Comparison

OpenTerm vs PortX

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

OpenTerm

This app provides a powerful command-line interface on iOS, enabling users to execute a wide range of Linux commands, manage files, and connect to remote servers via SSH/FTP. It supports scripting languages like Python and Lua, making it ideal for developers and tech professionals on the move.

Highlights
  • Comprehensive command library
  • File management
  • Network tools
  • SSH/FTP remote access
  • Python and Lua interpreter support
  • Customizable settings
Features
Read full description

OpenTerm brings the power of a command line interface to iOS, making it the go-to terminal emulator for developers, tech enthusiasts, and professionals on the go. This advanced CLI tool is designed to function seamlessly within iOS’s sandboxed environment, supporting an extensive range of Linux-based commands and providing SSH/FTP client capabilities for secure remote connections. Key Features: • Comprehensive Command Library: Execute popular commands like `ls`, `cat`, `grep`, `curl`, `echo`, `scp`, `ssh`, and many more. New commands are added regularly to enhance functionality. • File Management: Seamlessly create, delete, move, and copy files within your iOS filesystem. • Network Tools: Utilize commands like `ping`, `nslookup`, `nc`, and `curl` to diagnose network issues and connect with remote systems. • Remote Access: Securely access and manage servers with SSH and FTP/SFTP, directly from your device. • Built-in Utilities: Includes useful scripting and automation tools (`awk`, `sed`, `grep`), and utilities like `gzip` for file compression. • Programming Language Support: Run and experiment with interpreters like **Python** and **Lua**, making it easy to test code snippets or automate tasks on the go. • Customizable: Tailor your CLI experience with customizable settings, such as enabling command aliases or configuring network connection preferences. Whether you’re troubleshooting remotely, managing files, running quick scripts, or testing Python/Lua code, OpenTerm empowers you to bring the full power of a command line wherever you are. More commands and enhancements are coming soon! If you have any feedback or questions, please feel free to contact us at miaozhi.ai@gmail.com.

About

PortX

Access and manage remote systems on your mobile device with this powerful SSH client. It offers multi-session support, intuitive session management, and an advanced keyboard for efficient command input. Customize appearance and enjoy an ad-free experience.

Highlights
  • Multi-session support
  • Intuitive session management
  • Multi-line compose bar
  • Advanced keyboard with special characters
  • Multiple authentication types
  • Customizable appearance
Features
Read full description

****** Please switch to our new app, Xcasca. This app will be deprecated soon. ****** Xcasca, the new version of PortX, is now available! This current app will soon be deprecated, so please install Xcasca to continue. You can install Xcasca from the link below. https://apps.apple.com/app/xcasca-ssh-sftp-client/id6749602189 --------------------------------------------------------------- PortX Mobile brings the power of our desktop SSH Client to your mobile device (SFTP is currently available on the Desktop version only, but will be supported on Mobile soon). With a wide variety of features in a lightweight package, PortX Mobile allows you to access and manage remotes systems on-the-go through an intuitive user interface. PortX Mobile Features: ◦ Multi-Session Support. Have multiple connections open at once. Access to any of your sessions a just a finger-swipe or click away. ◦ Intuitive Session Management. Organize and edit your sessions with PortX’s session management. ◦ Compose Bar. The multi-line Compose Bar allows you to type out, edit, and review your string before sending. ◦ Advance Keyboard. Quick access to all special characters for whatever the situation calls for. ◦ Multiple Authentication Types. Password, Public Key, and Keyboard Interactive authentication support. ◦ Customizations. Modify appearance, font, and colors. ◦ Ad-Free ◦ More features coming soon. ◦ Desktop version also available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. PortX redefines how you interact with a mobile SSH Client. On-the-go session management has never been easier.

Screenshots

OpenTerm4 screens
PortX4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: PortX at Free against OpenTerm's $4.99. PortX also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and review sentiment (73% vs 44%). OpenTerm's advantage is rating (4.2 vs 3.7) and ratings volume (188 vs 19). On ads 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

PortX is free to download; OpenTerm costs $4.99 up front. OpenTerm sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. PortX asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

OpenTerm holds the better App Store score, 4.2 against 3.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: OpenTerm has 188 ratings behind it against 19, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 44% of OpenTerm's written reviews are positive against 73% of PortX's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OpenTerm ships an update every 2 months, PortX monthly. The most recent releases landed on October 18, 2026 and October 16, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard9 real differences · 2 level
OpenTerm versus PortX: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpenTermPortX
Price$4.99Free — better
Rating4.2 (188 ratings) — better3.7 (19 ratings)
Positive reviews44.4% of reviews72.5% of reviews — better
Number of ratings188 — better19
Update frequencyEvery 2 monthsMonthly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
Best chart rank#31 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better
Requires iOS15.012.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size86 MB58 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCHENGDU MIAOZHI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.NetSarang Computer, Inc.

Customer experience

OpenTerm

All ratings188 ratings
Positive77.1%
Neutral8.0%
Negative14.9%
Written reviews45 reviews
Positive44.4%
Neutral8.9%
Negative46.7%

PortX

All ratings19 ratings
Positive63.2%
Neutral5.3%
Negative31.6%
Written reviews120 reviews
Positive72.5%
Neutral12.5%
Negative15.0%

Bugs and requests

OpenTerm

Reported bugs

14 issues
  • Handshake error when SSHing to Raspberry Pi
  • Scan command no longer works for local networks
  • Settings menu opens wrong options after premium upgrade
  • Output of commands like ls, cat is truncated to one line
  • Uptime command not working
Show 9 more
  • SSH connection established but commands don't execute correctly (e.g., 'pwd' prints literally)
  • DIG command missing despite being listed in description
  • Password prompt for SSH does not obscure input
  • App sends extra enter key presses during sudo password entry
  • App buttons at top of screen, no text visible with floating keyboard on iPad
  • SSH and Telnet commands do not work
  • App crashes on traceroute
  • Cannot select specific SSH port
  • Password displayed in clear text over SSH

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add apt, apk, pkg, add, git, git clone commands
  • Add support for specific SSH ports
  • Improve explanation and examples for new users
  • Allow easier interaction with local files
  • Add manual or documentation

PortX

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

OpenTerm

One-time1
  • Lifetime Premium$3.99
None

PortX

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is OpenTerm free?
OpenTerm costs $4.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Is PortX free?
PortX is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, OpenTerm or PortX?
OpenTerm is rated higher. OpenTerm averages 4.2 out of 5 from 188 ratings, while PortX averages 3.7 from 19 ratings.
Do OpenTerm or PortX have ads?
Neither OpenTerm nor PortX shows ads.
Which is updated more often, OpenTerm or PortX?
OpenTerm ships an update every 2 months, and PortX monthly. Most recently, OpenTerm was updated on October 18, 2026 and PortX on October 16, 2026.

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