Comparison
SensePC and Shadow PC both provide a full Windows PC in the cloud, so you can install your own game launchers and games instead of choosing from a fixed catalog. The main difference is how you access and pay for the PC. SensePC offers Hourly, Daily, and Monthly options, while Shadow is primarily subscription-based and supports a broader range of devices. The better fit depends on how often you play, your location, your device, and game compatibility.
SensePC vs Shadow PC side by side.
| Feature | SensePC | Shadow PC |
|---|---|---|
| Access and billing | +Choose Hourly, Daily, or Monthly access based on how often you play | Primarily recurring monthly subscriptions, with some annual offers depending on market |
| Windows PC experience | Full Windows 11 cloud PC with your own accounts, apps, files, and settings | Full Windows 11 cloud PC with user-installed games, apps, files, and settings |
| Game launchers | Steam and Epic Games Launcher ready on Xtreme plans; install other supported Windows platforms | Install Steam, Epic Games, Battle.net, GOG, and other supported platforms |
| Persistent game storage | Persistent SSD retains installed games, launchers, files, and settings between sessions | SSD storage remains available with the subscription and can be expanded on eligible plans |
| Gaming hardware | Xtreme Core, Pro, and Ultra use NVIDIA L4 graphics, with tier-specific CPU, RAM, and storage | Neo and Power gaming tiers use NVIDIA RTX-class hardware with tier-specific resources |
| Supported devices | Launch from a supported Windows or macOS computer using the browser and native Performance Mode | Apps and browser access across Windows, macOS, Linux, mobile devices, and supported TV platforms |
| Service regions | New York, California, London, and Berlin. Choose the closest available region | Multiple North American and European data centers. Availability depends on the selected market |
| Cost when not gaming | +Only on Hourly: compute billing stops when the PC is stopped, while retained SSD storage billing continues | The recurring subscription continues until cancellation, with storage included in the selected plan |
| Games and licenses | Bring your own games, accounts, licenses, and subscriptions | Bring your own games, accounts, licenses, and subscriptions |
| Game compatibility | Compatibility can vary because of publisher rules, DRM, anti-cheat systems, and cloud environments | Compatibility can vary because of publisher rules, DRM, anti-cheat systems, and virtual environments |
| Best fit | Players who want flexible usage, including occasional or shorter gaming sessions | Players who prefer a recurring subscription and broader mobile or TV device support |
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Comparison reviewed in August 2026 using publicly available product information. Pricing, plans, hardware, regions, and availability can change. Verify current details with each provider before purchasing.
SensePC lets you begin with Hourly access and move to Daily or Monthly when your usage grows. Shadow is primarily offered through recurring subscriptions, which may be a better fit for players who use their cloud PC frequently and want a predictable monthly payment.
Neither service is limited to a fixed game catalog. Both let users install supported launchers, games, software, and files in a persistent Windows environment. Games and licenses are purchased separately, and title compatibility can vary.
SensePC currently focuses on gaming sessions launched from supported Windows and macOS computers. Shadow supports a wider range of client devices, including mobile and supported TV platforms. SensePC may be the better fit when flexible billing matters more than mobile access.
Answers to the most common questions when comparing SensePC to Shadow PC.
