shellbox - Instant Linux Boxes via SSH

3 min read Original article ↗
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$ ssh shellbox.dev about

  • Lightweight instances: 2 vCPUs, 4GB RAM, 50GB SSD
  • Pure SSH access: no special clients or browser plugins required
  • Persistent state: boxes pause on disconnect and resume where you left off
  • Per-minute billing: $0.02/hr while running, $0.5/month while stopped
  • Automatic cost control: boxes stop when balance falls below $5
  • HTTPS endpoints: every box gets a public URL with automatic TLS
  • Email endpoints: receive mail at name-id@in.shellbox.dev, delivered as POST to your box at /email
  • Full SSH support including port forwarding and scp
  • Prepaid balance with refunds available for unused funds

$ ssh shellbox.dev create dev1

Creating box...

Box 'dev1' created successfully
URL: https://dev1-a1b2c3d4.shellbox.dev

Connect with: ssh dev1@shellbox.dev

$ ssh dev1@shellbox.dev

Starting box...
Connected!
root@dev1:~# _

$ ssh shellbox.dev list

NAME          STATE                URL
-----------------------------------------------------------------
dev1          running [keepalive]  https://dev1-a1b2c3d4.shellbox.dev
myapp         stopped              https://myapp-a1b2c3d4.shellbox.dev

$ ssh shellbox.dev duplicate myapp myapp-backup

Duplicating box...

Box 'myapp-backup' created from 'myapp'
URL: https://myapp-backup-a1b2c3d4.shellbox.dev

Connect with: ssh myapp-backup@shellbox.dev

$ ssh shellbox.dev billing

Account Balance
==============================
Funds added:     $30.00
Funds refunded:  $10.00
Usage costs:     $1.50
------------------------------
Current balance: $18.50

Remaining hours at current rates:
  Running boxes: ~925 hours
  Idle boxes:    ~26 months

$ ssh shellbox.dev funds 10

Add $10.00 to your account
========================================

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https://pay.paddle.com/...

Scan QR code or visit URL to complete payment.
Your account will be credited automatically.

$ ssh shellbox.dev help

Command Description
create <name> Create a new box
duplicate <src> <name> Copy a stopped box
list List your boxes with status and URLs
ssh <name>@shellbox.dev Connect to a box
keepalive <name> Toggle keepalive (box stays running on disconnect)
stop <name> Force-stop a running box (clears keepalive)
delete <name> Permanently remove a box
billing Show balance and usage
funds <amount> Add funds to your account (min $10)
refund <amount> Refund unused balance
payments Show payment history
help Show available commands

$ # file transfer:

$ scp file.txt dev1@shellbox.dev:/root/

$ scp dev1@shellbox.dev:/root/file.txt ./

$ sftp dev1@shellbox.dev