Software Alternatives & Startups

CloudShell VS Prey

Compare CloudShell VS Prey and see what are their differences

CloudShell

Cloud Shell is a free admin machine with browser-based command-line access for managing your infrastructure and applications on Google Cloud Platform.

CloudShell Landing page
Rating
0 reviews
Prey

Prey is the simplest and most reliable solution for tracking, data protection & management for Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. Track with precise location, wipe, reset and secure devices across all platforms.

Prey Landing page
Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Prey should be more popular than CloudShell. It has been mentioned 45 times since March 2021.

social mentions
13 vs 45
Text Editors popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
155 vs 240+

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

CloudShell
Prey
Website docs.cloud.google.com preyproject.com
Pricing
Open source Official pricing
Listed in

About CloudShell and Prey

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

CloudShell
Prey

No description of CloudShell yet.

Prey is a device tracking, protection & administration solution for endpoints and mobile devices. Track, monitor, and manage your company's laptops, tablets, and mobiles within a single platform to prevent theft, avoid data loss, and give you visibility. With Prey, you can accurately track...

Read more about Prey

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

CloudShell 7 features
Prey 5 features
  • Integrated Environment
    CloudShell provides a fully integrated development environment directly within your browser, including access to Google Cloud resources, pre-installed Google Cloud SDK, and other useful tools.
  • Convenience
    Because it's browser-based, there is no need to install or configure anything locally, which can save considerable setup time and eliminate environment inconsistencies.
  • Security
    Operating within Google's infrastructure can add layers of security, including secure connection to cloud resources and less risk of exposing local machines to vulnerabilities.
  • Access to Project Resources
    Directly connects to Google Cloud resources associated with your account, making it easy to manage and deploy applications within your cloud environment.
  • Scalability
    Seamlessly scalable environment that can handle different workloads without performance degradation.
  • Persistent Storage
    CloudShell offers persistent storage, allowing users to save their work and configurations, which are available in future sessions.
  • Pre-installed Tools
    Includes a range of pre-installed tools, such as git, gcloud SDK, and language libraries, enabling efficient development and deployment workflows.

Possible disadvantages

  • Resource Limits
    CloudShell has usage limits, including limited disk space and CPU, which may not be sufficient for all types of workloads, particularly resource-intensive tasks.
  • Inactive Use Timeouts
    Sessions that are inactive for a period of time may be automatically terminated, which can disrupt ongoing work.
  • Dependency on Internet Connection
    Being a cloud-based solution, a stable internet connection is required. Any disruption in connectivity can hamper development and deployment processes.
  • Latency Issues
    Depending on your geographical location, there may be latency issues which can affect performance and response times.
  • Limited Customization
    While CloudShell provides many pre-installed tools, users have limited control over the environment compared to a locally managed development setup.
  • Paid Subscription Needed for Extensive Use
    Beyond the free tier, extensive usage of CloudShell resources may incur additional costs, which can add up depending on the scale and nature of the tasks.
  • Learning Curve
    New users who are not familiar with Google Cloud's ecosystem may face an initial learning curve to fully leverage CloudShell's capabilities.
  • Cross-platform compatibility
    Prey supports multiple operating systems including Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, making it versatile for different device ecosystems.
  • Real-time tracking
    The application offers real-time location tracking of lost or stolen devices, which can help in quick recovery.
  • Remote management features
    Users can remotely lock devices, trigger alarms, take screenshots, and wipe data to protect sensitive information.
  • User-friendly interface
    Prey offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, which makes configuration and monitoring straightforward for users.
  • Open-source option
    Prey has an open-source version which can be preferred by users who want more control over the application's functionality.

Possible disadvantages

  • Limited free version
    The free version of Prey offers only basic features and supports a limited number of devices, which may not be sufficient for advanced users or larger organizations.
  • Dependence on internet connection
    Effective functioning of Prey requires a stable internet connection, which might be a limitation if the lost device is not connected to the web.
  • Privacy concerns
    Due to its tracking capabilities, there could be privacy concerns if the software is misused for unauthorized tracking of users.
  • Battery drain
    Continuous tracking and monitoring may lead to increased battery consumption on mobile devices.
  • False alarms
    There can be instances of false positives or inaccurate location data, which may lead to user confusion or unnecessary alarm.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

CloudShell
Prey

Overall verdict

  • Yes, CloudShell is a good tool, especially for those who are actively using Google Cloud Platform. It provides a user-friendly interface and a comprehensive set of tools to manage cloud resources effectively. Its convenience, combined with the power of GCP, makes it a valuable asset for cloud-based development and operations.

