Shells vs Vagon Cloud Computer
Shells
shells.comVagon Cloud Computer
vagon.ioSide by side
| Figure | Shells | Vagon Cloud Computer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $14.95/mo | $0.25/mo |
| Free plan | — | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 5 |
| Spec score · Desktop as a Service (DaaS) Providers | 7.9 (#5) | 7.6 (#10) |
| Spec score · Cloud PC Services | 7.9 (#13) | 7.6 (#20) |
| Company location | A Shells company announcement identifies Shells as headquartered in Los Angeles, California. | The maker’s site identifies San Francisco, California. |
| Product | Shells provides a cloud virtual desktop that can be accessed from any device, including tablets and phones. | Vagon Cloud Computer provides a personal cloud remote desktop for running demanding applications on hardware chosen from flexible performance options. |
| Security | The homepage states that Shells uses firewalls and end-to-end encryption. | Vagon says each computer is an isolated virtual machine and the connection is encrypted and secured. |
Plans
Vagon Cloud Computer
- Sand$0.25 a month
- Planet$0.99 a month
- Trial$0.99, paid once
- Personal storage$7.99 a month
- Premium storage$19.99 a month
In their own words
Shells
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.
Vagon Cloud Computer
Vagon Cloud Computer is a remote desktop service for running demanding applications on cloud computers with selectable performance options. Users can change computer performance without changing their data and files, and choose applications to install automatically during setup or install them manually. The library lists 146 apps for automatic installation. Vagon says its streaming supports up to 4K resolution and 60 FPS, and lists NVIDIA A10G and Tesla T4 GPU options. Access is through a browser or desktop app; native desktop apps are available for macOS and Windows, while the Linux application is marked “Soon.” Tablet and mobile users can add the app from the browser dashboard to their Home Screen. Vagon describes each computer as an isolated virtual machine with an encrypted, secured connection. Sand is $0.25 a month, billed at $0.25/hour and charged by the minute; Planet is $0.99 a month, billed at $0.99/hour and charged by the minute. Storage plans are $7.99 a month and $19.99 a month. Outbound transfer is free for the first 10GB monthly, then $1.5 per additional 10GB.