Comparison

Chell vs AFK Remote

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

Head to head
About

Chell

Manage your cloud environments and code repositories directly from your mobile device. Run builds, test code, and receive instant alerts for AI agent tasks. Edit code on the go with a fast, mobile-ready interface.

Highlights
  • Cloud environment management
  • Code testing and builds
  • AI agent task alerts
  • GitHub repository cloning
  • Direct code editing
  • Mobile-ready interface
Features
Read full description

Whether you’re self-hosting or using our cloud environments, you have full control over your workflow — your project, your way. Run builds, test code, or manage your cloud containers straight from your pocket. Get instant alerts when your AI agent completes a task, and approve or deny results right from your lock screen. Easily clone any repository by linking your GitHub account. Need to make a quick fix? Edit directly in the app — smooth, fast, and mobile-ready.

About

AFK Remote

Features
Read full description

AFK is a remote desktop app that connects your iPhone to your Mac — built specifically for AI-assisted development. Modern coding is about directing AI agents, reviewing their output, and verifying results. AFK lets you do this from anywhere: your couch, your bed, or your favorite coffee shop. HOW IT WORKS 1. Install the free macOS companion app (AFK Host) 2. Pair your iPhone once 3. Connect anytime over WiFi or cellular 4. Voice-command your AI tools and watch the magic happen VOICE-FIRST DESIGN Typing prompts on a phone keyboard is painful. AFK uses push-to-talk voice input optimized for natural language instructions. Just hold, speak your command, and release. Your words go straight to Claude Code, Cursor, or any AI tool you're using. INSTANT WINDOW SWITCHING Vibe coding means jumping between apps — terminal, browser, simulator, diff viewer. AFK gives you quick-switch buttons to instantly focus the window you need. No squinting at a shrunken desktop or hunting for tiny window edges. LOW LATENCY STREAMING WebRTC peer-to-peer connection means everything feels immediate. Scrolling, tapping, voice — no lag, no stutter. Works great on WiFi and surprisingly well on cellular. YOUR REAL ENVIRONMENT This isn't a sandboxed cloud IDE. It's your actual Mac — your configs, your tools, your local databases, your running services. Everything you've set up, accessible from your pocket. WORKS WITH ANY AI TOOL • Claude Code • Cursor • GitHub Copilot • Windsurf • Aider • VS Code • Xcode • Terminal • Any app on your Mac FEATURES • Push-to-talk voice transcription • Touch-optimized virtual keyboard • Sticky modifier keys (Cmd, Option, Control) • Customizable shortcut grid • Smart window management • Paste from iOS clipboard • Gesture support • Secure device pairing • No account required REQUIREMENTS • macOS companion app (AFK Host) - free download from afk.dev • Works over any network after pairing PRIVACY AFK remote access directly and encrypted to your Mac with no servers in between. Device credentials are stored securely. Perfect for developers who want to stay productive without being chained to their desk. Code review from the couch. Run tests from the kitchen. Ship features from anywhere.

Screenshots

Chell4 screens
AFK Remote4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Chell at every 5 days against AFK Remote's every 2 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Chell ships an update every 5 days, AFK Remote every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on September 9, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Chell versus AFK Remote: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterChellAFK Remote
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (5 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews80.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings5 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterEvery 2 weeks
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.115.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size56 MB30 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperCerulin, Inc.Bookhead LTD

In-app purchases

None

Chell

No in-app purchases

None

AFK Remote

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Chell free?
Chell is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is AFK Remote free?
AFK Remote is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Chell or AFK Remote have ads?
Neither Chell nor AFK Remote shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Chell or AFK Remote?
Chell ships an update every 5 days, and AFK Remote every 2 weeks. Most recently, Chell was updated on September 9, 2026 and AFK Remote on September 13, 2026.

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