SFTP File Provider vs ShellPilot
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SFTP File Provider
Access and manage files on remote SFTP servers directly from your mobile device. Integrates seamlessly with the iOS Files app, making cloud and home network files accessible to all compatible applications. An optional in-app purchase unlocks unlimited server connections and premium features.
- Access SFTP servers
- Integrates with Files app
- Supports SSH/Secure File Transfer Protocol
- Add remote servers
- Unlock premium features with in-app purchase
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Use SFTP to access files and folders in the cloud or on the home network, served by the SSH/Secure File Transfer Protocol. SFTP provides the connection, making the remote files available for the rest of the phone: for all apps that are using the standard iOS file selector, including the Files app itself. After installing SFTP, open the app, and add your remote servers. Then, from the Files app, go to Browse/Locations and enable the new location provider called "SFTP". Power users can add unlimited number of servers with the in-app purchase "SFTP Pro". This is a one-time purchase unlocking all premium features in the app.
ShellPilot
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Connect to any server from your iPhone or iPad, and keep the commands you run often ready to reuse. ShellPilot is a full SSH terminal built for developers, sysadmins, and anyone who manages a server, a VPS, or a Raspberry Pi on the go. SAVED SNIPPETS Keep the commands you run often — restarts, log checks, deploy steps — and run them in a tap on any saved server, instead of retyping them every time you connect. FULL TERMINAL A real terminal emulator with xterm-compatible rendering, not a cut-down text box. Works with tmux, vim, and anything else you run over SSH. SSH KEYS Generate or import Ed25519 and RSA keys. Keys stay on your device — nothing is uploaded anywhere. SFTP FILE BROWSER Browse remote files next to your local storage over SFTP. Upload, download, rename and delete without leaving the app. MULTIPLE SERVERS Save connections for every server you manage. Switch between a VPS, a Raspberry Pi, or a Docker host in a tap. RECENT SESSIONS Jump back into a server you connected to recently, without hunting through a list. WORKS WELL FOR • Developers deploying and checking on servers • Sysadmins managing a VPS or home server • Raspberry Pi and homelab owners • Anyone who needs a real terminal without a laptop ABOUT THIS APP Your connections, keys and snippets stay on your device. No account, no cloud sync of credentials. PURCHASES • ShellPilot Pro — one-time purchase • Payment is charged to your Apple Account at confirmation of purchase • One-time purchase — no subscription and no renewals Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://cosmovex.web.app/apps/shellpilot/privacy-policy
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: SFTP File Provider at every 2 months against ShellPilot's every 6 months. ShellPilot's advantage is iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. SFTP File Provider sells 2 one-off in-app purchases and ShellPilot sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
SFTP File Provider ships an update every 2 months, ShellPilot every 6 months. Both last shipped on October 24, 2026.
| Parameter | SFTP File Provider | ShellPilot |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 2.9 (14 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 50.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 14 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 2 months — better | Every 6 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 18.0 | 15.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 7 MB | 72 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Akos Polster | Sahana A S |
In-app purchases
SFTP File Provider
- Coffee$0.99
- SFTP Pro$9.99
ShellPilot
- ShellPilot Pro$4.99
Questions
Is SFTP File Provider free?
Is ShellPilot free?
Do SFTP File Provider or ShellPilot have ads?
Which is updated more often, SFTP File Provider or ShellPilot?
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