# SSH Client vs CodeMan

The clearest difference is price: SSH Client at Free against CodeMan's $4.99. SSH Client also leads on rating (4.8 vs 3.9) and ratings volume (1.5K vs 7). CodeMan's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On update cadence, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

SSH Client is free to download; CodeMan costs $4.99 up front. SSH Client sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. CodeMan asks for nothing beyond the download.

SSH Client holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: SSH Client has 1.5K ratings behind it against 7, 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 71% of CodeMan's.

SSH Client ships an update weekly, CodeMan every 5 days. The most recent releases landed on September 28, 2026 and September 27, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SSH Client | CodeMan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $4.99 |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ssh-client-secure-shellfish/id1336634154/reviews)** | [3.9 (7 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codeman-vscode/id6759809062/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1.5K** | 7 |
| Positive reviews | **94.4% of reviews** | 71.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 5 days** |
| Monetization | **Freemium** | Paid |
| Best chart rank | **#32** | #192 |
| Size | 117 MB | 40 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.4** | 18.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad, Vision Pro |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Anders Borum](https://appshunter.io/developer/343532883) | [Michael Frey](https://appshunter.io/developer/1842493393) |

## What reviewers say

### SSH Client

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

**Currently charting:** #32 Top Grossing · Developer Tools, #128 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


### CodeMan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/codeman-vscode/id6759809062)

**Currently charting:** #192 Top Paid · Developer Tools (US App Store)

This app provides a powerful integration with VS Code, allowing you to code remotely on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. It offers a full desktop experience with keyboard support and optimized touch interfaces for mobile devices.

**Highlights:** Connect to VS Code server instances, Full desktop mode with chromeless browsing, Desktop-class keyboard support, Optimized touch interface for mobile, Multi-window and Split View support on iPad, Built-in debug console and real-time logging, Secure HTTPS connections with optional self-signed certificates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked questions

### Is SSH Client free?

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

### Is CodeMan free?

CodeMan costs $4.99, with no in-app purchases.

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

SSH Client is rated higher. SSH Client averages 4.8 out of 5 from 1.5K ratings, while CodeMan averages 3.9 from 7 ratings.

### Do SSH Client or CodeMan have ads?

Neither SSH Client nor CodeMan shows ads.

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

SSH Client ships an update weekly, and CodeMan every 5 days. Most recently, SSH Client was updated on September 28, 2026 and CodeMan on September 27, 2026.

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

SSH Client currently peaks at #32 in the App Store charts, and CodeMan at #192. 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.*