Secure ShellFish
Secure ShellFish: A capable Apple-focused SSH and SFTP client with strong file access and automation. Ranked #26 of 33 in SSH Clients by our editors (6.6/10); pricing: Free plan; best for apple users needing mobile SSH file access.
At a glance
- Editor score6.6 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forApple users needing mobile SSH file access
- Free planYes
- Supported platformsiPhone, iPad, Mac
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- SFTP access through Apple Files and Mac Finder
- tmux persistence, session sharing, and offline synchronization
- Secure Enclave, security-key, and certificate authentication
Where it doesn't
- Supports only iPhone, iPad, and Mac
- Pro features require a subscription or lifetime unlock
- Cloud-server management is limited to DigitalOcean and Hetzner
Our verdict on Secure ShellFish
Secure ShellFish is an SSH and SFTP client for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It combines a native SSH terminal with remote file access through the Apple Files app and Mac Finder, making it a practical fit for Apple users who need to manage servers from mobile devices as well as a Mac. Its feature set also includes tmux session persistence and sharing, file transfers, offline folders, Shortcuts automation, widgets, Live Activities, and Picture in Picture.
The freemium model provides a free download, while paid options include Monthly subscription, Annual subscription, and Lifetime Pro Unlock. Both subscription plans include Pro features, terminal ad removal, Files app uploads, and unlimited servers. The Lifetime Pro Unlock provides access to all Pro features. This structure suits users who want to start without a commitment and choose between recurring access or a one-time unlock for ongoing Pro functionality.
Apple ecosystem integration is the product's defining strength. Secure ShellFish connects with iCloud Keychain, iCloud, Apple Files, Mac Finder, Shortcuts, Working Copy, DigitalOcean, and Hetzner Cloud. Authentication supports passwords, public keys, security keys, short-lived SSH certificates, and Secure Enclave keys. DigitalOcean and Hetzner server management adds convenience for users on those platforms, while SSH and SFTP support, port forwarding, and tab-based session management cover core client needs. Choose it if Apple platform integration, mobile file access, and automation matter most; users outside the Apple ecosystem should choose a cross-platform SSH client instead.
Your product? Our editors can test Secure ShellFish in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Secure ShellFish pricing
All 3 Secure ShellFish plans and prices →
Secure ShellFish fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Supported protocols | SSH, SFTP |
| Supported platforms | iPhone, iPad, Mac |
| SFTP support | Yes |
| Port forwarding | Yes |
| Session management | Tabs |
| Team session sharing | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | macOS, iOS |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 8 integrations: iCloud Keychain, iCloud, Apple Files, Mac Finder, Shortcuts, DigitalOcean … |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | shellfishapp.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Secure ShellFish integrations
Secure ShellFish lists 8 integrations on its own site.
- iCloud Keychain
- iCloud
- Apple Files
- Mac Finder
- Shortcuts
- DigitalOcean
- Hetzner Cloud
- Working Copy
Alternatives to Secure ShellFish
- TabbyA free, open-source terminal with broad shell support and advanced SSH workflows.9.2
- OpenSSHA mature, foundational SSH suite for command-line remote access, transfer, and tunneling.9.1
- PuTTYA capable free SSH client with broad protocol support and basic session management.9.0
See all Secure ShellFish alternatives →
Used Secure ShellFish? Be the first to review it
The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Secure ShellFish for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
Write a reviewTwo minutes · verified accounts only · read by an editor before it appears
Featured on iTechGuides
Secure ShellFish is listed in our SSH Clients directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.
<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/secure-shellfish/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/secure-shellfish.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update