MacinCloud vs Shells

MacinCloud provides remote access to physical Mac servers for development, testing, and other tasks that require macOS. Its listed tools include Xcode, Visual Studio for Mac, Visual Studio Code, and Android Studio. Managed and Dedicated plans can connect through modern HTML5 browsers without a separate remote desktop client; its RDP service supports Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol and up to 4K HDR resolution. Dedicated Server includes full administrator, root, and sudo access, while Pay-As-You-Go and Managed Server do not. Customers must use their own software licenses, and some software may be restricted for licensing, stability, or security reasons. MacinCloud offers hosted runners or agents for Azure Pipelines, Bitbucket, GitHub Actions, GitLab, and TeamCity, and lists Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, and Box for file syncing. Plans include Pay-As-You-Go at $4 a month, Managed Server at $25 a month, and Dedicated Server at $49 a month. A first-time customer can purchase a $0.99 24-hour Managed Server trial; Dedicated Server has no trial.

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.