Comparison

SSH Tunnel vs SSH Client

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

SSH Tunnel

Securely manage SSH tunnels and port forwarding on your mobile device. Configure local SOCKS5 proxies and private tunnels to your own server, with support for various authentication methods and advanced traffic redirection rules.

Highlights
  • Local Port Forwarding
  • Dynamic Port Forwarding (SOCKS5 proxy)
  • Password, Private Key, 2FA authentication
  • Multiple SSH Key support
  • Connection Export & Import
  • Proxy Auto-Configuration (PAC) file support
Features
Read full description

SSH Tunnel is the easiest way to tunnel your traffic through your own SSH server on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Version 3.0 is a complete native rewrite with a new VPN engine: route ALL device traffic through your server, keep it running in the background, and reconnect automatically. The old foreground-only limitation is gone. TWO ENGINES - VPN engine: system-wide tunnel built on Apple's Network Extension. Works in the background, survives restarts, and restores itself after reboots and network changes (On Demand). - Proxy engine: a local SOCKS5 proxy with a PAC file for browsers, third-party apps, or sharing the tunnel with other devices on your Wi-Fi. Run several tunnels at once. FEATURES - Dynamic port forwarding (SOCKS5 proxy), like "ssh -D" - Local port forwarding, like "ssh -L 80:intra.example.com:80 gw.example.com" - Password, private key, and keyboard-interactive (2FA/OTP) authentication - Keys: ed25519, ECDSA, RSA (rsa-sha2), OpenSSH and PuTTY .ppk formats, import from file - Modern ciphers and OpenSSH 8.8+ compatibility - Host key fingerprint verification - In-app browser that uses the tunnel (iOS) - Proxy Auto-Configuration (PAC) URL with custom PAC rules - Live transfer statistics and connection logs - Connection export & import - Passcode & Face ID protection - Idle disconnect timer - Native menu bar app on macOS, included with your purchase - Dark mode. No ads, no subscriptions, no accounts. YOUR SERVER, YOUR DATA SSH Tunnel connects only to a server YOU provide. There are no accounts and no servers we operate: your traffic flows directly between your device and your own SSH server. We never see, collect, or sell any of it. You need your own SSH server to use this application. Support: support@ssh-tunnel-ios.com

About

SSH Client

This app provides a powerful and advanced SSH and Telnet client for managing remote servers on iOS and Mac. It offers robust features like multi-session support, customizable terminals, and SFTP file transfer capabilities for seamless server administration.

Highlights
  • SSH and Telnet client
  • SFTP file transfer
  • Multi-session capability
  • Customizable terminal
  • Private key import/generation
  • Server folder organization
  • Bluetooth keyboard support
Features
Read full description

Here is one of the most intelligent & advanced SSH Client apps to manage and connect remote servers for your iOS and Mac devices About SSH Client: SSH Client is an on-the-go SSH-Telnet app with the best putty, console, and shell ios app with powerful remote access & terminal emulator. Our enterprise-grade mobile app is built for all kinds of server management needs. Our comprehensive features are not limited to terminal keyboard and language support, multi-session capability, and Bluetooth keyboard support but many more. Our SSH Client app can easily integrate with AWS, Azure, and Digital Ocean. The app is most popular because of its administrator-friendly approach; we have also considered our valued customers suggestions and constantly released updates for SSH Client to become reliable and robust in real-world usage and development. • Private key files can now be directly imported in multiple formats (RSA, DSA, Putty) using iTunes sharing from other apps and Clipboard • RSA / DSA key generation and authentication and share it via email or Clipboard • Get 'Local Notification Alert or blink' before the connection starts terminating • Quick retrieval of the last top 3 connected servers to join instantly SSH Client Functionalities: • Launch (Run) a saved command/script at connection startup • Connect with your servers using username, password, or private key authentication through SSH • Configurable' Standard and Non-Standard' port Adaptive Terminal: • Customize Terminal like background, foreground, cursor colour selection • Standard Terminal features, including 'Terminal Emulator with Editor.' • Personalize Terminal Size • Support Terminal Screen copy/paste and easy text selection Server Folders: • Organized groupwise server to easily and freely manage and control interoperability in a blink. Customizable Keyboard: • Fully External / Bluetooth keyboard support • Special keys such as Esc, Tab, Ctrl, /, :, -, !, |, $, * • Built-In keyboard keys with fixed keys like Ctrl, Alt, Tab, Esc, Up, Down, Left, Right and F1-12 Easy Connect: • Run multiple prompt sessions at a time • Active connection counts indicator at App Badge • Configure and manage unlimited future sessions to reduce workload Gesture Control: • Pinch Scaling Terminal Screen • One touch on / off for Auto scroll • Single tap connection/disconnection from 'Home Screen' Key Handy Features of Free SSH Client (Best Putty, Console, Shell App): • Works over mobile Cellular or WiFi network • Use Custom or Mac Built-In fonts • Uninterrupted operationality in 'Portrait or Landscape modes • Multiple editors supported like Vi, vim, pico, nano, etc • Built-in Passcode features • Its 'Universal Binary,' hence, no need to buy 2 apps for iPhone and iPad SFTP Functionalities: • Quickly create, rename, and delete files & directories • Easily edit text files • Upload and Download files from your device to your server and server to your device What's New? • Perform batch execution by selecting the servers • Integrate DigitalOcean droplets to a group in SSH • Add VM servers from the account • Integrate AWS to a group in SSH • Integrate Azure to a group in SSH Know about supported technologies: Protocols: SSH, SFTP Channel types: Session Shell, Session SFTP, Local Forward iOS versions: 14 Subscription Details: - Subscriptions allow users to have prompt access to all features with unlimited access to all platforms – Payment will be charged to iTunes Account – The free trial period lasts for 7 days and automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours - User can manage subscriptions & auto-renewal by turning it off from Account Settings after purchase - All features for all platforms will be disabled upon completion of the subscription Terms of use: http://moondialer.moontechnolabs.com/v1/ssh-terms Contact us at support@moonapps.xyz We welcome suggestions or feedback, as we keep adding new features based on our customers' feedback and requests.

