Dropbear

matt.ucc.asn.au · checked 5 Oct 2026

#5 · SSH Server Software

Visit matt.ucc.asn.au ↗ Alternatives Dropbear vs JumpServer

How it plugs in

—Public API

NoOpen source

YesFree tier

Signal on SSH Server Software6.4#5 of 34

Dropbear is a relatively small SSH server and client.

Pricing

DropbearOpen source SSH server and client distributed under a MIT-style licenseFree

As matt.ucc.asn.au lists them, checked 5 Oct 2026.

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Runs on

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Facts

Website: matt.ucc.asn.au
Price: Free tier
Free trial: No
Algorithm defaults: The changelog says SHA-1 algorithms are disabled by default and post-quantum key exchange was added in release 2025.87.
Build options: Features can be disabled when compiling to save space, and the server, client, key generator, and key converter can be compiled into one binary.
Footprint: With uClibc on x86 and minimal options selected, Dropbear can compile to a 110 kB statically linked binary.
Forwarding: The server implements X11 forwarding and authentication-agent forwarding for OpenSSH clients.
Intended use: The maker says Dropbear is particularly useful for embedded Linux or other Unix systems, such as wireless routers.
License: Dropbear is open-source software distributed under an MIT-style license.
Maker location: The Dropbear website says it is hosted by The University Computer Club in Perth, Australia.
Memory footprint: With uClibc on x86 and only minimal options selected, Dropbear can compile to a 110kB statically linked binary.
Multi-hop: Its multi-hop mode uses SSH TCP forwarding to tunnel through multiple SSH hosts in a single command.
Operation: Dropbear can run from inetd or as a standalone service.
Public key authentication: Dropbear is compatible with OpenSSH ~/.ssh/authorized_keys public key authentication.
Release: The official site lists version 2026.94, dated 23 July 2026, as the latest release.

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