# ShellX vs Sidekick for iOS

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: ShellX at none against Sidekick for iOS's 3. ShellX also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 2 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 18.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Sidekick for iOS sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $20.00 per month. ShellX asks for nothing beyond the download.

ShellX ships an update every 3 days, Sidekick for iOS every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 1, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | ShellX | Sidekick for iOS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 2 weeks |
| Size | 37 MB | 21 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.1** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPod | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [Laurens van Leer B.V.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1796054354) | [Gadget Labs](https://appshunter.io/developer/1893483456) |

## What reviewers say

### ShellX

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/shellx/id6758803722)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### Sidekick for iOS

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sidekick-for-ios/id6762234474)

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Plus | $20.00 | per month |
| Business | $39.00 | per month |
| Ultra | $200.00 | per month |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is ShellX free?

ShellX is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Sidekick for iOS free?

Sidekick for iOS is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do ShellX or Sidekick for iOS have ads?

Neither ShellX nor Sidekick for iOS shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, ShellX or Sidekick for iOS?

ShellX ships an update every 3 days, and Sidekick for iOS every 2 weeks. Most recently, ShellX was updated on October 8, 2026 and Sidekick for iOS on October 1, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*