# Surge 5 vs Blink Shell, Build & Code

The clearest difference is rating: Surge 5 at 4.1 against Blink Shell, Build & Code's 3.1. Surge 5 also leads on review sentiment (51% vs 37%) and chart position (#6 vs #18). On price, ratings volume, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Surge 5 sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $14.99 per year and Blink Shell, Build & Code sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $7.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Surge 5 holds the better App Store score, 4.1 against 3.1. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1K and 418 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 51% of Surge 5's written reviews are positive against 37% of Blink Shell, Build & Code's.

Surge 5 ships an update monthly, Blink Shell, Build & Code every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 15, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Surge 5 | Blink Shell, Build & Code |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.1 (1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surge-5/id1442620678/reviews)** | [3.1 (418 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blink-shell-build-and-code/id1594898306/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **1K** | 418 |
| Positive reviews | **51.4% of reviews** | 36.8% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Monthly | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | **#6** | #18 |
| Size | 73 MB | 211 MB |
| Requires iOS | **17.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, Apple TV** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Surge Networks Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1442620677) | [Blink Shell, Inc](https://appshunter.io/developer/1526795995) |

## What reviewers say

### Surge 5

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/surge-5/id1442620678)

**Currently charting:** #6 Top Grossing · Developer Tools, #24 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

This advanced network utility allows developers to intercept, process, and forward network traffic. It offers deep control over connections, including URL redirection, local file mapping, and HTTPS decryption. Ideal for debugging and network analysis.

**Highlights:** Network connection takeover, Modify network requests/responses, Forward traffic to other proxies, Intercept and save network data, Decrypt HTTPS traffic, Rule-based forwarding, Ad blocking by domain

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

**In-app purchases (2)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Feature Subscription | $14.99 | per year |
| Surge Pro | $49.99 | one-time |


### Blink Shell, Build & Code

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/blink-shell-build-and-code/id1594898306)

**Currently charting:** #18 Top Grossing · Developer Tools, #75 Top Free · Developer Tools (US App Store)

Transform your iOS device into a powerful terminal for coding and development. Leverage Mosh and SSH for stable, fast connections. Integrate with VS Code and manage your entire development workflow from your pocket.

**Highlights:** Mosh and SSH connections, VS Code integration (Blink Code), Remote runtime creation (Blink Build), Full SSH toolset, Hardware keyboard support, External display support, SFTP transfers

**Features:** Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (5)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Build Basic - 50 credits/month | $7.99 | per month |
| Blink+Build Basic | $9.99 | per month |
| Blink Plus | $19.99 | per year |
| Blink+ | $19.99 | per year |
| Blink Shell Classic | Free | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Surge 5 free?

Surge 5 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Blink Shell, Build & Code free?

Blink Shell, Build & Code is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Surge 5 or Blink Shell, Build & Code?

Surge 5 is rated higher. Surge 5 averages 4.1 out of 5 from 1K ratings, while Blink Shell, Build & Code averages 3.1 from 418 ratings.

### Do Surge 5 or Blink Shell, Build & Code have ads?

Neither Surge 5 nor Blink Shell, Build & Code shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Surge 5 or Blink Shell, Build & Code?

Surge 5 ships an update monthly, and Blink Shell, Build & Code every 3 weeks. Most recently, Surge 5 was updated on October 14, 2026 and Blink Shell, Build & Code on October 15, 2026.

### Which is more popular, Surge 5 or Blink Shell, Build & Code?

Surge 5 currently peaks at #6 in the App Store charts, and Blink Shell, Build & Code at #18. 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.*