Screenshots

SSH Tunnel4 screens
SSH Client4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: SSH Client at Free against SSH Tunnel's $9.99. SSH Client also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 6 weeks) and device support (4 vs 2). SSH Tunnel's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 5) and rating (4.0 vs 3.6). On review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

SSH Client is free to download; SSH Tunnel costs $9.99 up front. SSH Client sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per 7 days. SSH Tunnel asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

SSH Tunnel holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 3.6. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 148 and 407 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 46% and 47% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

SSH Tunnel ships an update every 6 weeks, SSH Client every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on November 11, 2026.

Scorecard8 real differences · 3 level
SSH Tunnel versus SSH Client: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSSH TunnelSSH Client
Price$9.99Free — better
Rating4.0 (148 ratings) — better3.6 (407 ratings)
Positive reviews46.2% of reviews46.9% of reviews — better
Number of ratings148407 — better
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank#14 — better#126
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS17.015.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB65 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMobibean, LLCMoon Technolabs Pvt Ltd

Customer experience

SSH Tunnel

All ratings148 ratings
Positive70.9%
Neutral6.8%
Negative22.3%
Written reviews104 reviews
Positive46.2%
Neutral9.6%
Negative44.2%

SSH Client

All ratings407 ratings
Positive63.9%
Neutral1.5%
Negative34.6%
Written reviews194 reviews
Positive46.9%
Neutral2.1%
Negative51.0%

User reviews

SSH Tunnel

From 148 App Store ratings

What we love

  • ✅ Works well for SSH tunneling when used as intended
  • 🌐 Supports SOCKS5 dynamic forwarding
  • 🔐 Supports multiple SSH key formats
  • 📱 Useful built-in browser for tunnel access
  • ⚙️ Proxy auto-configuration (PAC) support

Room to improve

  • 🚫 Cannot maintain SSH tunnel in background (30-second limit)
  • ⚠️ App disconnects when switched to other applications
  • 💰 Expensive for limited functionality ($7.99-$10)
  • 🔄 Lacks transparency about iOS limitations in description
  • 🌐 In-app browser leaks user IP address

SSH Client

From 407 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Fast and convenient SFTP
  • 🔒 Secure SSH app
  • 👍 Easy session reconnection
  • 👍 Very easy port forwarding
  • 👍 Reliable SSH client

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Can't try without subscription
  • 🐛 Took my server password then told me it costs
  • 🐛 Quality Garbage
  • 🐛 Why do I have to have a subscription?
  • 🐛 Don't work without Subsription

Bugs and requests

SSH Tunnel

Reported bugs

12 issues
  • 2FA login not working despite being advertised
  • In-app browser unable to access localhost or local IP addresses
  • Private key parsing issues (requires proper line endings)
  • Connection drops frequently (every 5 minutes in some cases)
  • App crashes unexpectedly
Show 7 more
  • Cannot edit or delete existing connections
  • Tunnel connection drops when changing applications
  • Port remains busy after tunnel termination
  • Location services prompt appears every time app closes
  • App not updated for iOS 16+ compatibility
  • SOCKS5 functionality not working in some cases
  • Incompatible with iOS 18

Requested features

12 requests
  • Background app refresh capability
  • VPN interface implementation for system-wide traffic routing
  • Multiple simultaneous tunnels
  • Tabs in built-in browser
  • Remote port forwarding support
Show 7 more
  • 2FA/Two-factor authentication support
  • Better documentation and setup guides
  • Support for PuTTY key format
  • Mouse click events in in-app browser
  • Shortcuts app integration
  • Compression option support
  • Global proxy support for mobile networks

SSH Client

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Incompatible with private networks
  • Keyboard issues on iPad Pro
  • Obscured terminal window on iPad
  • Crashes after initial use

Requested features

1 request
  • Add Chinese language support

In-app purchases

None

SSH Tunnel

No in-app purchases

5 purchases

SSH Client

Subscriptions4
  • Weekly Plan$0.997 Days
  • Monthly Plan$2.991 Month
  • Half Yearly Plan$6.996 Months
Show 1 more
  • Yearly Plan$11.991 Year
One-time1
  • Lifetime Plan$29.99

Questions

Is SSH Tunnel free?
SSH Tunnel costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is SSH Client free?
SSH Client is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, SSH Tunnel or SSH Client?
SSH Tunnel is rated higher. SSH Tunnel averages 4.0 out of 5 from 148 ratings, while SSH Client averages 3.6 from 407 ratings.
Do SSH Tunnel or SSH Client have ads?
Neither SSH Tunnel nor SSH Client shows ads.
Which is updated more often, SSH Tunnel or SSH Client?
SSH Tunnel ships an update every 6 weeks, and SSH Client every 3 weeks. Most recently, SSH Tunnel was updated on November 11, 2026 and SSH Client on November 11, 2026.
Which is more popular, SSH Tunnel or SSH Client?
SSH Tunnel currently peaks at #14 in the App Store charts, and SSH Client at #126. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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