Comparison

ShellRef vs NetPilot

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

Head to head
About

ShellRef

This app provides an offline reference for Bash, Zsh, and terminal editors, mimicking a retro technical manual. It's ideal for quickly looking up commands, syntax, and scripting practices without needing an internet connection. Features include search, bookmarks, and customizable display themes.

Highlights
  • Offline Bash and Zsh reference
  • Terminal editor guides (Nano, Vim, Emacs)
  • Quick command lookup
  • Searchable content
  • Customizable themes
  • Adjustable text size
  • Bookmarks
Features
Read full description

ShellRef is an offline reference for Bash, Zsh, and terminal editors, presented as a focused CRT console reference manual. It’s designed for quick lookup while you work—whether you’re writing your first shell script, checking quoting rules, reviewing Zsh behavior, or trying to remember a Vim command without opening a browser. The app includes reference sections for: • Bash fundamentals, control flow, functions, strings and arrays, file I/O, processes, and scripting practices • Zsh differences, globbing, arrays, and configuration • Common command-line tools for text processing, file operations, and system tasks • Terminal editors including Nano, Vim, and Emacs Topics are organized as short reference entries with examples, notes, warnings, and tables where they help clarify syntax and behavior. ShellRef also includes: • Offline access to the full reference library • Search across commands, topics, examples, and notes • My Quick Refs for saving frequently used entries • A CRT-inspired interface with White, Green, and Amber phosphor display modes • Optional scanlines and adjustable display glow • Reduced-effects controls for a cleaner reading experience • Adjustable text size for easier reading on iPhone and iPad ShellRef is intended for developers, sysadmins, students, and anyone who wants a readable shell reference without ads, accounts, or an internet connection.

About

NetPilot

Master networking concepts and practice command-line skills with interactive lessons, labs, and quizzes. Prepare for certifications or interviews with a comprehensive study tool designed for mobile learning.

Highlights
  • Networking lessons and guided learning paths
  • Hands-on CLI labs and sandbox mode
  • Extensive quiz bank with study and exam modes
  • Progress tracking and study habit building
  • Built-in reference tools for interviews and subnetting
  • Offline access to lessons and practice content
Features
Read full description

Build your networking knowledge. Practice the commands. Understand the why. NetPilot brings networking lessons, hands-on CLI practice, quizzes, and reference tools together on your iPhone and iPad. Whether you're studying for the CCNA, preparing for an interview, or refreshing your skills, make your next study session count. LEARN THE FUNDAMENTALS Explore 49 academy topics covering networking fundamentals, IP addressing, routing, switching, wireless, security, and more. Follow guided learning paths to connect your reading with practical exercises. PRACTICE AT THE COMMAND LINE Work through 366 guided CLI labs or experiment in the CLI sandbox. Practice supported Cisco IOS-style commands with contextual ? help, command completion, and configuration modes in a simulated environment. No physical router required. TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING Practice with 500 questions across 24 categories. Use Study mode to learn with explanations, or challenge yourself with timed exams. Review incorrect answers and identify the areas that need more attention. BUILD YOUR DAILY HABIT Track quiz results, completed labs, study streaks, and learning-path progress. Earn achievements, save useful content, and set optional study reminders. KEEP USEFUL REFERENCES CLOSE Review networking interview questions, browse configuration examples, look up acronyms, and sharpen your subnetting skills with built-in tools. DESIGNED FOR YOUR STUDY STYLE Choose your color theme and appearance. Study on iPhone or take advantage of adaptive iPad layouts. Bundled lessons and practice content are available offline. START FREE Explore academy content, selected quiz categories, and 10 free CLI labs. Additional quiz categories, labs, and premium resources require NetPilot Pro. NetPilot is an independent educational app and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cisco. The CLI is a training simulation, not a complete implementation of Cisco IOS. Practice results do not guarantee certification exam results. Terms of Use: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/ Privacy Policy: https://netpilotapp.com/privacy-policy/

Screenshots

ShellRef4 screens
NetPilot4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: NetPilot at Free against ShellRef's $0.99. ShellRef's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 2). On rating, ratings volume, update cadence 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

NetPilot is free to download; ShellRef costs $0.99 up front. NetPilot sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month. ShellRef asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 5.0 for ShellRef against 5.0 for NetPilot. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 2 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ShellRef ships an update every 3 weeks, NetPilot fortnightly. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
ShellRef versus NetPilot: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShellRefNetPilot
Price$0.99Free — better
Rating5.0 (1 ratings)5.0 (2 ratings)
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Number of ratings12 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksFortnightly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFreemium — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS17.617.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size19 MB40 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAndrew BaconKent Hurlbert

Customer experience

ShellRef

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

NetPilot

All ratings2 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews2 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

ShellRef

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

NetPilot

Subscriptions2
  • Pro Monthly$9.991 Month
  • Pro Yearly7 Days trial$59.991 Year

Questions

Is ShellRef free?
ShellRef costs $0.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is NetPilot free?
NetPilot is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, ShellRef or NetPilot?
ShellRef and NetPilot are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 1 and 2 ratings respectively.
Do ShellRef or NetPilot have ads?
Neither ShellRef nor NetPilot shows ads.
Which is updated more often, ShellRef or NetPilot?
ShellRef ships an update every 3 weeks, and NetPilot fortnightly. Most recently, ShellRef was updated on October 31, 2026 and NetPilot on October 31, 2026.

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