s3cmd as a Linux alternative to Microsoft Azure Storage Explorer
Updated
Our verdict
s3cmd is a reasonable CLI alternative for basic Azure Blob storage tasks, as Azure supports the S3 API. However, it is not a full replacement for Storage Explorer. You lose the GUI, and s3cmd does not natively support Azure File, Queue, or Table storage. It is best for users who prefer terminal workflows and only need to manage blobs. If you rely on the visual interface or need to manage non-blob storage types, s3cmd will feel like a significant downgrade and incomplete solution.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 2.4.0
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Can upload, download, and list objects in cloud storage
- Supports recursive operations for directory structures
- Uses credential-based authentication (keys)
- Allows management of object metadata and ACLs
What is different
- s3cmd is CLI-only, lacking the graphical interface of Storage Explorer
- s3cmd does not support Azure File, Queue, or Table storage
- Azure AD authentication is not natively supported in the same way as key-based auth
- No visual tree view for browsing storage accounts and containers
Opening your Microsoft Azure Storage Explorer files
s3cmd does not open or interact with local project files created by Microsoft Azure Storage Explorer. It operates directly against the cloud storage endpoints. If you have local files organized in a way that mirrors your storage structure, s3cmd can sync them, but it cannot read any proprietary configuration or state files generated by the Windows application.
Switching from Microsoft Azure Storage Explorer to s3cmd, step by step
- Install s3cmd via your package manager (e.g., apt install s3cmd)
- Run s3cmd --configure to set up credentials
- Set the host_base to Azure's S3-compatible endpoint (e.g., blob.core.windows.net)
- Enter your Azure Storage Account name and key as the AWS access key and secret
- Test connectivity with s3cmd ls to list containers
- Use s3cmd put, get, and sync commands to manage blobs
Key features of s3cmd
- Upload, download, delete, and list objects
- Recursive sync between local directories and buckets
- Support for multipart uploads
- Configurable S3 endpoint for compatible services
- Built‑in progress bars and MD5 checksum verification
- Can generate pre‑signed URLs
- Supports ACL and storage class settings
- Works with standard AWS credential files
How to install s3cmd on Linux
sudo apt install s3cmdsudo apt install s3cmdsudo dnf install s3cmdsudo pacman -S s3cmdsudo zypper install s3cmdFrequently asked questions
Can I use s3cmd with Azure AD login?
Not directly. s3cmd expects static access keys. You would need to generate SAS tokens or use a service principal with a key, which is more complex than the interactive login in Storage Explorer.
Does s3cmd work with Azure File shares?
No. s3cmd only supports S3-compatible object storage. Azure File shares use the SMB protocol, which s3cmd does not handle. You would need a different tool for that.
Is s3cmd secure for production use?
Yes, as long as you manage your keys carefully. It uses standard HTTPS connections. However, since it is CLI-based, ensure your shell history does not accidentally log sensitive commands if you pass keys via arguments.