Shells
Shells: Persistent Windows and Linux desktops for browser and mobile access. Ranked #21 of 28 in Cloud PC Services by our editors (6.7/10); pricing: Paid; best for budget browser and mobile virtual desktops.
At a glance
- Editor score6.7 / 10
- PricingPaid
- Best forBudget browser and mobile virtual desktops
- Free planNo
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Persistent Windows and Linux desktop environments
- Automatic backups and cross-device file access
- Development and video-editing support with plan upgrades
Where it doesn't
- No free plan is offered
- Access is limited to web, iOS, and Android
- Plans differ by usage limits, memory, storage, and processor capacity
Our verdict on Shells
Shells provides persistent, cloud-hosted virtual desktops for students, developers, workers, small businesses, and casual users. It supports Windows and Linux desktop environments, letting users access files, desktop applications, development tools, and media software through browsers, phones, and tablets. The service is suited to people who want a remote desktop without relying on a high-powered local computer, particularly when cross-device access matters.
Its paid plans are organized around different usage needs. Shells Lite is positioned for students and casual users. Shells Basic adds unlimited usage. Shells Plus is aimed at development and content editing, while Shells Pro provides expanded capabilities. Across the plans, performance and memory upgrades are available, and plan differences also include processor capacity, storage, and usage limits. The published plan structure makes Lite and Basic more appropriate for lighter access, while Plus and Pro target more demanding desktop work.
Shells fits users who need Windows or Linux software, persistent workspaces, automatic cloud backups, and file storage that can be accessed and edited across devices. Development environments, scripting, video editing, and encoding with desktop software are supported use cases. The platform coverage is limited to web, iOS, and Android, so it is less suitable for buyers seeking a broader native desktop client ecosystem. Choose Shells for budget-oriented browser and mobile virtual desktops; consider an alternative if native desktop platform coverage is central to the purchase.
Your product? Our editors can test Shells in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Shells pricing
All 4 Shells plans and prices →
Shells fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Desktop OS | Not verified |
| GPU option | Not verified |
| Dedicated resources | Not verified |
| Included storage | Not verified |
| Access platforms | web, ios, android |
| Session persistence | Persistent |
| Money-back guarantee | 7 days |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Paid (source) |
| Website | shells.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Shells
- Azure Virtual DesktopA broad Azure-based platform for enterprise Windows desktops, apps, GPU workloads, and administration.9.4
- Windows 365Managed Windows Cloud PCs with Microsoft administration, identity, and security integrations.9.2
- Amazon WorkSpacesA flexible AWS desktop service for Windows and Linux environments with GPU options.8.9
Also Ranked In
Shells is ranked in 5 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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