Comparison

TermCOW vs ModernTerminal SSH

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

Head to head
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/

About

ModernTerminal SSH

Features
Read full description

ModernTerminal is a modern SSH terminal for remote development, mobile operations, and everyday server maintenance. Create SSH profiles for Linux machines, NAS devices, development hosts, and private servers, then connect quickly with saved host, port, username, and startup command details. The terminal is designed for serious work on a touch device. Use a readable dark theme, monospaced text, arrow keys, Esc, Tab, Ctrl, paste protection, and reusable command snippets for common tasks such as checking Git status, starting tmux, running tests, or inspecting server logs. Credentials stay on your device through Keychain, and host key verification helps you notice unexpected server changes. ModernTerminal is built for developers, operators, indie makers, and anyone who needs secure SSH access away from the desk.

Screenshots

TermCOW4 screens
ModernTerminal SSH3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: ModernTerminal SSH at every 2 days against TermCOW's fortnightly. On price, ads, in-app purchases 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 and ModernTerminal SSH sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TermCOW ships an update fortnightly, ModernTerminal SSH every 2 days. Both last shipped on October 17, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference · 8 level
TermCOW versus ModernTerminal SSH: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTermCOWModernTerminal SSH
PriceFreeFree
Rating5.0 (3 ratings) — better—
Number of ratings3 — better—
Update frequencyFortnightlyEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS16.1 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size149 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperFynetiq LLC谦 羊

In-app purchases

1 purchases

TermCOW

One-time1
  • TermCOW Pro Upgrade$9.99
1 purchases

ModernTerminal SSH

One-time1
  • Lifetime Unlock$1.99

Questions

Is TermCOW free?
TermCOW is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is ModernTerminal SSH free?
ModernTerminal SSH is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do TermCOW or ModernTerminal SSH have ads?
Neither TermCOW nor ModernTerminal SSH shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TermCOW or ModernTerminal SSH?
TermCOW ships an update fortnightly, and ModernTerminal SSH every 2 days. Most recently, TermCOW was updated on October 17, 2026 and ModernTerminal SSH on October 17, 2026.

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