Comparison

AFK vs TermiShell

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

Head to head
About

AFK

Features
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Move your AI coding sessions from desktop to phone without SSH, VPNs, or exposing your computer to the internet. AFK streams your live terminal session to your iPhone over outbound WebSockets, so it works in most restricted networks where inbound SSH or remote desktop setups are blocked. Use Claude Code, OpenAI Codex, Gemini CLI, OpenCode, or any terminal command on your computer. When you step away, AFK keeps the same session in your pocket so you can monitor progress, approve prompts, type replies, and steer the work from anywhere. Try AFK instantly with the free live demo, or connect your own machine in minutes. WHY DEVELOPERS USE AFK AI coding agents can work for hours, but they still need you for tool approvals, error decisions, direction changes, and quick replies. AFK keeps your agent moving without keeping you at your desk. - Start work on desktop and continue from iPhone - Watch terminal sessions live with GPU-accelerated rendering - Approve prompts and tool calls remotely - Type commands or use precision voice input - Get mobile alerts when your agent needs attention - Works without SSH, VPNs, port forwarding, or remote desktop HOW IT WORKS 1. Install the AFK CLI on your machine 2. Run your agent or terminal command with AFK 3. Open the iPhone app 4. Monitor, approve, and respond from anywhere AFK uses outbound WebSocket streaming, so your computer does not need to accept inbound connections. No router changes. No public ports. No messy network setup. BUILT FOR AI CODING WORKFLOWS AFK works with any terminal command, and is designed for modern AI-assisted development: - Claude Code - OpenAI Codex - Gemini CLI - OpenCode - Custom scripts and long-running CLI tools REAL-TIME TERMINAL STREAMING - Low-latency WebSocket streaming - GPU-accelerated terminal rendering with Metal - Full bidirectional I/O - Automatic terminal resize - Push notifications for agent activity - Smooth terminal experience on mobile SECURE BY DESIGN Your terminal data is end-to-end encrypted. The backend acts as a relay and cannot read your session contents. - End-to-end encrypted terminal streams - X25519 key exchange - AES-256-GCM encryption - TLS 1.3 for transport security FREE TO START Free: - 2 concurrent sessions - End-to-end encryption - 20 voice commands per month Pro: - Unlimited sessions - Unlimited precision voice input - Push notifications when your AI agent needs input - Priority support Start with a 7-day free Pro trial. Refer 3 friends to earn a free month of Pro. AFK is built by Thaker Innovations. Website: https://getafk.dev Support: https://getafk.dev/support Privacy Policy: https://getafk.dev/legal/privacy Terms of Service: https://getafk.dev/legal/terms

About

TermiShell

Features
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TermiShell is a professional server console for iPhone and iPad, built for developers, operators, and technical teams who need to handle real server work from a mobile device. Connect over SSH, manage files with SFTP, monitor remote metrics, run saved commands, organize snippets, and keep critical server workflows close at hand when you are away from your desk. TermiShell is designed for practical operations, not decorative terminal demos. It brings terminal sessions, server profiles, file tools, monitoring views, snippets, tasks, and secure export into one focused mobile workspace. Key features: • SSH terminal for remote server access • SFTP file browsing and file operations • Server profiles with organized connection settings • Local snippets for frequently used commands • Saved tasks for repeatable server workflows • Remote monitoring for CPU, memory, disk, load, and network metrics • Process and system status views • tmux-friendly workflows for resilient sessions • Encrypted backup and migration support • Local-first storage for server profiles and settings • Multi-language interface for global users TermiShell helps with common mobile server tasks: • Check a server during an incident • Restart a service from your phone • Inspect logs while away from your desk • Upload or edit operational files • Run routine maintenance commands • Verify system load and disk usage • Keep reusable command snippets organized • Move app settings between devices TermiShell Pro unlocks higher limits and deeper operational features for users who manage more servers, more sessions, and more repeatable workflows. Subscription information: TermiShell Pro Monthly is an auto-renewing subscription. Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription automatically renews unless it is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription in your App Store account settings after purchase. Any unused portion of a free trial, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription. Terms of Service: https://termishell.vkoi.net/terms Privacy Policy: https://termishell.vkoi.net/privacy Whether you are maintaining personal servers, managing production infrastructure, supporting a customer environment, or checking systems while traveling, TermiShell gives you a compact but serious server workspace on iOS.

Screenshots

AFK4 screens
TermiShell4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: AFK at none against TermiShell's 2. TermiShell's advantage is update cadence (daily vs fortnightly) and device support (3 vs 1). On price and ads 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. TermiShell sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. AFK asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AFK ships an update fortnightly, TermiShell daily. The most recent releases landed on September 21, 2026 and September 10, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 2 level
AFK versus TermiShell: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAFKTermiShell
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyFortnightlyDaily — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS17.013.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size36 MB24 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTapan ThakerShenzhen Weili Cultural Communication Co., Ltd.

In-app purchases

None

AFK

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

TermiShell

Subscriptions1
  • TermiShell Pro Monthly3 Days trial$3.991 Month
One-time1
  • TermiShell Pro Lifetime$44.99

Questions

Is AFK free?
AFK is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TermiShell free?
TermiShell is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do AFK or TermiShell have ads?
Neither AFK nor TermiShell shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AFK or TermiShell?
AFK ships an update fortnightly, and TermiShell daily. Most recently, AFK was updated on September 21, 2026 and TermiShell on September 10, 2026.

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