Rclone Browser as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Azure Storage Explorer
Updated
Our verdict
Rclone Browser is a functional, lightweight replacement for basic Azure Blob and File storage tasks, but it lacks the depth of a dedicated Azure tool. It is ideal for users who already use rclone or need a simple, cross-platform GUI for file transfers. However, it is not a drop-in replacement for power users who rely on Azure Queue and Table storage management or advanced account property configuration. If your workflow is strictly limited to moving files in and out of Blob containers or File shares, Rclone Browser works well. If you manage complex Azure data structures, stick with Azure Storage Explorer or use the Azure CLI directly.
- License
- MIT
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.8.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Graphical interface for browsing cloud storage hierarchies
- Support for uploading and downloading files to/from Azure
- Ability to manage Azure Blob storage and File shares
- Authentication via existing configuration files or keys
What is different
- No support for Azure Queue or Table storage management
- Lacks detailed views for storage account properties and metrics
- Relies on rclone backend, so performance may vary by provider
- Simpler UI with fewer specialized Azure-specific tools
Opening your Microsoft Azure Storage Explorer files
Rclone Browser does not use proprietary project files; it relies on standard rclone configuration files (~/.config/rclone/rclone.conf). There is no direct import of Azure Storage Explorer workspace files. However, since both tools interact with the same underlying Azure storage services, your data remains accessible. You will need to configure rclone with your Azure account credentials to access the same blobs and files previously managed in Azure Storage Explorer.
Switching from Microsoft Azure Storage Explorer to Rclone Browser, step by step
- Install Rclone Browser via your package manager (Debian, Fedora, or Ubuntu)
- Configure rclone with your Azure account using 'rclone config' or the GUI setup
- Launch Rclone Browser and select your configured Azure remote
- Verify access to your Blob containers and File shares
- Test a small file upload and download to ensure connectivity
Key features of Rclone Browser
- Supports over 40 cloud storage providers via rclone
- Basic file operations: copy, move, delete, rename
- Directory tree view for easy navigation
- Integration with existing rclone configurations
- Drag-and-drop support for local file transfers
- Cross-platform compatibility (Linux, Windows, macOS)
How to install Rclone Browser on Linux
sudo apt install rclone-browsersudo apt install rclone-browsersudo dnf install rclone-browserFrequently asked questions
Can Rclone Browser manage Azure Tables?
No, Rclone Browser focuses on object and file storage. It does not provide a GUI for managing Azure Table storage entities.
Is Rclone Browser faster than Azure Storage Explorer?
Performance depends on network conditions and rclone settings. For simple file transfers, they are comparable. For complex operations, Azure Storage Explorer may have more optimized paths, but rclone is highly configurable.
Do I need to install rclone separately?
Rclone Browser typically depends on the rclone binary being installed on your system. Ensure rclone is installed and configured before using the GUI.