Comparison

ShelveApp vs CLI Files

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

Head to head
About

ShelveApp

Features
Read full description

Shelve is a powerful SSH client for iOS with a built-in AI coding agent. Connect to your servers, run terminals, and let Claude or Codex work on your codebase — all from your iPhone. AI AGENT OVER SSH Run Claude or Codex directly on your remote servers. Multi-session conversations organized by working directory, with git-aware context, image attachments, safety approvals, and model selection. FULL TERMINAL Native terminal emulator with color support, keyboard shortcuts, and smooth scrolling. Manage tmux sessions and keep your work running. HOST WORKSPACE A complete toolkit for every server: • Terminal — Interactive shell access • Tmux — Session management • Browser — Discover and access web services by port • Files — Browse and manage remote files • Services — Monitor Docker, PM2, and system processes • System — View server metrics and resource usage • Logs — Tail and search remote log files SECURITY FIRST • SSH keys generated in the Secure Enclave • Biometric authentication (Face ID / Touch ID) • Full audit log of all key signing operations • Safety approval system for AI agent commands Built for developers who manage servers on the go

About

CLI Files

Features
Read full description

CLI Files puts remote file management and a full SSH terminal in one focused workspace. Connect to your servers over SSH/SFTP, browse folders, upload and download files, preview common file types, and jump straight into a terminal when you need to get work done. It is designed for developers, operators, and AI-agent workflows. FEATURES • SSH and SFTP connections with password or private-key authentication • Browse, search, sort, upload, download, rename, and delete remote files • Save favorite folders and open each directly in the file browser or terminal • One retained terminal tab per server; switch sessions without disconnecting • Reorderable command-key bar and custom text shortcuts • Record custom Ctrl, Alt, Shift, special keys, and multi-step key sequences using the phone keyboard • Terminal font-size control, app language selection, and multiple interface themes • Secure credential storage in the iOS Keychain • Offline Demo Mode for exploring the terminal, files, and Markdown preview before connecting a server CLI Files is free to download and includes banner advertising. An optional one-time Remove Ads purchase removes advertising; previous Remove Ads purchases remain valid and can be restored. Paid users may voluntarily enable banners in Settings and turn them off at any time without losing their purchase. Server profiles are stored on your device. Passwords, private keys, and trusted host keys are protected by the iOS Keychain.

Screenshots

ShelveApp4 screens
CLI Files4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is ads: ShelveApp at none against CLI Files's shown. On price, update cadence, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Both are free to download. ShelveApp sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and CLI Files sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

ShelveApp ships an update weekly, CLI Files every 11 days. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 29, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference Ā· 5 level
ShelveApp versus CLI Files: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterShelveAppCLI Files
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyWeekly — betterEvery 11 days
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details — not scored
Size29 MB15 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRefael YerusalmiOpenBigger

In-app purchases

1 purchases

ShelveApp

One-time1
  • Unlock 2+ Servers$2.99
1 purchases

CLI Files

One-time1
  • Remove Ads$0.99

Questions

Is ShelveApp free?
ShelveApp is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is CLI Files free?
CLI Files is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do ShelveApp or CLI Files have ads?
CLI Files shows ads; ShelveApp does not.
Which is updated more often, ShelveApp or CLI Files?
ShelveApp ships an update weekly, and CLI Files every 11 days. Most recently, ShelveApp was updated on October 31, 2026 and CLI Files on October 29, 2026.

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