Pocket Shell vs Tessera

Pocket Shell is a modern SSH client built for developers, server owners, IT users and anyone who needs quick access to remote machines from a mobile device. Connect to your servers, manage saved hosts, browse files with SFTP and run terminal commands from one clean, dark-mode interface. Whether you are checking a VPS, managing a cloud instance, accessing a Linux server or handling quick maintenance tasks while away from your computer, Pocket Shell gives you a simple and focused way to stay connected. Key Features: * SSH Client Save and organize your server connections in one place. Add host details such as hostname, port, username and authentication method, then access your servers quickly when needed. * Terminal Access Open a remote terminal session and run commands directly from your phone. Pocket Shell is designed for quick checks, server monitoring, command execution and remote troubleshooting. * Built-in SFTP File Browser Browse remote folders and manage server files through a clean SFTP interface. Move through directories, view folder structures and access server files without switching tools. * Local Terminal Access a local terminal area for command-line workflows directly inside the app. * Clean Dark Interface Pocket Shell uses a focused dark UI with clear text, simple navigation and developer-friendly controls, making it comfortable to use during long sessions or quick checks. Designed For: - Developers - System administrators - Cloud server users - VPS owners - Linux users - Homelab users - IT support users - Students learning server management - Anyone who needs SSH access on mobile Why Pocket Shell? Pocket Shell is built around one idea: remote server access should feel simple, clean and reliable on mobile. Instead of a cluttered interface, the app keeps the most important tools close: saved hosts, SSH terminal, SFTP file browsing, authentication options and quick access controls. Use Pocket Shell when you need to: - Connect to a Linux server - Check server status - Run quick terminal commands - Manage SSH hosts - Browse remote files with SFTP - Access your VPS or cloud instance - Work with your homelab server - Handle quick server maintenance while away from your computer

Tessera is a fast, keyboard-first SSH, Mosh, and tmux terminal for iPhone and iPad. It connects directly to servers you own or control — no middleman, no account, no tracking. MOVE BETWEEN YOUR DEVICES • Hand off a live session: start on iPad, pick it up on iPhone, then double-tap to take back control. The session keeps running either way. • Your focused session appears in the App Switcher and Dock on your other devices. • Nearby Setup copies your hosts, keys, and preferences to a new device directly over the local network — you choose exactly what to copy, both devices confirm a matching code, and each grant needs Face ID. • Or don't sync at all: choose whether sessions follow you or stay on each device. STAY CONNECTED • First-class tmux integration: auto-attach on connect, so a dropped connection never loses your work. • Native tmux windows as tabs, with real panes. • Mosh keeps your session alive across Wi-Fi ↔ cellular roaming and sleep/wake — pick up exactly where you left off. • Session restore brings your saved hosts and layout back after relaunch. BUILT FOR TOUCH AND KEYBOARD • First-class hardware-keyboard support: shortcuts, a key legend (⌘ hold), and careful handling of modifier keys for real terminal work. • A configurable swipe pad puts arrows, Esc, Ctrl and your own macros in the thumb zone. • Mouse and trackpad support, including scrolling that works. • Find-in-terminal, themes, and adjustable fonts and appearance. • Optional on-device dictation straight into the terminal. FILES, PORTS, AND JUMP HOSTS • A remote file panel that tracks your shell's current directory, over SSH and mosh alike — with native iOS sharing to move files and images in and out. • Local port forwarding with a live tunnels overview. • Jump hosts for servers you can only reach through a bastion. PRIVATE BY DEFAULT • Tessera has no servers, no analytics, and collects no data. Connections go directly from your iOS devices to your machines. SECURITY YOU EXPECT • Keys are generated and stored in the iOS Keychain; Secure Enclave–backed keys never leave your device and can require Face ID to use. • Host-key verification with a persistent known-hosts store. • App lock with Face ID / passcode on launch, background return, and idle timeout. OPEN SOURCE • Tessera is free software (GPL-3.0). The full source code is available at github.com/bambouville/tessera. Tessera requires servers you provide — it is a client, not a hosting service. Mosh and tmux features require mosh/tmux installed on the server.