MobaRust is a free, open-source MobaXterm alternative for people who work across remote machines. Connect over SSH, move files with SFTP/SCP, and keep local shells, port forwards, and diagnostics beside your sessions. Built with Rust and Tauri; no cloud account required.
Download v0.1.16 for Mac · Project site · Documentation · Roadmap
Independent project. Not affiliated with Mobatek or MobaXterm.
Download an installer, open MobaRust, and start with a local terminal or an SSH session. On the first SSH connection, inspect and verify the host-key fingerprint before trusting the server.
| Platform | Download | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows x64 | Installer v0.1.12 | Previous preview; WebView2 is installed if needed. |
| macOS Apple Silicon | DMG v0.1.16 | Move MobaRust to Applications. |
| macOS Intel | DMG v0.1.16 | Move MobaRust to Applications. |
| Ubuntu / Debian x64 | DEB v0.1.12 | Previous preview; sudo apt install ./MobaRust-0.1.12-linux-x64.deb |
| Other Linux x64 | AppImage v0.1.12 | Previous preview; WebKitGTK 4.1 and FUSE may be required. |
Mac release files and SHA-256 checksums · v0.1.16 release notes · Windows/Linux v0.1.12
These are preview builds without publisher signing. Windows may show SmartScreen; macOS is not Developer ID signed or notarized. Checksums detect download corruption, not publisher identity. See the Mac release notes or v0.1.12 installation notes.
| Workflow | What MobaRust includes |
|---|---|
| Connect | Interactive SSH, explicit host-key verification, vault-backed password/key and SSH-agent authentication, saved sessions, jump hosts, reconnect, and terminal resize. |
| Move files | SFTP file browsing and management; SCP and SFTP transfers with progress, cancellation, recursive operations, and safe commits. |
| Keep context | Local and remote terminals, tabs, split panes, folders, tags, favorites, recents, search, OpenSSH config import, and secret-free profile export. |
| Reach services | Local and remote port forwarding, SOCKS5 tunnels, bounded network diagnostics, and optional SSH monitoring. |
| Work deliberately | Reviewed snippets, cancellable macros, explicit broadcast targets, remote text editing, and an optional local audit history. |
| Use legacy links | Telnet and serial connection workflows are available; Telnet is unencrypted and serial hardware coverage is still being built. |
- Rust owns network sessions, local processes, filesystem work, persistence, and credential access.
- Session profiles store credential references, not passwords or private-key contents.
- SSH host keys must be explicitly verified; an unknown server is never silently trusted.
- Multiline terminal paste asks before sending text to a shell.
- Imports, exports, snippets, macros, and diagnostics have explicit boundaries.
Read the threat model and safe local testing policy.
MobaRust focuses on SSH, SFTP/SCP, terminals, and tunnels. Some protocol and platform work is still experimental:
- RDP: experimental; the RDP helper is not included in these installers.
- VNC: experimental; remote TCP is unencrypted and requires explicit opt-in.
- Platform evidence: real-world Windows/Linux hardware coverage, signing, and notarized installation are not complete.
See the roadmap for shipped work and open evidence gaps. If you find a bug, open an issue with your OS, architecture, and reproduction steps. Never attach credentials, private keys, host inventories, or unredacted logs.
- Rust stable 1.88 or newer
- Node.js 22 and pnpm
- Tauri prerequisites for your operating system
git clone https://github.com/OthmaneBlial/MobaRust.git
cd MobaRust
pnpm install --dir apps/desktop
cargo xtask check
pnpm --dir apps/desktop tauri devcargo xtask check runs the local validation suite. Tests use isolated state and disposable fixtures; they do not need your personal SSH files, Keychain, GitHub keys, SSH agent, real hosts, or attached hardware.
Focused checks:
cargo xtask package-check
cargo xtask portable-check
cargo xtask package-layout-check
cargo xtask license-check
cargo xtask pre-push-checkIf MobaRust makes remote work easier, give the repository a star. It helps other developers and operators discover the project. Bug reports, careful testing, and contributions are welcome.
Licensed under the Apache License 2.0.