# iVim vs GoodTerm

The clearest difference is rating: GoodTerm at 5.0 against iVim's 4.6. GoodTerm also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 84%). iVim's advantage is ratings volume (167 vs 7) and update cadence (every 5 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. iVim sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and GoodTerm sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

GoodTerm holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.6. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iVim has 167 ratings behind it against 7, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of iVim's written reviews are positive against 100% of GoodTerm's.

iVim ships an update every 5 weeks, GoodTerm every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and June 20, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iVim | GoodTerm |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.6 (167 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivim/id1266544660/reviews) | **[5.0 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/goodterm/id1639847451/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **167** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | 84.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 5 weeks** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Freemium |
| Size | 127 MB | 57 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [文礼 周](https://appshunter.io/developer/497312859) | [PLAYSTONE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LIMITED](https://appshunter.io/developer/1524406930) |

## What reviewers say

### iVim

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivim/id1266544660)

This app brings the powerful Vim text editor to iOS devices. It offers advanced features like custom font import, an extended and customizable keyboard, multistage language input, and seamless integration with other apps through sharing and document pickers. Advanced functionalities like plugin management and version control are available via in-app purchases or a subscription.

**Highlights:** Custom font import with ligature support, Extended and customizable keyboard, Multistage language input, App sharing and document picker integration, External hardware keyboard support, Integrated scripting languages (Python, Lua), Plugin management (In-App Purchase), Native version control (iVim Pro subscription)

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| iVim Pro | $4.99 | per month |
| Small Donation | $1.99 | one-time |
| Auto Restore | $3.99 | one-time |
| Plugins Manager | $4.99 | one-time |
| Big Donation | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🎯 Excellent Vim port with most keybindings and features working correctly
- ⌨️ Innovative custom keyboard with easy access to special characters and Vim keys
- 🔌 Great integration with iOS Files app and external keyboards
- 🎨 Highly customizable with plugin support and color schemes
- 📚 Comprehensive Vim documentation included (:help iOS)

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Keyboard constantly pops up and obscures content
- 🐛 Difficulty hiding keyboard on iPad
- ⚠️ App appears abandoned with infrequent updates
- 💰 Expensive subscription model for Pro features
- 🔐 Requires internet access for basic text editing

**Reported bugs**

- Keyboard obscures command line and content
- Keyboard cannot be hidden or dismissed properly
- Paste function unreliable with Command-V
- Plus buffer (+) paste not working
- App loses all data when iOS suspends it

**Requested features**

- .vimrc functionality that actually works
- Easier document/file access without multiple clicks
- Reading mode to hide keyboard while scrolling
- Better keyboard dismissal mechanism
- Function keys on the keyboard


### GoodTerm

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/goodterm/id1639847451)

A modern remote terminal and server companion for Linux/macOS. Connect via SSH or Mosh, monitor system health, transfer files, and run saved commands. Features cross-device sync and an AI assistant for command suggestions.

**Highlights:** SSH and Mosh secure remote access, Live system health monitoring, File transfer and port forwarding, Saved snippets and batch execution, Cross-device workspace sync, AI assistant for command help

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Premium Monthly | $1.99 | per month |
| Premium Annual | $14.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iVim free?

iVim is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is GoodTerm free?

GoodTerm is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, iVim or GoodTerm?

GoodTerm is rated higher. iVim averages 4.6 out of 5 from 167 ratings, while GoodTerm averages 5.0 from 7 ratings.

### Do iVim or GoodTerm have ads?

Neither iVim nor GoodTerm shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iVim or GoodTerm?

iVim ships an update every 5 weeks, and GoodTerm every 2 months. Most recently, iVim was updated on September 21, 2026 and GoodTerm on June 20, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*