Comparison

OpenLens vs Kinsman SSH

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

Head to head
About

OpenLens

This application allows you to remotely control and monitor AI coding sessions from your iPhone. Continue your work seamlessly from your mobile device, manage sessions, and receive real-time updates.

Highlights
  • Remote AI coding session control
  • Real-time chat with streaming responses
  • Session management (create, delete)
  • Switch AI providers and models
  • Live progress on Lock Screen/Dynamic Island
  • Bonjour/mDNS server discovery
  • Save multiple server connections
Features
Read full description

OpenLens is a fast, focused iPhone client for OpenCode. Run OpenCode on your computer, then continue the same AI coding session from your phone. Use OpenLens to monitor progress, reply quickly, and stay in control when you are away from your desk. What you can do with OpenLens: - Connect instantly to nearby OpenCode servers with Bonjour/mDNS discovery - Save multiple server connections and reconnect automatically - Chat in real time with streaming responses - View and manage sessions, including creating and deleting sessions - Switch AI providers and models directly from the app - Review agent activity steps while work is in progress - Respond to permission prompts and interactive questions from the server - See live progress on your Lock Screen and Dynamic Island with Live Activities Built for real workflows: - One session across terminal, web, and iPhone - Reliable reconnect behavior when network conditions change - Optional password-protected server access

About

Kinsman SSH

Connect to your servers securely using password or private key authentication. Offers features like saving multiple connections, importing keys, and a clean terminal interface. Includes remote control capabilities for Mac terminals and a data bridge feature.

Highlights
  • Save multiple SSH connections
  • Password and private key authentication
  • Import keys via Files, AirDrop, QR code
  • Full interactive terminal
  • Secure credential storage
  • Universal Clipboard support
  • Mac terminal remote control
Features
Read full description

Kinsman SSH is a focused, no-nonsense SSH client for iPhone and iPad. Connect to your servers securely with password or private key authentication. Features: - Save multiple SSH host connections - Password and private key authentication - Import keys via Files, AirDrop, QR code scan, or directly from your Mac over local WiFi - Full interactive terminal with command input - Secure credential storage in Keychain - Universal Clipboard support — copy on Mac, paste in app - Copy terminal output with one tap - Clean, dark terminal interface - Works on iPhone and iPad 5 free connection slots included. Purchase more as needed. Remote Control Pair with Kinsman Terminal on your Mac by scanning a QR code, then drive a terminal tab from your phone — switch and search tabs, send one command to several at once, take a screenshot of the Mac's terminal, and reuse recent commands. Data Bridge Use your iPhone's cellular connection from your Mac when the Wi-Fi you are both on has no working internet. Protected by a PIN, with a live traffic log, block and allow rules, and an optional data cap. Runs only while the app is open. VNC Screen Sharing is available as an in-app purchase.

Screenshots

OpenLens4 screens
Kinsman SSH4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: OpenLens at none against Kinsman SSH's 2. OpenLens also leads on update cadence (every 5 days vs fortnightly) and ratings volume (4 vs 1). Kinsman SSH's advantage is iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, rating, 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. Kinsman SSH sells 2 one-off in-app purchases. OpenLens 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 OpenLens against 5.0 for Kinsman SSH. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 4 and 1 respectively.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

OpenLens ships an update every 5 days, Kinsman SSH fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
OpenLens versus Kinsman SSH: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterOpenLensKinsman SSH
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (4 ratings)5.0 (1 ratings)
Positive reviews83.3% of reviews—
Number of ratings4 — better1
Update frequencyEvery 5 days — betterFortnightly
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationFree — betterFree with in-app purchases
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS26.017.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size11 MB11 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMartyn PekalaJames Kinsman

Customer experience

OpenLens

All ratings4 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive83.3%
Neutral16.7%
Negative0.0%

Kinsman SSH

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

In-app purchases

None

OpenLens

No in-app purchases

2 purchases

Kinsman SSH

One-time2
  • 5 Connection Slots$1.99
  • 10 Connection Slots$2.99

Questions

Is OpenLens free?
OpenLens is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Kinsman SSH free?
Kinsman SSH is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, OpenLens or Kinsman SSH?
OpenLens and Kinsman SSH are both rated 5.0 out of 5 on the App Store, from 4 and 1 ratings respectively.
Do OpenLens or Kinsman SSH have ads?
Neither OpenLens nor Kinsman SSH shows ads.
Which is updated more often, OpenLens or Kinsman SSH?
OpenLens ships an update every 5 days, and Kinsman SSH fortnightly. Most recently, OpenLens was updated on September 24, 2026 and Kinsman SSH on September 13, 2026.

Other comparisons