
    Supports a wide range of protocols such as SSH, SFTP, FTP, RDP, and VNC, allowing users to connect to different types of remote systems easily.
  • Built-in X Server
    Includes a fully-featured X server, allowing users to run X11 applications remotely with ease.
  • Customization and Plugins
    Provides extensive customization options and support for various plugins, enhancing its functionality and adaptability to specific needs.

Possible disadvantages

  • Cost for Pro Version
    While the free version is feature-rich, some advanced features are locked behind a paywall in the Professional edition, which might be costly for individual users.
  • Resource Intensive
    MobaXterm can be resource-intensive, potentially slowing down systems with limited hardware capabilities.
  • Limited to Windows
    It is primarily built for Windows, with no native support for other operating systems like macOS or Linux.
  • Potential Security Concerns
    Given the extensive access capabilities it provides, there could be security risks if MobaXterm is not used carefully or if it falls into the wrong hands.
  • Learning Curve
    Despite its user-friendly interface, some users may experience a learning curve while exploring its rich set of features and customization options.
  • Session Management
    GNU Screen allows you to detach and reattach sessions, making it possible to keep applications running in the background even if you disconnect from a terminal session.
  • Multiple Windows
    It provides the ability to open multiple windows within a single terminal session, allowing you to manage different tasks concurrently without opening additional shell instances.
  • Terminal Sharing
    Screen supports terminal sharing, enabling multiple users to view and interact with the same terminal session, which is useful for collaborative work and troubleshooting.
  • Scrollback History
    You have access to scrollback history, allowing you to review command output and logs even after they've disappeared from view in the normal terminal.
  • Customizability
    GNU Screen provides extensive options for customization through its configuration file, enabling users to tailor keybindings, appearances, and functionalities to their preferences.
  • Resource Efficiency
    Being a text-based application, GNU Screen is extremely light on system resources, making it suitable for use on systems with limited computational power or memory.

Possible disadvantages

  • Steep Learning Curve
    New users may find GNU Screen's interface and command syntax difficult to learn and use efficiently, especially without dedicated tutorials or documentation.
  • Outdated User Interface
    Compared to more modern terminal multiplexers like tmux, GNU Screen may feel outdated in terms of user interfaces and ease of use.
  • Limited Functionality
    While robust for basic session management, GNU Screen lacks some of the advanced functionalities and features found in newer tools, such as better scripting integrations and extended multi-pane support.
  • Configuration Complexity
    The process of configuring the .screenrc file to achieve certain custom setups can be cumbersome and unintuitive for some users.
  • Competition from Alternatives
    Alternatives like tmux offer similar functionalities with more modern features, resulting in a decline in the usage of GNU Screen among new users.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

MobaXterm
GNU
GNU Screen

Overall verdict

  • MobaXterm is highly regarded for its comprehensive feature set, ease of use, and reliability, making it a strong option for individuals who need a versatile and portable remote access tool.

Why this product is good

  • MobaXterm is considered a good tool because it combines several important functionalities for developers, system administrators, and IT professionals into a single portable executable. It includes features such as a terminal emulator, SSH client, remote desktop capabilities, X11 server support, and various networking tools. Its user-friendly interface, ability to connect to multiple remote servers simultaneously, and features like session management and tabbed terminals enhance productivity and efficiency.

Recommended for

  • System Administrators
  • Network Engineers
  • Developers requiring SSH access
  • IT Professionals managing remote servers
  • Users needing a powerful terminal emulator

No analysis of GNU Screen yet.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

MobaXterm 2 videos + Add
GNU
GNU Screen 1 video + Add

Product Reviev - MobaXterm & why i use it

More videos

  • - 3) MobaXterm installation and Usage

GNU Screen

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
MobaXterm
GNU
GNU Screen
96% 96%
SSH
4% 4%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
Git
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%

User comments

Share your experience with using MobaXterm and GNU Screen. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

MobaXterm no reviews yet
GNU
GNU Screen no reviews yet

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We have no reviews of GNU Screen yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

MobaXterm 42 mentions
GNU
GNU Screen 0 mentions

View more

Tracking GNU Screen since Mar 2021.

Alternatives to MobaXterm and GNU Screen

When comparing MobaXterm and GNU Screen, you can also consider the following products.