Why this product is good

  • CloudShell is a versatile tool offered by Google Cloud Platform (GCP) that provides a command-line environment directly in your web browser. It is particularly beneficial for developers and system administrators because it allows them to manage GCP resources easily without needing to install additional software on their local machines. CloudShell includes the Google Cloud SDK, along with other essential tools, making it a convenient and efficient option for cloud management tasks. Additionally, it offers persistent storage, allowing users to save their scripts and data between sessions. The integration with other GCP services enhances productivity by providing seamless access and control.

Recommended for

  • Developers who frequently work with Google Cloud Platform
  • System administrators managing GCP resources
  • New users of Google Cloud who need an easy introduction to command-line tools
  • Teams collaborating on GCP projects, as it supports session sharing

Overall verdict

  • Prey is considered a good choice for individuals and organizations looking to enhance their device security and recovery options. It provides reliable tracking services and useful management tools that can significantly aid in protecting against device theft or loss.

Why this product is good

  • Prey offers comprehensive device tracking and recovery features that are useful for both individual users and businesses. Its ability to track multiple devices, lock stolen devices remotely, and manage device security makes it a valuable asset in safeguarding technology assets. The software is praised for its user-friendly interface and effective functionality in locating lost or stolen devices.

Recommended for

    Prey is recommended for individuals who frequently travel or have multiple devices, small to medium-sized businesses that need to manage numerous devices, and educational institutions seeking an effective way to protect their tech investments.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

CloudShell 0 videos + Add
Prey 4 videos + Add

No CloudShell videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Prey Review "Buy, Wait for Sale, Rent, Never Touch?"

More videos

  • Review - Prey Review - Updated For Patch 1.02 (PS4, Xbox One, PC)
  • Review - Prey - Before You Buy
  • Demo - Location Tracking and Device Fleet Control using Prey

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
CloudShell
Prey
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

User comments

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

CloudShell no reviews yet
Prey no reviews yet

We have no reviews of CloudShell yet. Be the first one to post

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

CloudShell 13 mentions
Prey 45 mentions
  • GCP Fundamentals: Cloud Shell API
    The Google Cloud Shell API empowers organizations to automate cloud operations, accelerate software delivery, and improve efficiency. By providing a programmatic interface for managing Cloud Shell environments, the API unlocks new... - Source: dev.to / about 1 year ago
  • Intro to the YouTube APIs: searching for videos
    Command-line (gcloud) -- Those who prefer working in a terminal can enable APIs with a single command in the Cloud Shell or locally on your computer if you installed the Cloud SDK which includes the gcloud command-line tool (CLI) and... - Source: dev.to / about 2 years ago
  • Explore the world with Google Maps APIs
    Gcloud/command-line - Finally, for those more inclined to using the command-line, you can enable APIs with a single command in the Cloud Shell or locally on your computer if you installed the Cloud SDK (which includes the gcloud... - Source: dev.to / over 2 years ago

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  • Baldur's Gate 3 Steam Deck – Native Version
    It's a shame that the Steam Deck has no such a thing like Apple's "Find my". I used to be a great fan of Prey Project, but I don't think it's installable on the Steam Deck without leaving Steam mode. https://preyproject.com. - Source: Hacker News / 12 months ago
  • GPS Tracking for Client Laptop's
    Beware this can become a privacy nightmare with very real legal consequences, but the best I know is https://preyproject.com/. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Employee laptop deposit?
    The other - perhaps more important - reason to provide a laptop is data risk management. If the laptop is yours, you can force encryption, backups, and install endpoint security tools, which allow you to remotely wipe it if... Source: about 3 years ago

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Alternatives to CloudShell and Prey

When comparing CloudShell and Prey, you can also consider the following products.