Shells
What it is
Shells provides a cloud virtual desktop that can be opened from computers, tablets, and phones. Users can choose among multiple Linux distributions and access desktop applications from other operating systems. The service lets people download, store, open, and edit files across devices, while user data is backed up automatically in the cloud. Shells says it uses firewalls and end-to-end encryption. Its homepage says a virtual desktop can launch in less than five minutes, and a browser-in-the-cloud page advertises a risk-free 7-day offer. 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 software can include LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, or another document editor. Shells also describes dedicated virtual desktops for AI assistants with controlled access and persistent memory. Plans are Shells Basic at $14.95 a month, Shells Plus at $22.95 a month, and Shells Pro at $39.95 a month, each with different processor, storage, and memory amounts.
For and against
For
- Cloud desktop works across phones, tablets, and computers
- Multiple Linux distributions available
- Files can be edited across devices
- Automatic cloud data backups
- Firewalls and end-to-end encryption stated
Against
- No free plan
- Paid plans start at $14.95 a month
- Processor, storage, and memory vary by plan
- Access platforms are web, iOS, and Android
The verdict
Shells focuses on portable virtual desktops with cloud storage, backups, and broad client support. Compare the three plans’ hardware allocations and the paid-only model with your needs.
Who it suits
Shells is aimed at students, coders, workers, and small businesses needing a desktop environment across devices. It also suits users wanting cloud files, Linux options, or cloud-based document applications.
Plans and prices
Shells Basic
1 processor · 40 GB storage · 2 GB memory · unlimited use
Read 7 Oct 2026 · shells.com
Shells Plus
2 processors · 80 GB storage · 4 GB memory · unlimited use
Read 7 Oct 2026 · shells.com
Shells Pro
4 processors · 160 GB storage · 8 GB memory · unlimited use
Read 7 Oct 2026 · shells.com
On the record
- AI service
- The AI page describes dedicated virtual desktops for AI assistants, with controlled access and persistent memory.shells.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Backup
- Shells says user data is backed up automatically in the cloud.shells.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Company location
- A Shells company announcement identifies Shells as headquartered in Los Angeles, California.shells.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Desktop applications
- The office software page describes using LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, or another document editor in the cloud.shells.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Files
- Users can download, store, access, and edit files across devices through the cloud desktop.shells.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The homepage says users can choose from multiple Linux distributions and access desktop applications from other device operating systems.shells.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Product
- Shells provides a cloud virtual desktop that can be accessed from any device, including tablets and phones.shells.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Security
- The homepage states that Shells uses firewalls and end-to-end encryption.shells.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Setup
- Shells says users can launch a virtual desktop in less than five minutes.shells.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The website includes a Support link in its Community & Help section.shells.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Supported clients
- The homepage lists iOS, Android, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Android TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Oculus, and Tesla under “Works with.”shells.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Trial and refund
- The browser-in-the-cloud page advertises a risk-free 7-day offer.shells.com · read 7 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The site identifies students, coders, workers, and small businesses as audiences for Shells.shells.com · read 7 Oct 2026
