# SSH Client vs xTerminal

The clearest difference is ads: SSH Client at none against xTerminal's shown. SSH Client also leads on review sentiment (94% vs 69%) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). xTerminal's advantage is iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.4). On price, rating, ratings volume and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SSH Client sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month and xTerminal sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.8 for SSH Client against 4.7 for xTerminal. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1.5K and 1.9K respectively. Written reviews are what separate them: 94% of SSH Client's written reviews are positive against 69% of xTerminal's.

SSH Client ships an update weekly, xTerminal every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on September 23, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SSH Client | xTerminal |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ssh-client-secure-shellfish/id1336634154/reviews)** | [4.7 (1.9K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xterminal-ssh-terminal-shell/id1544728400/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1.5K | **1.9K** |
| Positive reviews | **94.3% of reviews** | 68.6% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Every 3 weeks |
| Monetization | Freemium | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#20** | #28 |
| Size | 117 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **15.1** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Anders Borum](https://appshunter.io/developer/343532883) | [婉媚 邵](https://appshunter.io/developer/1297240696) |

## What reviewers say

### SSH Client

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

**Currently charting:** #20 Top Grossing · Developer Tools, #118 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


### xTerminal

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/xterminal-ssh-terminal-shell/id1544728400)

**Currently charting:** #28 Top Free · Developer Tools, #51 Top Grossing · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Manage servers remotely with a fast and secure SSH terminal client. Features include a powerful editor, multi-session management, file transfer, and advanced security options. Ideal for IT professionals and developers needing to control servers from anywhere.

**Highlights:** Interactive SSH terminal, Built-in vi/vim editor, Multi-session management, Command snippets, SFTP file management, Secure port knocking, Batch command execution

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| xTerminal Pro Monthly | $6.99 | per month |
| xTerminal Pro | $29.99 | per year |
| xTerminal Pro | $59.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Fast connections
- 👍 Easy to navigate
- 💡 Useful app
- 👍 Great support team

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Security risks with storing credentials
- 💰 Expensive subscription model
- 🐛 Occasional bugs
- 🔒 Lack of secure credential entry

**Reported bugs**

- Blank screen on connection
- Incompatibility with older devices
- Nano text editor issues

**Requested features**

- Dark mode option
- Import key functionality
- Improved ANSI support


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SSH Client free?

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

### Is xTerminal free?

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

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

SSH Client is rated higher. SSH Client averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.5K ratings, while xTerminal averages 4.7 from 1.9K ratings.

### Do SSH Client or xTerminal have ads?

xTerminal shows ads; SSH Client does not.

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

SSH Client ships an update weekly, and xTerminal every 3 weeks. Most recently, SSH Client was updated on September 23, 2026 and xTerminal on September 23, 2026.

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

SSH Client currently peaks at #20 in the App Store charts, and xTerminal at #28. Chart position reflects recent download velocity rather than total install base.

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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.*