S3 Client vs Alf by Spaceship
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
S3 Client
Access and manage your S3-compatible cloud storage directly from your device's file system. Seamlessly integrate with services like AWS, Backblaze, and MinIO, with files available on demand and automatic synchronization.
- Direct access via Files app and Finder
- Automatic file synchronization
- Support for AWS, Backblaze, MinIO, and more
- Uploads via system share sheet
- Generate pre-signed sharing links
- Supports encryption (SSE-C, AES-GCM)
- Shortcuts automation integration
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Access your S3 storage directly from the Files app, Finder, and other applications on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Developed by the creator of Working Copy, this application provides seamless integration with S3-compatible storage services. Once configured, S3 buckets appear alongside other cloud storage providers, with files available on demand. Files are downloaded as needed and automatically synchronized back to S3 when modified. The app supports a wide range of S3-compatible services, including AWS S3, BackBlaze B2, CloudFlare R2, DigitalOcean Spaces, MinIO, and others. Files and directories can be uploaded through the system share sheet on iOS and the Services menu on macOS. The app remembers preferred upload destinations for different file types, streamlining file management. Pre-signed sharing links can be generated directly from Finder and the Files app, allowing temporary access to files for up to seven days. Support for server-side encryption with customer-provided keys (SSE-C) and client-side AES-GCM encryption compatible with the Amazon S3 Encryption Client. Comprehensive support for Shortcuts automation enables operations such as listing, downloading, uploading, and moving files. The app is free to use with a single server. A Pro Unlock is required for multiple servers, available as a one-time purchase or a monthly subscription, with access shared across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. A one-week free trial allows users to evaluate Pro features before purchase.
Alf by Spaceship
This AI assistant streamlines the process of launching an online business. It helps with naming, domain acquisition, and product setup through conversational interaction. Explore tools and create emails with ease.
- AI-powered business naming
- Domain name suggestions
- Email setup assistance
- Product creation guidance
- Conversational interface
- Exploration of business tools
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Alf is Spaceship’s AI assistant, helping you set your online business up, from finding a name and getting the best domain for it, towards helping you set up your products just by keeping the conversation going. Whether it's buying domains, setting up emails, or exploring our tools, Alf is there to make the process smooth and enjoyable!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Alf by Spaceship at none against S3 Client's 2. Alf by Spaceship also leads on review sentiment (100% vs 79%) and rating (5.0 vs 4.8). S3 Client's advantage is ratings volume (57 vs 1). On price, update cadence, 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
Both are free to download. S3 Client sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Alf by Spaceship asks for nothing beyond the download.
Alf by Spaceship holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: S3 Client has 57 ratings behind it against 1, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 79% of S3 Client's written reviews are positive against 100% of Alf by Spaceship's.
S3 Client ships an update every 9 days, Alf by Spaceship fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and November 4, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | S3 Client | Alf by Spaceship |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.8 (57 ratings) | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 79.1% of reviews | 100.0% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 57 — better | 1 |
| Update frequency | Every 9 days — better | Fortnightly |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No — better |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, Mac — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 18.2 | 17.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 63 MB | 130 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Anders Borum ApS | Namecheap, Inc |
Customer experience
S3 Client
Alf by Spaceship
Bugs and requests
S3 Client
Reported bugs
17 issues- Files renamed randomly
- High CPU usage
- Stopped working in iOS 26
- Can't set permissions
- Fails to load S3 buckets properly
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- Duplicating root folders
- Folders missing
- Failing to upload
- No image/video thumbnails
- EXIF option unreliable
- No SSE-C encryption/decryption support
- Does not support IAM policy roles
- Short-lived keys needed
- App locks up Files app
- Requires reboot
- Issues with S3 Minio
- Update issues with older macOS
Requested features
14 requests- Support for WebDAV servers
- Support for Google OAuth for GCS
- Synchronous feature to backup photos automatically
- Configurable AWS endpoint for non-.com endpoints
- Allow import/export of configuration
Show 9 moreShow fewer
- Show number of files in a directory
- Option to clear app cache
- Support for SSE-C encryption/decryption
- Support for IAM policy roles
- Support for S3 buckets with short-lived keys
- Dark mode option
- Advanced analytics dashboard
- Duplicate Settings option for iOS
- Support for public dataset anonymous configuration
Alf by Spaceship
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
S3 Client
- S3 Files Pro Monthly7 Days trial$2.991 Month
- Lifetime S3 Pro$14.99
Alf by Spaceship
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is S3 Client free?
Is Alf by Spaceship free?
Which has better reviews, S3 Client or Alf by Spaceship?
Do S3 Client or Alf by Spaceship have ads?
Which is updated more often, S3 Client or Alf by Spaceship?
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