# SSH Client vs PortX

The clearest difference is rating: SSH Client at 4.8 against PortX's 3.7. SSH Client also leads on ratings volume (1.5K vs 19) and review sentiment (94% vs 73%). PortX's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.4). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. SSH Client sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. PortX asks for nothing beyond the download.

SSH Client holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SSH Client has 1.5K ratings behind it against 19, 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 73% of PortX's.

SSH Client ships an update weekly, PortX monthly. Both last shipped on September 25, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | SSH Client | PortX |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ssh-client-secure-shellfish/id1336634154/reviews)** | [3.7 (19 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/portx-ssh-deprecated/id1566480505/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.5K** | 19 |
| Positive reviews | **94.4% of reviews** | 72.5% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Weekly** | Monthly |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#34** | — |
| Size | 117 MB | 58 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **12.0** |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Anders Borum](https://appshunter.io/developer/343532883) | [NetSarang Computer, Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1563674950) |

## What reviewers say

### SSH Client

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

**Currently charting:** #34 Top Grossing · Developer Tools, #144 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


### PortX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/portx-ssh-deprecated/id1566480505)

Access and manage remote systems on your mobile device with this powerful SSH client. It offers multi-session support, intuitive session management, and an advanced keyboard for efficient command input. Customize appearance and enjoy an ad-free experience.

**Highlights:** Multi-session support, Intuitive session management, Multi-line compose bar, Advanced keyboard with special characters, Multiple authentication types, Customizable appearance

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SSH Client free?

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

### Is PortX free?

PortX is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

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

SSH Client is rated higher. SSH Client averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.5K ratings, while PortX averages 3.7 from 19 ratings.

### Do SSH Client or PortX have ads?

Neither SSH Client nor PortX shows ads.

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

SSH Client ships an update weekly, and PortX monthly. Most recently, SSH Client was updated on September 25, 2026 and PortX on September 25, 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.*