# SSH Client vs OpenTerm

The clearest difference is review sentiment: SSH Client at 94% against OpenTerm's 44%. SSH Client also leads on price (Free vs $4.99) and rating (4.8 vs 4.2). OpenTerm's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.4). On ads, in-app purchases, monetization model and chart position there is nothing between them.

SSH Client is free to download; OpenTerm costs $4.99 up front. SSH Client sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and OpenTerm sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

SSH Client holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.2. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SSH Client has 1.5K ratings behind it against 188, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 94% of SSH Client's written reviews are positive against 44% of OpenTerm's.

SSH Client ships an update weekly, OpenTerm every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on September 25, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SSH Client | OpenTerm |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $4.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ssh-client-secure-shellfish/id1336634154/reviews)** | [4.2 (188 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openterm/id1481149807/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.5K** | 188 |
| Positive reviews | **94.4% of reviews** | 44.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 2 months |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#24** | #64 |
| Size | 117 MB | 86 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **15.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Anders Borum](https://appshunter.io/developer/343532883) | [CHENGDU MIAOZHI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1465440799) |

## What reviewers say

### SSH Client

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ssh-client-secure-shellfish/id1336634154)

**Currently charting:** #24 Top Grossing · Developer Tools, #116 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

This app provides a fast SSH terminal and remote file access, seamlessly integrating your SSH servers with your iOS device. It offers advanced text editing gestures, drag-and-drop file management, and built-in tmux support for persistent sessions. Access your server's file system directly within the Files app and automate transfers via Shortcuts.

**Highlights:** Lightning fast SSH terminal, Remote file access and management, Standard and custom text editing gestures, Drag-and-drop file transfer, Built-in tmux support for session persistence, Files app integration for server file system, Shortcuts app integration for automation

**Features:** Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ShellFish Monthly subscription | $2.99 | per month |
| ShellFish Annual subscription | $14.99 | per year |
| ShellFish Lifetime Pro Unlock | $29.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Turns iPad into productivity machine
- 🚀 Seamless SSH experience
- 👍 Excellent integration with Files app
- 👍 Robust key management and syncing
- 👍 Powerful terminal with great features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Occasional crashes or freezes
- 🐛 Inconsistent behavior with some commands
- 🔒 Concerns about data privacy and security

**Reported bugs**

- Crashes when running certain commands
- Issues with file transfer progress reporting

**Requested features**

- Improved documentation and tutorials
- Support for additional authentication methods
- Customizable keyboard shortcuts and layouts
- Tabbed terminal interface


### OpenTerm

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/openterm/id1481149807)

**Currently charting:** #64 Top Paid · Developer Tools (US App Store)

This app provides a powerful command-line interface on iOS, enabling users to execute a wide range of Linux commands, manage files, and connect to remote servers via SSH/FTP. It supports scripting languages like Python and Lua, making it ideal for developers and tech professionals on the move.

**Highlights:** Comprehensive command library, File management, Network tools, SSH/FTP remote access, Python and Lua interpreter support, Customizable settings

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

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Lifetime Premium | $3.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SSH Client free?

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

### Is OpenTerm free?

OpenTerm costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, SSH Client or OpenTerm?

SSH Client is rated higher. SSH Client averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.5K ratings, while OpenTerm averages 4.2 from 188 ratings.

### Do SSH Client or OpenTerm have ads?

Neither SSH Client nor OpenTerm shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, SSH Client or OpenTerm?

SSH Client ships an update weekly, and OpenTerm every 2 months. Most recently, SSH Client was updated on September 25, 2026 and OpenTerm on September 22, 2026.

### Which is more popular, SSH Client or OpenTerm?

SSH Client currently peaks at #24 in the App Store charts, and OpenTerm at #64. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

---

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