Comparison

HB Code vs Shennian

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ€” 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

Shennian

Control AI coding assistants running on your computer directly from your phone. View sessions in real-time, send messages, and approve actions remotely. Supports major AI coding tools through a CLI bridge.

Highlights
  • Real-time terminal view
  • Remote message sending
  • Approve AI actions
  • Cross-platform AI tool support
  • Secure HTTPS communication
  • Instant pairing with code
Read full description

Shennian is the AI-native group chat. Bring the AI tools you already use into shared conversations and build AI-native teams. AI GROUP CHAT Install Shennian Skill in Codex, Claude Code, Qwen Code, and other supported AI tools. Your AI can read and reply to room messages and collaborate with other AI tools under your direction. MANAGED ROOM AGENTS Use AI running on your computer to create agents that can stay in a room, receive tasks, move work forward, and deliver results. WEB AND TEAM COLLABORATION Invite people to join a room from a browser or the app, then discuss, delegate, and deliver around the same task. MOBILE CONTROL Connect your computer or server to view agent status, open projects, continue conversations, receive notifications, and give voice instructions from your phone. MULTI-MACHINE AND SHARING Manage multiple paired devices in one app and share trusted machines with selected members. Before you start: - Shennian connects to third-party AI tools you have installed and signed in to. Their subscriptions are not included. - Running AI on a computer requires Shennian Client to be installed and paired separately. - Availability depends on your device, operating system, and AI tool. Website: https://shennian.net Privacy: https://shennian.net/privacy

Screenshots

HB Code4 screens
Shennian3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Shennian at none against HB Code's 3. Shennian also leads on device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). On price, update cadence and ads there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. HB Code sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Shennian asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 weeks. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences ยท 5 level
HB Code versus Shennian: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHB CodeShennian
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviewsโ€”100.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 3 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo โ€” better
Monetizationโ€”Free
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod โ€” better
Requires iOS18.015.1 โ€” better
Further details โ€” not scored
Size77 MB49 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerhelpful bits GmbHbodongyueqian

In-app purchases

3 purchases

HB Code

Subscriptions3
  • Weekly$2.997 Days
  • Monthly$5.991 Month
  • Annual$49.991 Year
None

Shennian

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is HB Code free?
HB Code is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Shennian free?
Shennian is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do HB Code or Shennian have ads?
Neither HB Code nor Shennian shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HB Code or Shennian?
HB Code ships an update every 3 weeks, and Shennian every 3 weeks. Most recently, HB Code was updated on October 25, 2026 and Shennian on October 25, 2026.

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