AirShell vs afk
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side โ with what reviewers say about each.
AirShell
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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/
afk
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Keep coding where you already do. "afk" connects the AI coding agents running in your existing setup โ Claude Code, Codex, and more โ to your phone. No new IDE. No new workflow. Keep using your editor and terminal as usual, and use "afk" when you step away. - Get notified when your AI finishes, fails, or needs your input. - Approve requests and answer questions from your phone. - Check active sessions and see what your AI is working on. - Send new tasks remotely and review the results. - Stay connected to your computer wherever you are. Your tools and code stay on your computer. "afk" simply gives you a way to stay in control from your phone. Install "afk" on your computer and pair your phone to get started: afkremote.com/install
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: afk at none against AirShell's 3. afk also leads on update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price, ads 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
Both are free to download. AirShell sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. afk asks for nothing beyond the download.
AirShell ships an update every 6 weeks, afk fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on October 25, 2026 and October 18, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | AirShell | afk |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Fortnightly โ better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | No โ better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 15.0 โ better |
| Further details โ not scored | ||
| Size | 5 MB | 7 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Any Learner LLC | Su Il Lee |
In-app purchases
AirShell
- AirShell Pro Monthly$6.991 Month
- AirShell Pro Yearly$59.991 Year
- AirShell Pro Lifetime$99.99
afk
No in-app purchases









