Secure Shell (SSH) is a protocol used to securely send commands to computers over an insecure network. Originally created as an alternative to Telnet, SSH uses encryption to authenticate and encrypt the connection between devices. SSH also supports tunneling or port forwarding, allowing data packets to traverse networks that they normally cannot. SSH is often used for remote server control, infrastructure management, and file transfer.

As we enter 2025, the availability and versatility of SSH clients on mobile devices have continued to expand, providing more features and flexibility for convenient remote management. In this article, we will introduce some highly-rated SSH client applications available on iOS, helping you choose the one that best suits your needs.

1. Termius: Comprehensive SSH Client Solution

Termius is a versatile SSH client available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, designed to provide an efficient and secure remote server management experience.

Pros:

• Cross-Platform Sync: Seamless data synchronization between devices.
• Secure Encryption: End-to-end encryption for data security.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simple, intuitive, supports dark mode.
• Advanced Terminal Features: Multi-tab support, customizable shortcuts.
• Personalization Options: Adjustable fonts and color schemes.
• Supports Multiple Protocols: SSH, Mosh, Telnet, port forwarding, and SFTP.
• Virtual and Bluetooth Keyboard Support: Offers a desktop-like terminal experience.
• Gesture Control: Simulates Tab, arrow keys, PgUp/Down, etc.
• Multiple Session Support: Split-screen for handling multiple sessions.
• Quick Command Access: Save and execute frequently used commands and scripts.
• Supports Various Encryption Keys: ECDSA, ed25519, chacha20-poly1305 encryption.
• Ad-Free.

Premium Features:

• Encrypted Cloud Storage: Access connection settings and credentials from any device.
• Unlimited Device Sync.
• Execute Commands Across Multiple Sessions.
• FIDO2 Key Authentication.
• Proxy and Jump Server Support.
• Custom Environment Variables.
• Integration with AWS and DigitalOcean.
• Face ID and Touch ID Credential Protection.
• SSH Agent Forwarding.

Pricing: Termius offers a free version and a paid version. Premium plans cost $15 per month or a region-specific annual/monthly subscription.

2. WebSSH: Feature-Rich SSH Client

WebSSH combines SSH, SFTP, Telnet, and port forwarding capabilities to provide a powerful mobile remote management SSH client with a focus on ease of use, portability, and security.

Supported Platforms:

• iOS
• macOS

Pros:

• SSH Features: Password authentication, two-factor authentication, RSA/DSA/ED25519/private key authentication, port knocking, local port forwarding, terminal emulator.
• SFTP Features: Create, rename, delete files/directories, edit text files, upload/download files.
• Telnet Support.
• mashREPL Local Terminal: Offline local terminal supporting commands like awk, cat, cp.
• Access Protection: Touch ID, Face ID, password.
• Keyboard Support: Virtual and Bluetooth keyboard.
• Highly Customizable: Terminal themes, color adjustment, quick command buttons.

Cons:

• Free version only supports one connection.
• Interface may appear crowded on smaller devices.

Pricing: One-time purchase of $12.99.

3. Shelly: Optimized SSH Experience

Shelly focuses on providing a high-performance, easy-to-use SSH client.

Pros:

• Performance Optimization: Hardware-accelerated text rendering and robust terminal emulation.
• Gesture Controls: Pre-configured gestures for irssi; customizable key inputs.
• Quick Connections: Save remote commands for one-click connections; supports 3D Touch.
• Customizable Keyboard: Configurable keyboard toolbar buttons.
• Text Selection and Links: Intuitive iOS text selection with support for copy, paste, and URLs.
• Other Features: iCloud sync, terminal color themes, key file authentication.

Pricing: Pro version for $3.99.

4. ShellFish: Zero-Latency SSH Terminal and Remote File Access

ShellFish is a high-speed SSH terminal that supports remote file access, seamlessly connecting SSH servers and iOS devices.

Pros:

• Terminal Supports Standard Editing Gestures: Customize arrow and form key gestures.
• File Management: Drag and drop for uploading and managing files.
• Access Remote Files in the Files App: Recent files and directories are cached for offline use.
• Ease of Use: Upload files via in-app browser or share sheet.

Pricing: Subscription at $2.99 per month, $14.99 per year, or a one-time payment of $29.99.

5. NeoServer: Comprehensive SSH Management Solution

NeoServer offers an all-in-one solution for managing servers, NAS (Network Attached Storage), and Linux-based routers via SSH without additional software installation, available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It supports terminal remote connection, multi-server script execution, container management, SFTP file management, and common performance data visualization.

Supported Platforms:

• iOS
• macOS
• iPadOS

◉ Free Features:

• SFTP File Browsing: Support for editing (syntax highlighting for common languages), renaming, deleting, viewing file size and permissions, uploading and downloading files.
• Script Execution and History: Batch execution of scripts across server groups or multiple servers.
• Server Parameters and Monitoring Status: Visual widgets for CPU, memory, disk, and network metrics.
• System Status: Display uptime and system load for 1/5/15 minutes.
• CPU Information: Includes CPU temperature, model, and usage.
• GPU Usage.
• Disk Information: IOPS, I/O wait, read/write speed, total read/write size.
• Network Information: Upload/download speed, total upload/download size, with detailed NIC info, IP binding, and NIC status (UP/DOWN).
• SSH Remote Connection: Terminal supports copy, paste, special keyboard functions; supports tmux session recovery, command-line autocomplete, double-tap to trigger TAB.
• Process List: Display PID, user, CPU usage, memory usage, command, and status; supports sorting by title and sending specific kill signals.
• Docker/Podman Container Management: View container logs and inspect information, restart, pause, delete containers, manage container images.
• iOS 17 Widget Support.
• SSH Server Configuration: Includes password and key, jump host/bastion server, SOCKS5 for enterprise intranet, Wake-on-LAN (WOL).
• iCloud Sync: Uses private iCloud space; Face ID for app unlocking.
• Apple Multi-Platform Support: iOS/macOS, iPadOS.

◉ Premium Version:

• Terminal Themes and Script Execution.
• Container Operations: Create, restart, stop containers.
• SFTP File Editing.
• Socks Proxy and Jump Server.
• Batch Server Script Execution.

NeoServer is ideal for NAS (like Synology, TrueNAS, QNAP, FreeNAS) enthusiasts, self-hosters, web admins, AI model researchers, and developers.

Pricing: Lifetime version $19.99, yearly subscription $5.99, monthly subscription $1.99.

Summary:

NeoServer stands out as the best SSH client on the iOS platform in 2025. With an attractive user interface, relatively affordable price, and rich features in the free version, it is an ideal choice for managing servers, NAS, and Linux routers. NeoServer provides convenient cross-device management with comprehensive features, making it suitable for a wide range of users from self-hosting enthusiasts to professional developers.

• What is Secure Shell (SSH)?
• OpenSSH
• Wikipedia: Secure Shell