Shells review
Persistent Windows and Linux desktops for browser and mobile access.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Shells pros and cons
- 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
Shells fact sheet, pricing and score →
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