Google Cloud Shell Free

Google Cloud Shell is a terminal and development environment in the browser, running on a Google virtual machine. It comes with free persistent storage and a weekly usage quota.

GoogleUpdated monthly · checked 26 h ago

Google Cloud Shell Free is a developer tools perk from Google, offering a free plan (50 hours a week, 5 GB), with no funding required.

Value: Free plan
Who qualifies: No funding needed
Benefit type: Free plan
Terms: Verified

Apply at Google

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While you apply

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What you get

Inside Google Cloud Shell Free

Cloud Shell provisions 5 GB of free persistent disk storage for your home directory. The default weekly Cloud Shell quota is 50 hours, and sessions are capped at 12 hours. Non-interactive sessions end automatically after 40 minutes.

Source: The provider's official program page

Eligibility

Who it's for

Free plan Developers

Funding / backing: No funding needed
Geography: Global
Recurring / expiry: The weekly quota resets on a set date and time.
Other requirements: The home directory is deleted after 120 days of inactivity unless a session is started. Non-interactive sessions end after 40 minutes.

How to claim

How to apply for Google Cloud Shell Free

Steps to apply

1Open Cloud Shell from the Google Cloud console.

Good to know: Limits read on cloud.google.com/shell/docs/limitations on October 28, 2026.

Apply at Google

Source: The provider's official program page

Value is the headline maximum Google advertises. What your company actually receives depends on your eligibility and how you use the program, and terms can change. A comparison, not endorsed by the programs listed. A link labeled as a referral link may earn us a commission, and a program labeled Same owner comes from the company that runs StartupPerks. Confirm current terms on the provider's page.

Questions

Google Cloud Shell Free: common questions

Is Google free?

Yes, Google can be used for free. Free plan (50 hours a week, 5 GB). As stated on Google's own page, linked on this page.

Who qualifies for Google Cloud Shell Free?

Google Cloud Shell Free is open to any startup, with no funding required. The home directory is deleted after 120 days of inactivity unless a session is started. Non-interactive sessions end after 40 minutes.

Do I need to be VC-backed or in an accelerator to get Google Cloud Shell Free?

No. Google Cloud Shell Free is open to any startup that meets the stated criteria, no investor or accelerator backing required.

How do I apply for Google Cloud Shell Free?

Open Cloud Shell from the Google Cloud console.

How long do I have to use Google Cloud Shell Free, and does it expire?

The weekly quota resets on a set date and time.

Is Google Cloud Shell Free available outside the US?

Google Cloud Shell Free is available globally, subject to the provider's terms.

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