Comparison

ShellBean vs XTerm

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

Head to head
About

ShellBean

A powerful SSH and SFTP client with integrated monitoring and scripting automation for efficient Linux server management. Offers advanced terminal features, file editing, and secure data synchronization.

Highlights
  • AI-enhanced SSH/SFTP client
  • Server monitoring tools
  • Scripting automation
  • Built-in text editor
  • Multi-level jump server login
  • SFTP file management
  • iCloud data synchronization
Features
Read full description

ShellBean is a professional, modern, full-featured SSH SFTP client that integrates monitoring and scripting automation tools over SSH to help you quickly and easily manage your Linux servers without installing any third-party applications. ShellBean offers the following free features: - Move the cursor quickly with single-tap and long-press drag gestures in terminal - Supports multi-level jump servers login - Built-in text editor, easy to edit files - Multiple SSH terminal color schemes and fonts settings - SFTP within Files App (read-only) (iOS 16 and above) - Support for iOS/iPadOS/macOS systems - iPad split-screen support - Support iOS 17 Widget, Monitor Server at Home Screen - Face ID unlock App - SSH Terminal - Zmodem rz sz file transfer - SSH keys management - Port forwarding, support for local, remote and dynamic three modes - Server, code snippets and Port forwardings can be managed in groups - Securely synchronize data between all your devices via iCloud (using only your private iCloud space) - View the process list, sort by PID, COMMAND, CPU, MEM - View server usage per CPU core - Support displaying CPU temperature - Memory usage - Network traffic and rates, as well as traffic status for each interface - Disk Partition Occupancy and Read/Write Rates - Monitor the status of NVIDIA graphics cards - Select servers to run Snippets in batches - Manage Snippets and run them on servers within touchs - SFTP file management within Files App (iOS 16 and above) Unlocking the Premium version you will get the following features: - Dynamic port forwarding - Monitor disk inode data - Quickly execute snippets in the terminal - Terminal split screen and broadcast input - Terminal logging to file Data security: All data is only stored locally on your device and in your private iCloud space, we will not upload any of your server, key, script data. Terms of Use https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy https://shellbean.app/privacy

About

XTerm

Features
Read full description

Flow SSH Client: Flow SSH Client helps you connect to and manage remote Linux servers directly from your mobile device. SSH CONNECTIONS: Connect to servers using SSH with support for password and key-based authentication. HOST MANAGEMENT: Create hosts, organize them into groups, and use tags to keep connections easy to manage. TERMINAL ACCESS: Open terminal sessions, run commands, and manage your servers from anywhere. VAULTS: Store connection information, SSH keys, and credentials for quick access. PROXY & HOST CHAINING: Configure proxies and host chaining to connect through intermediate servers when needed. CONNECTION HISTORY: View recent connections and reconnect to previously accessed hosts quickly. Terms of use: https://fuentechsoft.com/about/terms/ Privacy Policy: https://fuentechsoft.com/about/privacy/

Screenshots

ShellBean4 screens
XTerm4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: XTerm at none against ShellBean's 5. XTerm also leads on iOS requirement (14.0 vs 16). ShellBean's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 6 days vs monthly). On price 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

Both are free to download. ShellBean sells 5 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. XTerm asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ShellBean ships an update every 6 days, XTerm monthly. Both last shipped on September 22, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
ShellBean versus XTerm: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShellBeanXTerm
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.1 (15 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews86.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings15 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 6 days — betterMonthly
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreemium—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS1614.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size157 MB95 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developer北京如电科技有限公司Fuentech Company Limited

In-app purchases

5 purchases

ShellBean

Subscriptions3
  • Monthly Subscription$2.991 Month
  • Annual Subscription7 Days trial$7.991 Year
  • Annual Subscription7 Days trial$9.991 Year
One-time2
  • Lifetime$19.99
  • Lifetime$24.99
None

XTerm

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is ShellBean free?
ShellBean is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is XTerm free?
XTerm is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do ShellBean or XTerm have ads?
XTerm shows ads; ShellBean does not.
Which is updated more often, ShellBean or XTerm?
ShellBean ships an update every 6 days, and XTerm monthly. Most recently, ShellBean was updated on September 22, 2026 and XTerm on September 22, 2026.

Other comparisons