Shells vs ubiDesktop

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.

ubiDesktop is a paid Desktop as a Service that provides persistent virtual desktops for using an operating system and applications from internet-connected devices. Access is available from Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android through RDP, NX for Linux desktops, VNC, or third-party remote access software. Listed templates include Linux Mint 20.3, Ubuntu 22.04 LTS, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC, and Windows 7 Enterprise (SP1).

The Mini plan costs $10.90 a month and includes 1 vCPU, 2 GB RAM, 40 GB NVMe SSD, and unlimited traffic at 1 Gbit/s. Professional costs $20.90 a month, Premium $30.90 a month, Extreme $40.90 a month, and Max $50.90 a month. Billing terms of three, six, or twelve months list savings of 5%, 10%, or 15%. The maker recommends a capable remote desktop client, low-latency internet, and at least about 10 Mbps. RDP on Windows and NX on Linux support drag-and-drop and copy-and-paste; Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive can be attached. Optional items include backups, a Cloud Drive, and a Private Network. ubiDesktop is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.