Shells

What Shells is

Shells provides a cloud virtual desktop that can be accessed from devices including phones and tablets. Users can choose from multiple Linux distributions and access desktop applications from other device operating systems. Files can be downloaded, stored, accessed, and edited across devices through the cloud desktop, and user data is backed up automatically. Shells says it uses firewalls and end-to-end encryption. The company identifies students, coders, workers, and small businesses as audiences, and says a virtual desktop can be launched in less than five minutes. Its listed access platforms are web, iOS, and Android; the “Works with” list also includes Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Android TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Oculus, and Tesla. Cloud desktop applications include LibreOffice and OnlyOffice. Shells also describes dedicated virtual desktops for AI assistants, with controlled access and persistent memory. The paid service has no free plan. Shells Basic costs $14.95 a month for 1 processor, 40 GB storage, 2 GB memory, and unlimited use. Shells Plus costs $22.95 a month for 2 processors, 80 GB storage, 4 GB memory, and unlimited use. Shells Pro costs $39.95 a month for 4 processors, 160 GB storage, 8 GB memory, and unlimited use.

Who it suits

Shells suits students, coders, workers, and small businesses who want a cloud desktop accessible across devices. It may also suit people who want to use Linux distributions or desktop applications from phones and tablets.

Limits

Shells has no free plan. The lowest listed plan, Shells Basic at $14.95 a month, includes 1 processor, 40 GB storage, 2 GB memory, and unlimited use.

Getting started

1. Visit the Shells website.
2. Choose a Shells plan: Basic, Plus, or Pro.
3. Use the advertised 7-day offer.
4. Access the desktop through web, iOS, or Android.
5. Choose a Linux distribution and use desktop applications in the cloud.

Verdict

Shells offers persistent cloud desktops across a broad set of listed clients, with plans differentiated by processors, storage, and memory. There is no free plan, so compare the monthly tiers with the resources you need.