Shelly - SSH Client icon
Shelly SSH Client: Professional Mobile Terminal Evaluation

by Touch Foo

Shelly provides a robust SSH client for iOS with hardware-accelerated performance and gesture controls. Designed for system administrators and developers requiring reliable remote server access from mobile devices with PuTTY-based terminal emulation.

Detailed Review

Shelly SSH Client by Touch Foo represents a specialized mobile solution for secure shell access, positioning itself as a performance-oriented alternative to generic terminal apps. The application leverages hardware-accelerated text rendering and PuTTY-based terminal emulation to deliver responsive command-line interactions, particularly effective when working with persistent session managers like 'screen' or IRC clients such as 'irssi'. The core functionality centers around three pillars: performance optimization through hardware acceleration, customizable gesture controls mapped to terminal commands, and streamlined connection management with saved credentials and remote command configurations. The gesture system stands out for its irssi-optimized defaults while remaining fully customizable, allowing users to assign any keypress or action to swipe patterns. Connection profiles support comprehensive customization including remote command execution upon login. User experience demonstrates thoughtful mobile adaptation through interface elements sized for touch interaction and context-aware keyboard layouts. Real-world usage patterns show particular strength in scenarios requiring quick server maintenance, Raspberry Pi management, or emergency remote access when away from primary workstations. The interface maintains clarity even during complex terminal sessions, though some advanced users might desire more extensive customization options for professional workflows. User feedback consistently praises reliability and performance, with reviewer Cyber2-71 (2023-01-04) noting superiority over laptop-based access for Raspberry Pi management. Multiple reviews from 2020-2025 highlight satisfaction with gesture controls and connection stability, though Amzires (2025-06-05) expresses concern about update frequency. Studio 11 (2025-04-23) describes the app as 'game-changing' for server management while traveling, reflecting the core value proposition of mobile accessibility. The application excels in providing reliable SSH access with excellent performance characteristics, though potential limitations include infrequent updates and possible feature gaps for power users requiring advanced scripting capabilities. Ideal use cases involve system administrators needing emergency access, developers managing remote development environments, or hobbyists controlling Raspberry Pi projects from iOS devices with minimal latency and maximum reliability.

Key Features

  • Hardware-accelerated text rendering ensures smooth scrolling and responsive input during extended terminal sessions
  • Customizable gesture controls allow mapping swipe actions to specific commands or key sequences for efficiency
  • PuTTY-based terminal emulation provides robust compatibility with common terminal applications and protocols
  • Saved connection profiles with credential storage enable quick access to frequently used servers and systems
  • Remote command execution upon connection automates initial setup sequences for repetitive administrative tasks
  • Irssi-optimized default gestures specifically enhance usability for IRC clients and channel management workflows

Why Users Love It

Excellent performance and reliability
Intuitive gesture-based controls

Perfect for: System administrators and developers requiring mobile server access

Screenshots

Shelly - SSH Client screenshot 1Shelly - SSH Client screenshot 2Shelly - SSH Client screenshot 3Shelly - SSH Client screenshot 4Shelly - SSH Client screenshot 5

Ranking History

Track Shelly - SSH Client's performance in Developer Tools over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#50

Best Rank

#29

All-time high

Average Rank

#39

30-day average

User Reviews

Cyber2-71
Jan 4, 2023

I can SSH into my raspberry pi. Much better than using my laptop to send commands and work on my raspberry pi's command line. Works great I can SSH into my raspberry pi. Much better than using my laptop to send commands and work on my raspberry pi's command line.

Tomasz Wiszkowski
Jan 24, 2022

Thank you for continuously supporting the older 32bit devices. Amazing Thank you for continuously supporting the older 32bit devices.

Dfloyd888
Jan 2, 2022

This is worth the cost for a MacOS SSH client that has some built in protection. It works flawlessly on M1 Macs. Works great on macOS This is worth the cost for a MacOS SSH client that has some built in protection. It works flawlessly on M1 Macs.

greengameplayer
Sep 27, 2022

This definitely is the best SSH app available on Apple devices. Quick connections and adjustable text sizes. Supports color codes in the terminal and can display ANSI art. Zero connection issues. Stores host keys and you have choices over which algorithm you prefer. All in all a very well-rounded terminal app. Excellent app with minimal interface This definitely is the best SSH app available on Apple devices. Quick connections and adjustable text sizes. Supports color codes in the terminal and can display ANSI art. Zero connection issues. Stores host keys and you have choices over which algorithm you prefer. All in all a very well-rounded terminal app.

ihaveaniphoneblahblahblah
Sep 5, 2021

I bought the full version just because it offers some nice ease of access features. Straightforward but customizable I bought the full version just because it offers some nice ease of access features.

App Details

Developer

Touch Foo

Platform

ios

Rating

4.4

Last Updated

10/29/2025