If you’ve ever used Termius, you already know how sleek, secure, and reliable it feels compared to traditional SSH clients. It has become a daily companion for developers, DevOps engineers, and system administrators who manage servers or networks remotely.
But have you ever wondered what it takes to build something like Termius? Could you create your own version, one that’s faster, smarter, or better suited for your team’s needs?
In this blog, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about building an app like Termius from the ground up. We’ll talk about what makes it special, what technologies you’ll need, and how much it might cost to create your own version in 2025.
Table of Contents
What is Termius?
Termius is more than just another SSH client. It’s a full-featured, cross-platform terminal app that lets you connect to remote servers securely using SSH, Telnet, or Mosh. It also lets you organize servers, save credentials, transfer files through SFTP, and even sync everything across multiple devices.
What sets Termius apart is its balance between technical depth and design simplicity. It gives developers the power they need while maintaining a clean, modern interface that feels effortless to use. Essentially, it takes something traditionally complex, the command line, and turns it into a pleasant experience.
Why Build an App Like Termius?
The demand for secure remote access tools has grown rapidly. With the rise of remote work, DevOps teams are scattered across cities, countries, and time zones. Everyone needs a tool that lets them connect to their systems safely from anywhere.
Security has also become a non-negotiable priority. As cyber threats evolve, companies and developers want tools that encrypt everything they do, especially when accessing servers remotely. Termius fills that gap perfectly, and that’s why it has built such a strong user base.
For a developer or entrepreneur, building a Termius-like app isn’t just about copying an idea; it’s about entering a growing space with room for innovation. There’s always space for something faster, lighter, or more customizable.
Key Features of Termius
Before you start building, it’s essential to understand what features users expect from a terminal app today. At the very least, your app should include secure SSH and Telnet connections, host management to organize servers, SFTP file transfer, and end-to-end encryption to protect credentials and session data.
Syncing data across devices is another must-have feature. Developers expect to log into a laptop, open their phone, and find everything exactly where they left it. Command snippets: saving frequently used commands for reuse also makes the experience more efficient.
And of course, design matters. Even a technical app should feel intuitive. Termius succeeds because its interface is clean and consistent across all devices. That’s something to aim for.
Steps to Build an App Like Termius
Step 1: Define Your Goal
Every successful app starts with a clear purpose. Ask yourself why you want to build it. Is your goal to serve individual developers, enterprise teams, or both? Are you trying to improve on Termius by adding unique features such as AI-driven automation or deeper collaboration options?
A focused goal helps you avoid unnecessary complexity later. For instance, you could start by targeting small DevOps teams and gradually scale to larger enterprise clients once the foundation is strong.
Step 2: Research the Market and Competitors
Spend time studying Termius and its competitors, JuiceSSH, ConnectBot, and Royal TSX, to name a few. Look at what users love and, more importantly, what they complain about. Forums, GitHub discussions, and Reddit threads often reveal the pain points that established apps haven’t solved yet.
You might discover that users want faster connections, better key management, or simpler collaboration. That’s your opportunity to innovate.
Step 3: Choosing the Right Tech Stack
To build a cross-platform SSH client, you’ll need a robust and secure technology stack. For the frontend, many developers prefer React Native or Flutter because they allow you to write once and deploy on both iOS and Android. For the backend, Node.js and Python are excellent options; they’re scalable, reliable, and have strong libraries for SSH connectivity.
You’ll also need a database such as PostgreSQL or MongoDB for storing user data and connection settings. Security-wise, AES-256 encryption and SSL/TLS protocols should be part of your architecture from day one. If you plan to include real-time updates or syncing, WebSocket integration will be necessary.
For desktop support, frameworks like Electron.js or Tauri let you use web technologies to create native-like applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Step 4: Designing the User Experience
The terminal might sound like a purely technical tool, but user experience still plays a major role. Termius proves that developers appreciate beauty and simplicity as much as functionality.
Focus on a layout that’s organized and minimal. Keep essential options within reach, and allow customization wherever possible. Dark mode is almost mandatory for this kind of app. Make it easy to add, edit, and group servers. The less time users spend searching through settings, the more likely they are to keep using your app.
Start with prototypes in Figma or Adobe XD to visualize the interface before you dive into development. Early design clarity can save countless hours later.
Step 5: Building the Core Features
Start small and prioritize the essentials. Begin with secure login and user authentication. Then add SSH connectivity using open-source libraries such as Paramiko (Python) or ssh2 (Node.js). Once connections work smoothly, integrate a terminal emulator like xterm.js to display command-line interfaces.
