# iSH Shell vs Python Editor App

The clearest difference is review sentiment: iSH Shell at 80% against Python Editor App's 20%. iSH Shell also leads on rating (4.7 vs 4.1) and in-app purchases (none vs 3). Python Editor App's advantage is ratings volume (6.5K vs 1.2K). On price, update cadence, ads and chart position there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Python Editor App sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. iSH Shell asks for nothing beyond the download.

iSH Shell holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 4.1. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Python Editor App has 6.5K ratings behind it against 1.2K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 80% of iSH Shell's written reviews are positive against 20% of Python Editor App's.

iSH Shell ships an update every 3 weeks, Python Editor App every 5 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | iSH Shell | Python Editor App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (1.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ish-shell/id1436902243/reviews)** | [4.1 (6.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/python-editor-app/id1672453872/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | 1.2K | **6.5K** |
| Positive reviews | **80.3% of reviews** | 19.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 weeks** | Every 5 weeks |
| Monetization | **Free** | Freemium |
| Best chart rank | **#17** | #23 |
| Size | 6 MB | 403 MB |
| Requires iOS | **11.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 17+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Theodore Dubois](https://appshunter.io/developer/1432356577) | [Andromeda Corp LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1745089768) |

## What reviewers say

### iSH Shell

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ish-shell/id1436902243)

**Currently charting:** #17 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Experience a Linux-like command-line environment directly on your iOS device. This application allows you to perform common Linux operations such as editing, moving, and manipulating files using familiar commands.

**Highlights:** Linux-like shell environment, File editing with sed and cat, File manipulation, Command-line operations, Pocket Linux experience

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

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Excellent Linux environment
- 👍 Great for SSH and network utilities
- 💡 Allows running Linux apps on iOS
- 🔒 Secure and sandboxed
- 👍 Customizable and flexible

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Crashes and freezes
- 🔋 Battery intensive
- ⚠️ Limited functionality compared to full Linux
- ⚠️ Outdated packages and dependencies

**Reported bugs**

- Cursor focus issues
- Incompatibility with certain commands and packages
- Mounting issues with iOS file system

**Requested features**

- Add support for more Linux distributions
- Improve performance and stability
- Implement GUI support
- Add shortcuts and automation features


### Python Editor App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/python-editor-app/id1672453872)

**Currently charting:** #23 Top Grossing · Developer Tools, #146 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Code and run Python 3 scripts directly on your iOS device with a feature-rich editor. Enjoy syntax highlighting, auto-indentation, code completion, and AI-powered code assistance. Optimize your workflow with multi-window support and background script execution.

**Highlights:** Create, edit, and run Python 3 scripts, Syntax highlighting, auto-indentation, code completion, AI-powered code assistant, Multi-window support, Background script execution, Reusable code snippets

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

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Code Premium Pro W | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Py Editor Pro | $3.99 | per 7 days |
| Code Premium | $49.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 💻 Great mobile Python IDE
- 📚 Helpful built-in learning resources
- 👍 Simple and easy to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Aggressive paywall/subscription model
- 🔒 No free trial or limited functionality
- 🙅‍♀️ Inability to close subscription popup
- 🚫 Unusable without paid subscription

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes on launch for some users
- Typing issues and keyboard problems
- Inability to run certain file types

**Requested features**

- Add support for third-party modules
- Improve cursor control and editing capabilities
- Provide option to disable review prompts


## Frequently asked questions

### Is iSH Shell free?

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

### Is Python Editor App free?

Python Editor App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, iSH Shell or Python Editor App?

iSH Shell is rated higher. iSH Shell averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.2K ratings, while Python Editor App averages 4.1 from 6.5K ratings.

### Do iSH Shell or Python Editor App have ads?

Neither iSH Shell nor Python Editor App shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, iSH Shell or Python Editor App?

iSH Shell ships an update every 3 weeks, and Python Editor App every 5 weeks. Most recently, iSH Shell was updated on October 2, 2026 and Python Editor App on October 1, 2026.

### Which is more popular, iSH Shell or Python Editor App?

iSH Shell currently peaks at #17 in the App Store charts, and Python Editor App at #23. 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.*