Comparison

TerminalCat vs Multiplex

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

Multiplex

Features
Read full description

Multiplex Remote keeps you connected to the terminal and Coding agents like Claude code sessions running on your Mac, from your phone. Pair your iPhone with the Multiplex app on your Mac and pick up any running session: watch live output, type commands, and respond the moment Claude Code needs your input. TERMINAL, WHEREVER YOU ARE Every paired session is a real terminal, mirrored from your Mac in real time. Scroll back through history, use the on-screen arrow keys and modifiers, or fit the output to your phone's width for readable text on the smallest screens. NEVER MISS A "NEEDS YOU" MOMENT Get a lock screen Live Activity and a notification the instant a Claude Code session is waiting on you, so you can approve, answer, or steer it without opening your Mac. GIT, WITHOUT LEAVING THE SESSION Open the built-in git inspector to browse changes, diffs, commit history, and branches for the repo your session is working in. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Your session reaches your phone through a relay that only ever routes opaque traffic between your own devices. Pairing uses a one-time code shown on your Mac and confirmed on your phone. Requires the free Multiplex app on your Mac.

Screenshots

TerminalCat3 screens
Multiplex4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: TerminalCat at none against Multiplex's 1. Multiplex's advantage is update cadence (every 9 days vs every 3 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement 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. Multiplex sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. TerminalCat asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TerminalCat ships an update every 3 weeks, Multiplex every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 6, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences · 4 level
TerminalCat versus Multiplex: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTerminalCatMultiplex
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 9 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size58 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperTsuyoshi YonemotoDataGrids

In-app purchases

None

TerminalCat

No in-app purchases

1 purchases

Multiplex

One-time1
  • Lifetime Unlock$24.99

Questions

Is TerminalCat free?
TerminalCat is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Multiplex free?
Multiplex is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do TerminalCat or Multiplex have ads?
Neither TerminalCat nor Multiplex shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TerminalCat or Multiplex?
TerminalCat ships an update every 3 weeks, and Multiplex every 9 days. Most recently, TerminalCat was updated on November 5, 2026 and Multiplex on November 6, 2026.

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