Comparison

EE ToolKit vs ShellRef

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

Head to head
About

EE ToolKit

This comprehensive toolkit offers over 160 electronic applications, calculators, and reference tools for engineers, students, and hobbyists. It features a multi-functional keyboard, color code tools, audio scope, frequency generator, and component references with datasheet access. The app supports real-time circuit simulations and includes a file manager for saving calculations.

Highlights
  • Over 160 electronic applications
  • Multi-functional keyboard
  • Color code and SMD code tools
  • Audio scope and frequency pitch detector
  • Frequency generator
  • Component reference section with datasheet access
  • Real-time circuit simulations
Features
Read full description

This is the brand-new Electronics Engineering ToolKit! The HIGHLY RATED and RECOMMENDED productivity app. Users say it is the BEST and MOST PRACTICAL Electronics App in the whole App Store. From an electronics enthusiast with a master's degree in Electronics Engineering. This App is for engineers, students and hobbyists and anyone interested in Electronics Engineering. The App gets CONSTANT and POWERFUL improvements! !!! This is a UNIVERSAL App - for iPhone and iPad !!! With In-App upgrade to PRO. If you don't like In-App purchases, you can also download the PRO version (red icon with PRO text) which is full PRO from the beginning without any In-App purchase. WHAT OTHER USERS ARE SAYING: “Awesome app, constant and powerful improvements” This app was worth every penny I paid for it back when I bought it years ago. Since then, I’ve regularly used it at work and found it to be an excellent, quick tool to use. The most impressive aspect of this app are the constant and VERY impressive updates! Massive feature additions and very easy to use interface! The list of capabilities this app has makes it an amazing value for truly anyone involved in electronics. “Latest version makes this an exceptional tool” The EE Toolkit was always a very useful tool, but with the additions in the latest version it is truly an exceptional tool. The author is extremely diligent in managing bugs and improving the tool. “A superb app highly recommended” Fantastic application. Very useful. Always updated. Good developer. Lots of great bonus tools. Just love it. "Incredible useful, worth the money" I have had this app for a while now. Originally as an Electrical Engineering student I didnt really use it but once I was out in the field it became my bible. I definitely recommend to any engineering students/professionals alike. I also recommend buying the Pro version because it is definitely worth it. FEATURES OF THE EE TOOLKIT: Ω more than 160 electronic applications Ω amazingly great multi-functional keyboard Ω huge selection of color code tools and SMD code tools Ω audio scope and a frequency pitch detector Ω favorites page only for the tools that you have marked as favorite Ω full-featured frequency generator Ω extra large component reference section (incl. 7400 Series, PIC family, etc.) with the option to open pdf datasheets live or by e.g. iBooks Ω 555 Timer Tools with the most important application examples Ω extensive collection of Single Board Computers (more than 120 different boards!!!) Ω PCB trace impedance tools for several different structures Ω simple and quick unit conversion within the single calculators Ω fast on-the-fly conversions and calculations Ω real-time circuit simulations of the example circuits Ω support for preferred E series, sliders and min/max calculations Ω auto-save of all entries over several sessions Ω file manager to save and load individual calculations Ω built-in access to your iCloud Ω formula search tool with quick links to the tool which uses the formula Ω and many many more

About

ShellRef

This app provides an offline reference for Bash, Zsh, and terminal editors, mimicking a retro technical manual. It's ideal for quickly looking up commands, syntax, and scripting practices without needing an internet connection. Features include search, bookmarks, and customizable display themes.

Highlights
  • Offline Bash and Zsh reference
  • Terminal editor guides (Nano, Vim, Emacs)
  • Quick command lookup
  • Searchable content
  • Customizable themes
  • Adjustable text size
  • Bookmarks
Features
Read full description

ShellRef is an offline reference for Bash, Zsh, and terminal editors, presented as a focused CRT console reference manual. It’s designed for quick lookup while you work—whether you’re writing your first shell script, checking quoting rules, reviewing Zsh behavior, or trying to remember a Vim command without opening a browser. The app includes reference sections for: • Bash fundamentals, control flow, functions, strings and arrays, file I/O, processes, and scripting practices • Zsh differences, globbing, arrays, and configuration • Common command-line tools for text processing, file operations, and system tasks • Terminal editors including Nano, Vim, and Emacs Topics are organized as short reference entries with examples, notes, warnings, and tables where they help clarify syntax and behavior. ShellRef also includes: • Offline access to the full reference library • Search across commands, topics, examples, and notes • My Quick Refs for saving frequently used entries • A CRT-inspired interface with White, Green, and Amber phosphor display modes • Optional scanlines and adjustable display glow • Reduced-effects controls for a cleaner reading experience • Adjustable text size for easier reading on iPhone and iPad ShellRef is intended for developers, sysadmins, students, and anyone who wants a readable shell reference without ads, accounts, or an internet connection.

Screenshots

EE ToolKit4 screens
ShellRef4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: EE ToolKit at Free against ShellRef's $0.99. EE ToolKit also leads on ratings volume (1.4K vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.6). ShellRef's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and rating (5.0 vs 4.7). 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

EE ToolKit is free to download; ShellRef costs $0.99 up front. EE ToolKit sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. ShellRef asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

ShellRef holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.7. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: EE ToolKit has 1.4K ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

EE ToolKit ships an update every 3 months, ShellRef every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 19, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
EE ToolKit versus ShellRef: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterEE ToolKitShellRef
PriceFree — better$0.99
Rating4.7 (1.4K ratings)5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews90.2% of reviews—
Number of ratings1.4K — better1
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases — betterPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS12.0 — better17.6
Further details — not scored
Size289 MB19 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperThomas GruberAndrew Bacon

Customer experience

EE ToolKit

All ratings1,397 ratings
Positive92.5%
Neutral3.3%
Negative4.2%
Written reviews583 reviews
Positive90.2%
Neutral2.7%
Negative7.0%

ShellRef

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

Bugs and requests

EE ToolKit

Reported bugs

2 issues
  • Locked features not unlocking properly
  • Certain tools and calculators not functioning as expected

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add circuit simulation capabilities
  • Include more microcontroller and automotive-related content
  • Improve zooming and readability on certain screens
  • Implement Kirchhoff's laws and node analysis tools

ShellRef

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

EE ToolKit

One-time1
  • Complete EE ToolKit Pro Upgrade$9.99
None

ShellRef

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is EE ToolKit free?
EE ToolKit is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ShellRef free?
ShellRef costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, EE ToolKit or ShellRef?
ShellRef is rated higher. EE ToolKit averages 4.7 out of 5 from 1.4K ratings, while ShellRef averages 5.0 from 1 ratings.
Do EE ToolKit or ShellRef have ads?
Neither EE ToolKit nor ShellRef shows ads.
Which is updated more often, EE ToolKit or ShellRef?
EE ToolKit ships an update every 3 months, and ShellRef every 3 weeks. Most recently, EE ToolKit was updated on October 24, 2026 and ShellRef on October 19, 2026.

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