# SSH Client vs MDViewer

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: MDViewer at none against SSH Client's 3. MDViewer also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs weekly). SSH Client's advantage is chart position (#24 vs unranked) and device support (4 vs 2). On price, review sentiment, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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

SSH Client ships an update weekly, MDViewer every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 9, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | SSH Client | MDViewer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (1.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ssh-client-secure-shellfish/id1336634154/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.5K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 94.4% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Weekly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | **Free** |
| Best chart rank | **#24** | — |
| Size | 132 MB | 8 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.4 | **16.0** |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Anders Borum](https://appshunter.io/developer/343532883) | [Crocopliers](https://appshunter.io/developer/1896397771) |

## 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


### MDViewer

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mdviewer-quick-markdown/id6809376439)

Instantly view Markdown, Mermaid diagrams, and JSON files with this native iOS app. It offers syntax highlighting for over 180 languages, LaTeX math rendering, and PDF export. Your documents remain private and accessible offline.

**Highlights:** Markdown viewing with GFM support, Mermaid diagram rendering, Syntax highlighting for 180+ languages, LaTeX math formula support, Interactive JSON viewer, PDF export, Offline functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, 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 MDViewer free?

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

### Do SSH Client or MDViewer have ads?

Neither SSH Client nor MDViewer shows ads.

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

SSH Client ships an update weekly, and MDViewer every 3 days. Most recently, SSH Client was updated on October 14, 2026 and MDViewer on October 9, 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.*