# EE ToolKit vs ShellRef

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.

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.

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.

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.

## The numbers

| Metric | EE ToolKit | ShellRef |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | **Free** | $0.99 |
| Rating | [4.7 (1.4K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ee-toolkit/id391792609/reviews) | **[5.0 (1 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shellref/id6759814118/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | **1.4K** | 1 |
| Positive reviews | 90.2% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | **Free with in-app purchases** | Paid |
| Size | 289 MB | 19 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 17.6 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Thomas Gruber](https://appshunter.io/developer/342699861) | [Andrew Bacon](https://appshunter.io/developer/1817531814) |

## What reviewers say

### EE ToolKit

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ee-toolkit/id391792609)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Complete EE ToolKit Pro Upgrade | $9.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Useful tools and features
- 🚀 Comprehensive and informative
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 👍 Helpful for both beginners and professionals
- 👍 Regularly updated with improvements

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔒 Many features locked behind paywall
- 🐛 Some bugs and glitches reported
- 🔍 Limited free version functionality
- 📱 Accessibility issues for visually impaired users

**Reported bugs**

- Locked features not unlocking properly
- Certain tools and calculators not functioning as expected

**Requested features**

- 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shellref/id6759814118)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*