DaaS vs Shells

DaaS provides a cloud-hosted workstation that users access through a browser on an internet-connected device. Firefox, Chrome, and Microsoft Edge are listed as compatible browsers. Users can configure CPU, GPU, RAM, operating system, and storage, while the provider manages infrastructure, maintenance, and software updates. The maker describes the service for training organizations, enterprises, integration testing, and marketing workflows, and says rented computers can run tools such as Stable Diffusion, Mixtral, Whisper, and n8n. Its homepage describes scaling from zero to 100 machines. The free option provides one machine in a private network for one hour per day, with Ubuntu Desktop 24.04, 4 GB RAM, 8 GB storage, and one CPU core. Paid machines can use Ubuntu Desktop LTS or Windows 11; custom operating systems are supported in Qcow2 or ISO format. Paid rentals are charged per day, with hourly price depending on configuration. Multiple machines, GPU options, and optional live backup are listed for paid configurations. The provider recommends a stable connection of at least 5 Mbps per user.

Shells provides a cloud virtual desktop that can be accessed from devices including phones and tablets. Users can choose among multiple Linux distributions and access desktop applications from other device operating systems. Files can be downloaded, stored, opened, and edited across devices through the cloud desktop, and Shells says user data is backed up automatically. The company also states that it uses firewalls and end-to-end encryption. Shells identifies students, coders, workers, and small businesses as audiences, and says users can launch a virtual desktop in less than five minutes. Listed access platforms are web, iOS, and Android; the “Works with” list also names Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Android TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Oculus, and Tesla. Cloud desktop applications can include LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, or another document editor. Shells also describes dedicated virtual desktops for AI assistants with controlled access and persistent memory. A risk-free 7-day offer is advertised. The paid plans listed are Shells Basic at $14.95 a month, Shells Plus at $22.95 a month, and Shells Pro at $39.95 a month.