Comparison

HB Code vs AgentShell

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

Head to head
About

HB Code

Read full description

Follow and steer Claude Code and Codex from your iPhone. HB Code connects to HB Code Desktop on your computer. Your desktop runs the coding agent and does the work. Your iPhone shows the same session, live, and sends your next message. What sets HB Code apart: - Two agents, one app. Pick Claude Code or Codex when you create a session. - Every step opens. Tap a command, command output, file read, file change, diff, or tool call and see exactly what the agent ran, read, or changed. Sub-agent threads are included. - Your own desktop does the work. HB Code Desktop runs on Mac and Windows. Claude Code and Codex sessions run on both. Open HB Code Desktop and enable Mobile access. Then add a project, create a session, and send instructions from your iPhone. Continue the same work in either app. What you can do on iPhone: - Pick a project and session on your desktop - Add a project from a folder on the connected desktop - Create a Claude Code or Codex session, or open an existing one - Follow the session live while the agent works - Send a message, or queue a follow-up while the agent is busy - Dictate a message instead of typing it - Pick the model and reasoning settings for supported sessions - Browse project files on your desktop - Open write-ups with diagrams, Markdown, media, and file previews - Play spoken walkthroughs as audio - Review git changes and diffs - Get an alert when the agent finishes, and open the matching session from it - See the reconnect state when your desktop or network changes How it works: 1. Install and open HB Code Desktop from https://www.hbcode.ai/downloads on your Mac or Windows PC. 2. Sign in on desktop and iPhone with the same account and region. On desktop, enable Mobile access. 3. Pick your desktop in the iPhone app. Add or select a project, then create or open a session. 4. Work in either app and continue the same project and session on the other. Your desktop runs the agent and every command. Your files stay on your desktop. Your iPhone sends your requests through the authenticated HB Code relay. It doesn't run a second agent or stream your screen. Codex sessions use your own ChatGPT subscription, through OpenAI's Codex App Server. Claude Code sessions use your own Claude account. HB Code doesn't sell or include Codex or Claude access. Spoken walkthroughs use your own Gemini API key. Requirements: - HB Code Desktop on your Mac or Windows PC - An internet connection for your account and the relay Review generated changes and AI output before you use them. HB Code is an independent app and is not affiliated with Anthropic or OpenAI. Claude Code is a trademark of Anthropic. Codex is a trademark of OpenAI. Terms of Service: https://www.hbcode.ai/terms Privacy Policy: https://www.hbcode.ai/privacy

About

AgentShell

This app provides developers with an SSH client to manage AI coding tools on remote servers. It offers push notifications for agent input, multiple session management, and secure key storage. Stay connected and in control of your development environment from your mobile device.

Highlights
  • AI agent support with push notifications
  • Lock screen and Dynamic Island session status
  • Up to 10 simultaneous sessions
  • 256-color terminal with extra keyboard row
  • Secure key storage in iOS Keychain
  • Unlimited saved connection profiles
Features
Read full description

AgentShell is an SSH client for developers who run AI coding tools like Claude Code and Gemini CLI on remote servers. The problem it solves You're running Claude on a dev server. It needs a yes/no answer. Your phone is in your pocket. Without notifications, you'd have no idea it's waiting. AgentShell watches your terminal for input prompts and notifies you. Works whether the app is open, backgrounded, or your phone is locked. AI agent support • Auto-launch Claude, Gemini, Cursor, Codex, or your own tools on connect • Detects when agents need confirmation or input • Push notifications show the actual question being asked • Banners when you're in another session • Per-connection working directories Lock Screen and Dynamic Island • Session status visible without unlocking • See "Working", "Waiting for input", or "Ready" at a glance • Tap to jump straight into the session Multiple sessions • Up to 10 sessions at once • Grid view with terminal previews • Sessions stay alive when you switch apps • Auto-reconnect on dropped connections • GNU Screen support Terminal • 256 colors, multiple themes • Extra keyboard row: Ctrl, Esc, Tab, arrows • Voice input • Copy/paste Security • Keys in iOS Keychain with hardware encryption • Face ID / Touch ID to access keys • Ed25519, RSA, ECDSA generation • Keys stay on device • Secure password storage Connections • Unlimited saved profiles • Quick connect to recent servers • AWS EC2 metadata support • Custom startup commands • Background connection keeper No web views Native iOS. SwiftUI. Pure Swift SSH. Launches fast, stays responsive. --- Subscription Information AgentShell Pro (Yearly) is available as an auto-renewable subscription at $9.99/year. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription automatically renews unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel your subscription in your App Store account settings. AgentShell Pro (Lifetime) is available as a one-time purchase at $24.99. Privacy Policy: https://agentshell.dev/privacy Terms of Use (EULA): https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ ---

Screenshots

HB Code4 screens
AgentShell4 screens

Verdict

The call

HB Code and AgentShell are too close to call on the numbers: across 5 compared parameters — price, ads, in-app purchases and device support among them — neither pulls far enough ahead to decide it. What separates them is feature set and interface, not measurable difference.

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

Both are free to download. HB Code sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days and AgentShell sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per year. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

ScorecardNo meaningful differences
HB Code versus AgentShell: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHB CodeAgentShell
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings—1 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks—
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS18.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size77 MB14 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerhelpful bits GmbHVijay Budhram

In-app purchases

3 purchases

HB Code

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly$2.997 Days
  • Monthly$5.991 Month
  • Annual$49.991 Year
2 purchases

AgentShell

Subscriptions1
  • AgentShell Yearly$9.991 Year
One-time1
  • AgentShell Life$24.99

Questions

Is HB Code free?
HB Code is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is AgentShell free?
AgentShell is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do HB Code or AgentShell have ads?
Neither HB Code nor AgentShell shows ads.

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