Cloud PCs have matured into real workstations for gaming, creative work, 3D, and development. This guide compares Shadow and AirGPU from a power user perspective, covering performance tiers, pricing models, storage, peripherals, latency, and workflow fit.
Who Should Pick What
- Pick Shadow if you want a persistent Windows PC with a fixed monthly cost, large storage add-ons, USB device forwarding, and a simple sign-in and go experience.
- Pick AirGPU if you want pay-as-you-go power across many GPU tiers and regions, ideal for short render sessions, testing, or occasional high-end gaming.
Plans, GPUs, and Raw Specs
Shadow (Neo and Power)
- Neo: RTX 2000 Ada class GPU, 8 vCores, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD base, optional D: drive up to multi-terabyte HDD, up to 1 Gb/s VM bandwidth.
- Power: RTX A4500 class GPU, 8 vCores, 28 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD base, optional D: drive up to multi-terabyte HDD, up to 1 Gb/s VM bandwidth.
Good fit: daily gaming and creation on a machine that stays the same every session, big libraries that benefit from persistent storage, and first-party USB forwarding.
AirGPU (Hourly Menus)
- Datacenter GPUs: T4, L4, A10G, L40S
- Workstation GPUs: RTX 4000, RTX A4000, RTX A5000
- Storage: purchase a monthly storage pool starting small and scale as needed
- Regions: multiple data centers across North America, Europe, APAC, and more
Good fit: bursty workloads and users who only need heavy GPUs during renders, benchmarks, or a few gaming sessions each month.
At a Glance: Shadow vs. AirGPU
| Category | Shadow | AirGPU |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Flat monthly subscription for a persistent PC | Hourly billing for the machine, monthly for storage |
| GPU Choices | Fixed per plan (Neo, Power) | Menu of GPUs per session (T4 to L40S and RTX A-series) |
| Storage | 512 GB SSD base plus optional multi-TB HDD add-on | Flexible monthly storage pool you size yourself |
| Persistence | Same Windows machine every time | Spin up on demand and attach your storage |
| Peripherals | First-party USB device forwarding in the client | Parsec/Moonlight device support; advanced USB varies |
| Best For | Daily users, big libraries, plug-and-play workflows | Spiky usage, short heavy sessions, testing and travel |
Pricing Model: Flat vs. Metered
Shadow works like renting a personal PC in the cloud. You pay a fixed monthly price and keep your installs, settings, and libraries in place. Storage add-ons scale to multiple terabytes on a secondary drive, which is convenient for large game or asset libraries.
AirGPU is metered. You choose the GPU and region, pay by the hour when the machine is on, and pay monthly for the storage pool you attach. If you only need heavy power in short bursts, this approach can be very cost-effective.
Quick Cost Scenarios
Light user with 10 hours per month on a midrange GPU and a small storage pool is often cheaper on AirGPU than a flat subscription.
Moderate to heavy user with 40 to 60 hours per month may find Shadow’s flat rate more predictable and potentially cheaper, especially when you factor in large persistent storage.
| Profile | Assumptions | Indicative Monthly Outlay | Likely Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light bursts | 10 hrs on a mid GPU + 100–200 GB storage | Typically well under a fixed monthly sub | AirGPU |
| Regular weekly sessions | 40–50 hrs, persistent libraries and apps | Hourly fees add up, storage adds recurring cost | Shadow |
| Mixed work and play | Occasional high-end spikes, otherwise idle | Pay only when you need top GPUs | AirGPU |
Latency, Clients, and Regions
- Shadow: native clients and a browser option, configurable stream bitrate, and up to gigabit-class bandwidth inside the VM. A stable 5 GHz Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet link is recommended.
- AirGPU: uses Parsec or Moonlight for very low latency streaming and offers many regions so you can land a nearby data center.
For both platforms, your local network quality and physical distance to the data center heavily influence latency and image quality.
Storage Strategy and File Throughput
Shadow includes a fast system SSD and allows large, inexpensive HDD add-ons for libraries and caches. This is convenient if you keep hundreds of gigabytes online at all times.
AirGPU separates compute and storage. You can keep a small and affordable base image most of the month and only pay for heavy GPUs during active sessions. This helps minimize idle costs.
Peripherals and Creator Workflows
Shadow supports first-party USB device forwarding, which is helpful for wheels, HOTAS, gamepads, MIDI keyboards, drawing tablets, cameras, and some capture cards. If your workflow depends on niche devices being recognized inside Windows, Shadow is an easy path.
AirGPU handles common controllers and devices supported by Parsec or Moonlight. Power users comfortable with those ecosystems can do well, although exotic USB needs may require extra tinkering.
Game and App Compatibility
Both services provide full Windows environments. You install Steam, Epic, Adobe, Blender, IDEs, and your usual tools. Some competitive multiplayer titles restrict cloud PCs due to anti-cheat policies, so check your specific game before you commit to either platform for ranked play.
Which One Fits Your Use Case
Daily gamers and creators with big libraries
You want a consistent box with terabytes of storage and simple device passthrough. Choose Shadow Power for higher settings or Shadow Neo for a balanced 1080p to 1440p setup. Predictable monthly pricing is a plus.
Bursty renders, benchmarks, and on-demand power
You render or game in sprints and do not need a PC running around the clock. Spin up AirGPU, pick a strong GPU, finish the job, then shut it down. Pay only for what you used.
Mobile or lower bandwidth environments
Both services adapt well to varied connections. Shadow lets you tune bitrate in the client, while Parsec and Moonlight on AirGPU are known for efficient, low-latency streaming. Your home network often matters more than raw GPU here.
Bottom Line
- Shadow is like renting your own always-on Windows PC in the cloud with robust device support and persistent storage. It is ideal for daily drivers who value simplicity and a steady bill.
- AirGPU is a flexible power menu where you choose the GPU and region by the hour and keep storage separate. It is ideal for peak-power tasks, travel, testing, and users who only need heavy compute occasionally.
Fast rule of thumb: estimate your true monthly hours on a high-end GPU. If you are under roughly 25 to 30 hours, AirGPU often costs less. If you are consistently over 40 to 50 hours and need persistent storage and peripherals, Shadow usually wins on total cost and convenience.
