Comparison
VibeTunnel exposes Claude Code in a browser. Claudaway is a native iOS app built specifically for controlling Claude Code from your phone. Same goal, very different experience.
Side by Side
The web is great for many things. A mobile terminal isn't one of them.
| Feature | Claudaway | VibeTunnel |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Native iOS app | Browser-based terminal |
| Push notifications | Native iOS notifications | Not available (browser tab) |
| Battery life | Optimized native app | Browser rendering drains battery |
| Voice input | Built-in dictation | Not available |
| Works in background | Stays connected | Browser may suspend tab |
| File browser | Visual file explorer | Not available |
| Accept/Reject | One-tap buttons | Type in terminal |
| Multi-session | Built-in session switching | Multiple browser tabs |
| Security | E2E encrypted, QR pairing | URL-based access |
| Platform | iOS (iPhone) | Any device with a browser |
Native advantage
Browser terminals work in a pinch. But your phone deserves better than a web page pretending to be an app.
Browser-based terminals render everything through a web engine. Native apps talk directly to the OS. Less CPU, less battery drain, longer coding sessions.
iOS kills background browser tabs. A native app stays alive and sends you push notifications when Claude finishes or needs your input. No more tab-checking.
Tap the mic, say what you want to build. Native iOS dictation is fast and accurate. Browser terminals can't offer this kind of integration.
VibeTunnel exposes a URL you access in your browser. Claudaway uses QR code pairing with E2E encryption. No URL to share, no link to leak.
File explorer, accept/reject buttons, session tabs, keyboard shortcuts — all designed for the Claude Code workflow. Not a generic xterm.js embed.
Because it is one. Smooth animations, haptic feedback, gesture navigation. The things you expect from your iPhone, not from a browser tab.
To be fair
If you need to access Claude Code from a tablet, a Chromebook, or a friend's laptop — a browser-based tool has that flexibility. Claudaway is iPhone-only right now. We're focused on making the best possible experience on the platform most developers carry in their pocket.
FAQ
You need a connection to reach your Mac. But the app itself launches instantly, caches your session state, and reconnects automatically when you're back online. No loading a web page from scratch every time.
iPad support is on the roadmap. Android is being explored. Right now we're focused on making the iPhone experience excellent before expanding.
Yes. Mobile Safari and Chrome aggressively suspend background tabs to save battery. If you switch apps and come back, your browser terminal session may be gone. Claudaway maintains a persistent connection in the background.
VibeTunnel is open source and free to use. Claudaway offers a 3-day free trial with full access, then $3.99/mo, $44.99/yr, or $49.99 lifetime for unlimited sessions, voice input, and file browsing.
Not a browser tab. Not a web terminal. A native iOS app built for Claude Code.