Shadow PC vs Shells

Shadow PC streams a Windows PC hosted in data centers to a user's device. Access is available on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, web, and Windows, with persistent sessions. Users can install games and mods from Steam, Epic, Battle.net, and Nexus Mods, although some games may be incompatible. Shadow also describes its RTX-powered PCs as able to run creative software, CUDA and RTX workflows, and local AI models. Streaming supports multiple monitors and ultrawide displays, with plan limits of one, two, or three monitors. Plans vary in monthly hours, session lengths, display limits, and storage: listed options include 256 GB or 512 GB SSDs, and some include 28 GB RAM and 20 GB VRAM. Prices start at $29.99/mo, and there is no free plan. Shadow recommends at least 15 Mb/s download and 5 Mb/s upload speeds. It does not back up Shadow PC data, so users should back up their files before changing offers. Pro plans include priority access, longer sessions, faster support response, and user and subscription management.

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.