Shells Pricing Packages: What’s Included in Each Pricing Plan?

Shells is a highly capable and secure virtual desktop software. It helps you transform any old device into a powerful computer that is safe from security threats. With it, you can even turn your smartphone into a PC.

This virtual desktop infrastructure software enables you to bring your work anywhere. It can run whatever apps you need, including games. With this, you are not limited to any operating system or device, driving up your productivity level.

In this article, you will discover more of the capabilities of Shells and how it can help you with your work or studies. You will find detailed information regarding Shells pricing plans and what you can expect in each tier.

With the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic, offices had to close their doors. As a result, 45% of the workforce started working remotely due to COVID-19. Some may have been lucky to bring home the laptops or desktop computers they worked with but there are others who have not been as fortunate.

Employees who did not have the necessary resources for work could rely on virtual desktop solutions like Shell. Public cloud desktop-as-a-service spending in 2020 hit $1.2 billion. In 2022, expenditure is even expected to breach the $2 billion mark.

This forecast is no surprise, considering that there is still no concrete end to the pandemic. Moreover, 90% of workers would recommend remote work to friends. Because of that, it is highly likely that the number of mobile or remote employees would increase. And to support those workers, organizations need the help of solutions such as Shells.

Overview of Shells

Shells provides desktop-as-a-service to students, workers, and people who need a powerful and secure computer in the cloud. It is not limited to any operating system or device, thus giving users extreme flexibility. What’s more, the solution can work even on outdated machines, giving them a new lease on life. This is possible because Shells works in the cloud and does not require high specifications to run.

There is no need to worry too much about security with this solution, either. It has vigorous firewalls and applies end-to-end encryption to data. Because of that, your information is and will always be private. Additionally, Shells backs up everything you work on. The process is automatic so you can be certain that your files are safe at all times.

One great feature of Shells is its capability of running on any platform. If your machine runs on Windows but you require Mac software, then you can use it without a glitch. On top of that, you can use your virtual desktop on your mobile devices. These functionalities enhance or extend your current computer’s capabilities. As such, you can do more.

Professionals especially can rely on Shells to accomplish a wide array of tasks. The solution can even handle heavy processes for coders and creators. And if you are in the mood for gaming, it can assist you in enjoying your downtime, too. Or if you like to switch between tasks, then Shells can help you multitask with its powerful processors.

You can rest assured that whatever remote work trends or online learning changes in the future, you can use this virtual desktop solution to meet them head on.

Shells Pricing Packages

You have four Shells pricing packages to choose from, all of which go by monthly subscription.  They have varying power and performance provisions so you can easily find one that suits your requirements. There is a 7-day money-back guarantee in place, too, so you can test the waters without committing completely. We examine the packages in-depth below to help you decide which one is the best one for your study or work demands.

Shells Lite for Minimal Requirements

Shells Lite is a budget-friendly package at  $4.95 per month. It is perfect for students who have minimal processing requirements. Because of this, it is great for distance learning. Office workers who do not need heavy processing power can take advantage of this plan as well.

However, Shells Lite usage is only limited to 10 hours per month. For learners and professionals who have to use apps and tools all the time, this may be restricting.

Nevertheless, despite the 10-hour constraint, Shells Lite plan still provides users with access to its state-of-the-art features. The solution protects against threats like viruses and malware by regularly pushing updates to its security feature. On top of that, users can rest assured that their work is always safe as it creates daily backups, letting you restore your work to any point in case of errors.

Shells has a dashboard where users can see at a glance relevant virtual desktop information.

Shells Basic for Normal Daily Use

Shells Basic has the same processing, storage, and memory features as Shells Lite. But there is one major difference between the two Shells pricing packages—the use limitation. Unlike the most economical package tier, Shells Basic gives subscribers unlimited use for $9.95 a month. Because of this, learners can read and do their projects or homework without worrying about the time restriction. The same goes for professionals.

A great benefit of Shells Basic is that it provides fast download speeds. This is highly beneficial to users that need to download materials to start or complete their tasks. There is no need to upgrade your machine, either. Shells works perfectly on an old Chromebook or laptop. Whatever it is, you can access top-tier technology with a click and at an economical price point.

Plus, you do not lose app functionality just because you are using a device that is supposedly incompatible. Shells transforms software and tools to make them accessible on any device or platform. In this way, you can work from the comfort of your preferred device at all times.

Shells has a long list of operating systems or platforms that it supports.

Shells Plus for Power Workers

Shells Plus is a huge step up from Shells Lite and Basic. This plan is designed for power workers, especially coders, developers, and content editors. The plan offers access to two processors and twice the memory for as low as $19.95 per month. Storage is also doubled, allowing users to save more of their work in the cloud.

With Shells Plus, it is possible to work on different operating systems. There is no need to switch devices, either. You only have to change the OS right from within the Shells platform. Plus, you can work with all modern languages.

There is no need to change your workflow as well. Shells already gives you a full toolset with git, curl, and grep right from the get-go. You can code, test, and deploy from one place, too.

Shells has a section where it enables users to manage SSH keys.

Shells Pro for Intensive Processes

Shells Pro is a personal computer in the cloud that can do it all for a starting price of $36.95 per month. It has four processors with a matching 8 GB memory. The plan offers expanded storage, too—160 GB. With that, users can save as much of their work as they need on the cloud. They can do this for any file, as the Shells storage system works similarly to a cloud drive.

This is the right package for users who require high-end processing capabilities. Content users like music producers, software or game developers, or professionals who work with solutions that require top-notch processing power can appreciate this subscription tier.

Moreover, Shells Pro has preloaded apps that meet the industry standard. Thus, users do not need to install common applications. For software that is not immediately available, you can check with the support team if they can load it for you.

And in case there are crucial upgrades and updates, Shells can take care of those so you do not have to worry about downtime. There is unlimited bandwidth available, too. Thus, you can work without constraints.

With Shells, you can install additional apps.

Choosing the Best Virtual Computer Plan

Even Chromebooks for students can be expensive. Because of this, it is not easy for learners to upgrade their machines. The same applies to professionals. But this changes with Shells. The solution’s four pricing plans give users the flexibility to choose a package that is right up their alley.

If you are not yet sure which plan to select, consider the following:

• Software requirements. What software are you going to work with? List them down and check their specifications. Because once you know what their specifications are, you can match those with the available packages.
• Frequency. How often do you think you are going to use the virtual desktop? Shells has an economical package that limits use to 10 hours. If you will not be using the service for more than 10 hours a month, then Shells Lite is for you. If not, you can go for Shells Basic or higher.
• Storage needs. Do you require expansive storage? The more expensive the Shells plan, the more storage there is. If your work calls for an expansive drive, then Shells Plus and Shells Pro are for you.

If you are an employer looking to provision virtual desktops and virtual tools for your remote team, take into account the responsibilities of workers. If you have artists and IT professionals, they require better computers so the Shells Plus and Shells Pro plans are the best fit for them. For others, the Shells Basic should suffice.

Dividing teams into who needs what can help you manage your budget.

By Jenny Chang

Jenny Chang is a senior writer specializing in SaaS and B2B software solutions. Her decision to focus on these two industries was spurred by their explosive growth in the last decade, much of it she attributes to the emergence of disruptive technologies and the quick adoption by businesses that were quick to recognize their values to their organizations. She has covered all the major developments in SaaS and B2B software solutions, from the introduction of massive ERPs to small business platforms to help startups on their way to success.