Comparison

AirShell vs ModernTerminal SSH

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

Head to head
About

AirShell

Features
Read full description

AirShell is a mobile SSH terminal for developers who live in the command line. Connect to your Mac, Linux server, VPS or dev box from iPhone and keep working in the same CLI-first environment you already use on desktop. AirShell is designed for AI coding tools, tmux workflows, remote shells and repeatable terminal actions. Key features: - Live SSH terminal built for focused mobile work - Saved connection profiles with Keychain-backed secrets - OpenSSH ED25519 and RSA private key support - Trusted host-key verification on device - Press-and-hold speech input for terminal commands and prompts - Custom command shortcuts for deploys, logs, tests and tmux actions - Quick entries for Codex, Claude Code, Gemini CLI and CodeBuddy - CLI completion notifications when supported tools return to the shell prompt - tmux window and directory workflows for long-running sessions - iCloud sync for server profiles and custom commands AirShell does not replace your paid CLI tools. It extends them. Use the subscriptions, servers and command-line workflows you already have, even when you are away from the computer. Ideal for: - Checking long-running AI coding agents - Sending quick follow-up prompts by voice - Restarting services or tailing logs from anywhere - Keeping SSH and tmux workflows available from your pocket - Making desktop-grade CLI tools useful beyond the desk Terms of Use (EULA): 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

AirShell4 screens
ModernTerminal SSH3 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: ModernTerminal SSH at every 2 days against AirShell's every 6 weeks. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

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

CostPrice ยท In-app purchases ยท Ads ยท Monetization

Both are free to download. AirShell sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month and ModernTerminal SSH sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

AirShell ships an update every 6 weeks, ModernTerminal SSH every 2 days. Both last shipped on October 25, 2026.

Scorecard1 real difference ยท 5 level
AirShell versus ModernTerminal SSH: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAirShellModernTerminal SSH
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 2 days โ€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details โ€” not scored
Size5 MB16 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAny Learner LLC่ฐฆ ็พŠ

In-app purchases

3 purchases

AirShell

Subscriptions2
  • AirShell Pro Monthly$6.991 Month
  • AirShell Pro Yearly$59.991 Year
One-time1
  • AirShell Pro Lifetime$99.99
1 purchases

ModernTerminal SSH

One-time1
  • Lifetime Unlock$1.99

Questions

Is AirShell free?
AirShell 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 AirShell or ModernTerminal SSH have ads?
Neither AirShell nor ModernTerminal SSH shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AirShell or ModernTerminal SSH?
AirShell ships an update every 6 weeks, and ModernTerminal SSH every 2 days. Most recently, AirShell was updated on October 25, 2026 and ModernTerminal SSH on October 25, 2026.

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