# iVim vs Terminal

iVim and Terminal both sit at 4.6 stars, but that hides the real split: 84% of iVim's written reviews are positive against 49% of Terminal's. iVim also leads on iOS requirement (11.0 vs 17.0). Terminal's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 5 weeks). On price, rating, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. iVim sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month and Terminal sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

iVim holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 175 and 112 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 84% of iVim's written reviews are positive against 49% of Terminal's.

iVim ships an update every 5 weeks, Terminal every 9 days. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | iVim | Terminal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (175 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ivim/id1266544660/reviews)** | [4.4 (112 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terminal-sftp-and-ssh-client/id6503295365/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **175** | 112 |
| Positive reviews | **84.3% of reviews** | 48.7% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 5 weeks | **Every 9 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 127 MB | 52 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [文礼 周](https://appshunter.io/developer/497312859) | [Soufiane Benabid](https://appshunter.io/developer/938808835) |

## 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


### Terminal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/terminal-sftp-and-ssh-client/id6503295365)

This advanced client provides developers with a streamlined way to manage Linux, SSH, Telnet, and SFTP connections. It offers features like AI assistance for server building, multi-tab management, and integrated editors to enhance productivity and simplify remote access.

**Highlights:** SSH, Mosh, Telnet, Port Forwarding, SFTP support, AI chatbot for server building assistance, Personalized themes and fonts per connection, Multi-tab interface for simultaneous sessions, SFTP file manager with nano and vim editors, Connection history and saved snippets, Vaults, multi-team, groups, and tags organization

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Terminal - Monthly | $4.99 | per month |
| Terminal - Monthly | $7.99 | per month |
| Terminal - Yearly | $39.99 | per year |
| Terminal - Yearly | $69.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Easy setup
- 👍 Helpful for SSH
- 💡 Works on Raspberry Pi

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Authentication issues after updates
- 🐛 Telnet not working as expected
- 🔒 Concerns about cloud storage of credentials

**Reported bugs**

- SSH unable to connect after v3.4 update
- Crashes when attempting to connect
- Backspace/delete key not working

**Requested features**

- Guest option more prominent
- iPad optimization
- Chinese language support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iVim free?

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

### Is Terminal free?

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

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

iVim is rated higher. iVim averages 4.6 out of 5 from 175 ratings, while Terminal averages 4.4 from 112 ratings.

### Do iVim or Terminal have ads?

Neither iVim nor Terminal shows ads.

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

iVim ships an update every 5 weeks, and Terminal every 9 days. Most recently, iVim was updated on October 26, 2026 and Terminal on October 26, 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.*