Comparison

Borg Backup Explorer vs SysPulse

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

Head to head
About

Borg Backup Explorer

Features
Read full description

Borg Backup Explorer opens the backups you already have. It connects to your own Borg repository over SSH, lists its archives, and lets you walk through them like a file manager - to find the one file you need and get it back, without restoring anything else and without sitting down at a computer. WHAT IT DOES - Browse every archive in a Borg repository, folder by folder - Preview photos and documents before downloading them - Download a single file and open it in any app on your phone - Keep what you downloaded, or delete it when you no longer need it - Show hidden files, or leave them out of the way ON YOUR PHONE, AND NOWHERE ELSE The app talks to your backup host itself, over SSH. Your SSH key and your repository password never leave the phone, and there is no server in between that sees anything. The first time an archive is opened it is read through once to build an index, which takes a while and is best done on Wi-Fi; everything after that is fast. WHAT YOU NEED An existing Borg repository you can reach over SSH, the SSH key for it, and the repository passphrase. This app does not create backups and does not change them - it only reads. Nothing in your repository is ever written to or deleted. PRO The app is free for one repository and for files up to 2 MB, previews included. A pro account downloads files of any size and lets you configure more than one repository. It is a subscription, monthly or yearly. PRIVACY The app holds your SSH key and repository password to connect, and nothing else. There are no accounts to create and no personal data is collected. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://www.insoso.at/borg-backup-explorer.html

About

SysPulse

Features
Read full description

SysPulse is a native iPhone app for monitoring Linux servers and working with SSH on the go. Connect your own VPS, Raspberry Pi, Docker host, NAS or home lab server and keep an eye on important system signals from one clean dashboard. Features: • Server list with status, CPU, RAM, disk usage, uptime and health score • SSH terminal for running commands on servers you own • SFTP file browser for remote files • Server detail dashboard with monitoring views • Docker, services, disks, logs and process-oriented monitoring screens • Quick actions and command safety checks • Keychain-based credential storage • Face ID / Touch ID app lock • Dark, polished iPhone-first interface • Widgets and Live Activities support SysPulse is designed for developers, sysadmins, makers and homelab users who want fast access to their Linux infrastructure from an iPhone. Security: Passwords and private keys are stored in the iOS Keychain. SysPulse does not include credentials in profile exports or monitoring snapshots. Remote commands are executed only on servers you add yourself and only after your explicit action. Subscription and Purchase Information: SysPulse offers the following purchase options: SysPulse Pro Monthly Subscription length: 1 month This is an auto-renewable subscription. SysPulse Pro Yearly Subscription length: 1 year This is an auto-renewable subscription. SysPulse Lifetime Lifetime access This is a one-time purchase and does not renew. Prices are shown in the app before purchase and may vary by region. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Auto-renewable subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period. You can manage or cancel your subscriptions in your App Store account settings. Privacy Policy: http://pichkur.com/privacy.html Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

Borg Backup Explorer4 screens
SysPulse4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: SysPulse at daily against Borg Backup Explorer's fortnightly. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. Borg Backup Explorer sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and SysPulse sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Borg Backup Explorer ships an update fortnightly, SysPulse daily. The most recent releases landed on November 8, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference Ā· 5 level
Borg Backup Explorer versus SysPulse: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBorg Backup ExplorerSysPulse
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyFortnightlyDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPad — betteriPhone
Requires iOS17.2 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size8 MB14 MB
Age rating12+4+
Developerinsoso GmbHYevhenii Pichkur

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Borg Backup Explorer

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Account$3.991 Month
  • Pro Account$39.991 Year
One-time1
  • Pro Account$3.99
3 purchases

SysPulse

Subscriptions2
  • SysPulse Pro Monthly$2.991 Month
  • SysPulse Pro Yearly$14.991 Year
One-time1
  • SysPulse LifeTime$39.99

Questions

Is Borg Backup Explorer free?
Borg Backup Explorer is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is SysPulse free?
SysPulse is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do Borg Backup Explorer or SysPulse have ads?
Neither Borg Backup Explorer nor SysPulse shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Borg Backup Explorer or SysPulse?
Borg Backup Explorer ships an update fortnightly, and SysPulse daily. Most recently, Borg Backup Explorer was updated on November 8, 2026 and SysPulse on October 31, 2026.

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