Comparison

TerminalCat vs TermCOW

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

Head to head
About

TerminalCat

Features
Read full description

TerminalCat: Terminal in your pocket TerminalCat is a mobile SSH client for iPhone. Connect securely to remote servers and work from anywhere. [Key Features] ▸ SSH Connections Access remote servers over secure encrypted connections. Password authentication is supported. ▸ Multi-Host Support Connect to multiple servers simultaneously and switch between them instantly using tabs. ▸ Native tmux Integration Manage tmux sessions and windows as tabs. TerminalCat supports ANSI colors and persistent sessions, allowing you to continue working after reconnecting. ▸ SFTP File Browser Browse directories and download files from remote servers. ▸ File Upload Upload files directly to your server from the camera, photo library, or Files app. ▸ Mobile-Optimized Keyboard Use dedicated Ctrl, Alt, Tab, Escape, and arrow keys for efficient terminal operation. ▸ Dark Theme A dark interface designed for comfortable terminal work. ▸ Languages Available in English and Japanese. The language can follow your device settings or be selected manually. [Account] Sign in with Apple, Google, or email. You can also start as a guest and link your account later from Settings. [Subscription] TerminalCat Premium unlocks all features. ▸ Monthly and annual auto-renewable plans ▸ A free trial may be available to eligible users ▸ Cancel anytime Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription automatically renews unless 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 from your App Store account settings. Terms of Use: https://terminalcat.com/terms-of-service Privacy Policy: https://terminalcat.com/privacy-policy Support: https://terminalcat.com/support

About

TermCOW

This app provides a stable SSH terminal experience for mobile devices, allowing users to connect to remote machines with features like pan and zoom for a desktop-class interface. It supports standard SSH protocols, SFTP, and secure credential storage.

Highlights
  • SSH with password and key authentication
  • SFTP file transfer
  • Encrypted credential vault
  • Pan and zoom for stable terminal view
  • Customizable multi-state shortcuts
  • Port forwarding
  • Jump host/bastion support
Features
Read full description

TermCOW is an SSH terminal for developers, sysadmins, and anyone who wants to do their work anywhere. I originally built it so I could connect to my machine at home running AI coding agents in tmux from my phone. On a phone, it’s usually either tiny unreadable text to fit the whole terminal, or confusing text reflow, flashing, and wrapping when you zoom in. TermCOW uses pan and zoom instead of text reflow, so the terminal stays stable while you work. But if you like text reflow, TermCOW supports that too. All standard SSH features are free, including password/key auth, SFTP, and encrypted credential storage. Features • SSH with password and key auth • SFTP file transfer • Encrypted credential vault • Pan and zoom for a stable desktop-class terminal • Customizable multi-state shortcuts • Port forwarding • Jump host / bastion support • Back up settings to the TermCOW service • Premium jump host service for private IP access Clean, functional, minimal UI that stays out of your way while you do real work with a desktop-class terminal from your phone. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/

Screenshots

TerminalCat3 screens
TermCOW4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TerminalCat at none against TermCOW's 1. On price, update cadence, ads 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. TermCOW sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. TerminalCat asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TerminalCat ships an update every 3 weeks, TermCOW fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
TerminalCat versus TermCOW: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTerminalCatTermCOW
PriceFreeFree
Rating—5.0 (3 ratings) — better
Number of ratings—3 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
Monetization—Free with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.016.1 — better
Further details — not scored
Size58 MB149 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTsuyoshi YonemotoFynetiq LLC

In-app purchases

None

TerminalCat

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

TermCOW

One-time1
  • TermCOW Pro Upgrade$9.99

Questions

Is TerminalCat free?
TerminalCat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is TermCOW free?
TermCOW is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do TerminalCat or TermCOW have ads?
Neither TerminalCat nor TermCOW shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TerminalCat or TermCOW?
TerminalCat ships an update every 3 weeks, and TermCOW fortnightly. Most recently, TerminalCat was updated on November 5, 2026 and TermCOW on October 31, 2026.

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