Comparison

AirShell vs Multiplex

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

Multiplex

Features
Read full description

Multiplex Remote keeps you connected to the terminal and Coding agents like Claude code sessions running on your Mac, from your phone. Pair your iPhone with the Multiplex app on your Mac and pick up any running session: watch live output, type commands, and respond the moment Claude Code needs your input. TERMINAL, WHEREVER YOU ARE Every paired session is a real terminal, mirrored from your Mac in real time. Scroll back through history, use the on-screen arrow keys and modifiers, or fit the output to your phone's width for readable text on the smallest screens. NEVER MISS A "NEEDS YOU" MOMENT Get a lock screen Live Activity and a notification the instant a Claude Code session is waiting on you, so you can approve, answer, or steer it without opening your Mac. GIT, WITHOUT LEAVING THE SESSION Open the built-in git inspector to browse changes, diffs, commit history, and branches for the repo your session is working in. PRIVATE BY DESIGN Your session reaches your phone through a relay that only ever routes opaque traffic between your own devices. Pairing uses a one-time code shown on your Mac and confirmed on your phone. Requires the free Multiplex app on your Mac.

Screenshots

AirShell4 screens
Multiplex4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Multiplex at every 9 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 Multiplex 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, Multiplex every 9 days. The most recent releases landed on October 11, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference ยท 5 level
AirShell versus Multiplex: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterAirShellMultiplex
PriceFreeFree
Update frequencyEvery 6 weeksEvery 9 days โ€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesYes
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad
Requires iOS17.017.0
Further details โ€” not scored
Size5 MB6 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperAny Learner LLCDataGrids

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

Multiplex

One-time1
  • Lifetime Unlock$24.99

Questions

Is AirShell free?
AirShell is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Multiplex free?
Multiplex is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Do AirShell or Multiplex have ads?
Neither AirShell nor Multiplex shows ads.
Which is updated more often, AirShell or Multiplex?
AirShell ships an update every 6 weeks, and Multiplex every 9 days. Most recently, AirShell was updated on October 11, 2026 and Multiplex on September 22, 2026.

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