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

User Reviews

humbugbear
Oct 1, 2020

i don’t know if that’s the author’s idea or not, but having Ctrl, Esc, /, and . keys is a huge usability boon for just about anything i need to do in a *nix terminal, so whoever thought of it is ingenious. and whoever thought up the way the arrow key works is a real inventive thinker, but i would trade the Fn key off for an Alt key, as i’m likelier to run Emacs in a terminal than WordPerfect 😜 awesome keyboard i don’t know if that’s the author’s idea or not, but having Ctrl, Esc, /, and . keys is a huge usability boon for just about anything i need to do in a *nix terminal, so whoever thought of it is ingenious. and whoever thought up the way the arrow key works is a real inventive thinker, but i would trade the Fn key off for an Alt key, as i’m likelier to run Emacs in a terminal than WordPerfect 😜

Hhahahahahahahahah
May 1, 2021

This was exactly what I was looking for. And a one time fee of only $3.99?! (If you want the premium version). Thanks you for developing this and not charging a monthly fee!! That was the biggest selling point for me alongside the seamless functionality. Great app and priced well This was exactly what I was looking for. And a one time fee of only $3.99?! (If you want the premium version). Thanks you for developing this and not charging a monthly fee!! That was the biggest selling point for me alongside the seamless functionality.

shra4747
Feb 21, 2021

this is exactly what i was looking for, a way to access my computer from my phone. wow this is exactly what i was looking for, a way to access my computer from my phone.

devmachinist
Dec 10, 2020

Most powerful app I’ve ever used. It’s pretty insane. Lightning fast/ stored keys and passwords/ I’ve entirely gone mobile with development. Most used app I have as well. I pair this with PolyGit for testing. A1 app Instant wizardry Most powerful app I’ve ever used. It’s pretty insane. Lightning fast/ stored keys and passwords/ I’ve entirely gone mobile with development. Most used app I have as well. I pair this with PolyGit for testing. A1 app

Lex_225
Oct 28, 2020

Feature request which would take this app to the next level is passing through the SHIFT key from an attached keyboard, especially the CMD+SHIFT+Left/Right to quick select a line would make copy/paste a breeze, Worth every cent Feature request which would take this app to the next level is passing through the SHIFT key from an attached keyboard, especially the CMD+SHIFT+Left/Right to quick select a line would make copy/paste a breeze,

App Details

Developer

Touch Foo

Platform

ios

Rating

4.4

Last Updated

9/7/2025