# TermCOW vs Kex

The clearest difference is ads: TermCOW at none against Kex's shown. Kex's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs fortnightly). On price, in-app purchases, monetization model and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. TermCOW sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Kex sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

TermCOW ships an update fortnightly, Kex every 2 days. Both last shipped on October 31, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | TermCOW | Kex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[5.0 (3 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/termcow-stable-ssh-terminal/id6760620027/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **3** | — |
| Positive reviews | — | 100.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 2 days** |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 149 MB | 27 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.1** | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Fynetiq LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1885363540) | [Ali Mert TUFEKCI](https://appshunter.io/developer/1483311309) |

## What reviewers say

### TermCOW

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/termcow-stable-ssh-terminal/id6760620027)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (1)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| TermCOW Pro Upgrade | $9.99 | one-time |


### Kex

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kex-ssh-and-mosh-client/id6761258334)

This app provides a full xterm-256color terminal emulator for iOS, allowing users to connect to servers via SSH, Mosh, and Telnet. It includes SFTP file management, multiple session support, and a specialized keyboard for efficient remote server access and administration.

**Highlights:** Full xterm-256color terminal emulation, SSH, Mosh, and Telnet protocol support, Built-in SFTP file manager, Multiple simultaneous terminal sessions, Purpose-built terminal keyboard accessory, Extensive customization options (themes, fonts, cursor), Hardware keyboard support with shortcuts

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Plan | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Monthly Plan | $9.99 | per month |
| Yearly Plan | $29.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is TermCOW free?

TermCOW is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Kex free?

Kex is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do TermCOW or Kex have ads?

Kex shows ads; TermCOW does not.

### Which is updated more often, TermCOW or Kex?

TermCOW ships an update fortnightly, and Kex every 2 days. Most recently, TermCOW was updated on October 31, 2026 and Kex on October 31, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*