File management comes next. Add an SFTP feature so users can upload and download files without leaving the app. Include encryption for credentials and provide a way to organize hosts with tags or folders.
Don’t worry about advanced features in the beginning. Focus on stability and performance first; polish can come later.
Step 6: Testing for Quality and Security
Testing a security-focused app is not optional; it’s essential. Conduct unit tests for individual functions, integration tests to ensure different modules communicate correctly, and stress tests to check performance under load.
Security testing should go deeper. Use tools like OWASP ZAP to identify vulnerabilities and run penetration tests before launch. Even a minor flaw can erode user trust in a tool that handles sensitive server data.
Step 7: Deployment and Launch
Once your app passes all internal tests, deploy the backend to a reliable cloud platform such as AWS, Google Cloud, or DigitalOcean. Set up CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions or Jenkins to automate future updates.
For distribution, publish your app on Google Play, the App Store, and if relevant, the Microsoft Store. A simple onboarding process and a short tutorial can make the first impression smoother for new users.
Step 8: Deciding on a Monetization Model
A Termius-like app fits perfectly into a freemium or subscription-based model. You could offer basic SSH and SFTP access for free while charging for premium features such as team collaboration, cloud sync, or multiple device support.
Some developers also sell enterprise versions with advanced security controls, private hosting, and dedicated support. Start with one pricing model, then refine it based on feedback and user behavior.
Estimated Cost to Build an App Like Termius
The total cost depends on your app’s complexity, the number of platforms you support, and where your development team is based. On average, an MVP version might cost between $40,000 and $60,000. A fully featured, production-ready version with advanced encryption, sync, and multi-user support can reach $80,000 or more.
To keep costs down initially, consider building an MVP with only core SSH features, then add more functionality once you start gaining traction.
Future Scope of Termius
Once you’ve launched, think about how you can make your app stand out. The future of SSH clients lies in automation and AI. Imagine a feature that suggests common commands, predicts issues, or monitors server health automatically.
Other possibilities include biometric authentication, integrated code editing, or even voice-driven terminal commands. The more convenience you add without sacrificing security, the stronger your position in the market will be.
Common Challenges to Expect
Developing an app like Termius is not without challenges. The biggest is maintaining strong security. Storing and managing encryption keys safely requires expertise and regular audits. Cross-platform performance is another hurdle; ensuring that the same app feels smooth on mobile, desktop, and tablet takes careful optimization.
Finally, earning user trust takes time. Developers are careful about what tools they install on their systems, so your app’s transparency, privacy policies, and support quality will play a huge role in its adoption.
Final Thoughts
Building an app like Termius isn’t just a technical project; it’s an opportunity to create something genuinely useful for developers and IT professionals worldwide. The key is to start small, focus on solving real pain points, and never compromise on security or user experience.
With the right technology stack, thoughtful design, and a clear roadmap, you can create an SSH client that rivals or even surpasses Termius in certain aspects. The demand is growing, and the timing couldn’t be better.
FAQs
Q1. What language is best for building an SSH client?
Ans: Python and JavaScript (Node.js) are both reliable choices due to their robust SSH libraries and flexibility.
Q2. How long does it take to develop such an app?
Ans: A simple MVP takes around 4–6 months. A full-featured version can take 8–12 months, depending on complexity.
Q3. Can I make it work on both mobile and desktop?
Ans: Yes. React Native or Flutter works for mobile, and Electron.js or Tauri helps with desktop versions.
Q4. How can I ensure the app is secure?
Ans: Use AES-256 encryption, enforce SSL/TLS connections, and implement two-factor authentication.
Q5. What makes Termius successful?
Ans: It’s a combination of strong security, intuitive design, and cross-platform access.
Q6. Do I need a backend server?
Ans: Yes. It’s required for authentication, syncing, and managing user data securely.
Q7. How do I test SSH connections during development?
Ans: Use local virtual machines or cloud servers, such as AWS EC2, for secure testing.
Q8. Is a freemium model effective?
Ans: Yes. Many users start with free plans and upgrade once they trust your app.
Q9. Can I add team collaboration features?
Ans: Definitely, shared access, permissions, and key management are valuable additions for DevOps teams.
Q10. What’s the future of SSH apps?
Ans: AI integration, better automation, and tighter cloud integration will shape the next generation of terminal tools.
