A modern, focused Royal TSX alternative for SSH

Royal TSX is a powerful multi-tool client for managing servers of all kinds (RDP, VNC, SSH). Upshell focuses on doing SSH, SFTP, and terminal tunneling exceptionally well, with a premium Sequoia-native design.

Download Upshell freeSee all features

Royal TSX is a classic Swiss Army knife for macOS, popular for handling everything from RDP to SSH through plugins. But this plugin-based architecture makes it heavy, complex to configure, and visually dated. If you don't need Windows RDP or virtual machines, you are paying in complexity for things you never use.

Upshell is built specifically for modern SSH workflows. It integrates terminal splits, ProxyJump routing, port forwarding, and SFTP transfers directly into a single, cohesive, modern SwiftUI window that follows Apple's latest design guidelines.

Upshell vs Royal TSX, feature by feature

An honest snapshot — a ✓ means the feature ships today, notes mark the differences that matter.

FeatureUpshellRoyal TSX
PriceFree · Annual 19,90 € · FULL 99,00 € once49 € one-time (major upgrade fees)
SSH & PTY terminal splits✓✓
Modern SwiftUI & macOS 15 Sequoia look✓Classic macOS toolbar/tab look
Co-session SFTP (no second login)✓Requires separate plugin/browser
In-process secure Agent ForwardingFULLRelies on system agent socket
Local, Remote, and SOCKS Port ForwardingFULLTunnel configuration utility
iCloud Sync (CloudKit & Keychain Sync)FULLManual file sync required
Saved snippets & Multi-host executionFULLKeystroke task tasks
RDP / VNC / Web page plugins—✓

Where Royal TSX is still the right choice

  • You need to manage Windows servers over RDP or virtual consoles via VNC.
  • You need multi-protocol documents (.rtsx) shared with Windows team members.
  • You prefer a highly customized workspace with floating toolbars and docked tabs.

Where Upshell makes more sense for SSH

  • Unified Interface: SFTP and terminal are part of the same connection. Upload files and run shell commands in the same window pane without a secondary login.
  • Modern Design: built natively with SwiftUI for macOS 15. Hidden title bars, environment colors under the tab, and clean split pane dragging.
  • Zero Plugin Hassle: no downloading external plugins to make SSH or SFTP work. The client works out of the box with Apple's native SwiftNIO.
  • In-Process SSH Agent: the agent runs inside the sandbox per host, signing securely without exposing your private keys.

Common questions

Does Upshell support RDP like Royal TSX?
No. Upshell is focused exclusively on SSH, SFTP, and terminal tunneling. If you manage Windows servers, Royal TSX is a better fit.
Can I sync my saved sites?
Yes. With Upshell FULL, hosts, tags, and settings sync securely across your Macs via iCloud (CloudKit), and passwords sync through iCloud Keychain. No manual sync file management needed.

Try Upshell free, decide later

The core is free forever — unlimited SSH host connections, tabs, and co-session SFTP. No trial clock, no subscription.

Download on the Mac App Store

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