Comparison

Apps Connect vs ShellBox

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

Head to head
About

Apps Connect

This app provides a one-click connection to various proxy protocols like Shadowsocks, Vmess, and Trojan. It offers a lighter, simpler interface with custom themes and aims for faster, more secure connections.

Highlights
  • One-click connection
  • Supports multiple proxy protocols
  • Lighter and simpler interface
  • Customizable themes
  • Faster connection speeds
  • Secure kernel
Features
Read full description

One Click Connection v2board / SSPANEL / Xboard Support Shadowsocks ShadowsocksR Vmess Vless Trojan Hysteria Socks Hysteria2 AnyTLS Multiple protocols - Lighter to use - Simpler interface - A brand new Glassmorphism / GradientCard style - Custom theme Colors - Faster connection speeds - Better Interaction - A more secure kernel - TUN protocol stack switching - chained proxy - rule/rule set settings - rule resource management - proxy sharing - Based on mihomo

About

ShellBox

Features
Read full description

ShellBox is a professional SSH client for iPhone and iPad that puts a full Linux server terminal in your pocket — with a mobile-first keyboard, SFTP file manager, remote code editor and an AI-powered command assistant. CONNECT IN SECONDS • Password and SSH private key authentication • Multiple servers with quick-switch access • Host key fingerprint verification for secure connections • Face ID / Touch ID to instantly unlock your servers and keys • Keys and passwords protected in the iOS Keychain — never stored in plain text A TERMINAL BUILT FOR TOUCH • Full ANSI color rendering (ls, git, htop, docker and more look exactly right) • Dedicated keyboard toolbar: ESC, TAB, CTRL, ALT and arrow keys — one tap away • Command history recall with up / down keys • UTF-8, copy and paste, and smooth scrolling • Optimized input for long sessions on the go SFTP FILE MANAGER • Browse remote directories with breadcrumb navigation • Upload, download, rename and delete files • Edit files directly on the server with the built-in code editor • Never switch apps to fix a config file again SMART COMMAND ASSISTANT • Built-in command library with searchable, reusable snippets • Instant suggestions and path completion • AI-powered explanation of errors and one-tap solution commands (optional) SERVER DASHBOARD • Real-time view of CPU, memory, disk and network usage • Quick health check at a glance before you dive in ShellBox is built with privacy in mind. Your server addresses, credentials and keys stay on your device. No accounts, no telemetry, no cloud. Compatible with Linux, macOS, BSD and any device running OpenSSH. Works over Wi-Fi, cellular and VPN connections. Requirements: iOS 17.0 or later.

Screenshots

Apps Connect4 screens
ShellBox4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Apps Connect at Free against ShellBox's $0.99. Apps Connect also leads on update cadence (monthly vs every 4 months) and chart position (#17 vs unranked). On ads and in-app purchases 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

Apps Connect is free to download; ShellBox costs $0.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Apps Connect ships an update monthly, ShellBox every 4 months. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and September 26, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
Apps Connect versus ShellBox: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterApps ConnectShellBox
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating4.4 (130 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews60.9% of reviews—
Number of ratings130 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly — betterEvery 4 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
Best chart rank#17 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple TV — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS15.0 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size148 MB9 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCITY OF THE SKY NETWORK洪卫 潘

In-app purchases

None

Apps Connect

No in-app purchases

None

ShellBox

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Apps Connect free?
Apps Connect is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ShellBox free?
ShellBox costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Apps Connect or ShellBox have ads?
Neither Apps Connect nor ShellBox shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Apps Connect or ShellBox?
Apps Connect ships an update monthly, and ShellBox every 4 months. Most recently, Apps Connect was updated on October 12, 2026 and ShellBox on September 26, 2026.

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