A tool like rclone is a must-have if you work with a lot of files in cloud storage. Rclone is a command-line program that lets you manage and sync files from across different cloud storage – more than 50 of them.
With such a tool, you can easily backup & restore files, mirror & migrate data, mount storage as disks, and a lot more.
The tool is free and open source and available on Windows, Linux, and Mac. However, some users have difficulty with rclone due to its command-line interface.
Furthermore, as a free tool, rclone can’t give you everything even though the app does offer a lot. Well, rclone isn’t the only program for managing cloud storage out there.
In this article, I’ll be listing the 15 best rclone alternatives.
Best Rclone Alternatives
1. Syncthing
With this tool, you can synchronize files between multiple computers without hassles. Syncthing is not very different from rclone as it also supports command-line functionality. Also, it’s a free and open source application with all source code available on GitHub.
The program operates across LAN and Internet without IP addresses or advanced configuration. Syncthing lets you select where your data is stored, if others can access it, and how it is sent over the internet.
It’s one of the best rclone alternatives for privacy as your data is only stored on your computer and not on any central server. Furthermore, Syncthing is a secure file syncing tool as it uses TLS for all communication.
In addition, each computer has a unique cryptographic certificate for identification. Only devices you specifically authorize can connect to yours.
You can configure and use Syncthing via the robust web-based interface. There are also applications for Mac OS X, Windows, Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, and OpenBSD. The program gets an edge over rclone with support for Android devices.
2. FreeFileSync
FreeFileSync generates and manages backup copies of all your crucial files. Instead of replicating every file, the tool compares a source and target folder and only sends the data that is needed.
As a result, FreeFileSync helps speed up backup procedures by comparing source and target folders and just copying what is needed rather than copying everything. Additional synchronization options are available via the command line just like with rclone.
However, a major reason why you’d want to use FreeFileSync over rclone is the file comparison feature. It’s one of the standout features of the tool.
The file comparison option lets you binary-compare whole folders and see precisely where the differences are. It’s like a file diff tool, but for folders. Not to mention you can still integrate FreeFileSync with file diff tools.
When comparing two folders, FreeFileSync looks at the paths to the files’ left and right base folders. If the relative paths match, the tool selects how to group the files using your specified comparison option.
You can compare by file size, creation time, or content. In terms of compatibility, FreeFileSync and rclone aren’t much different; both are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux users.
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3. Duplicati
Duplicati was built for online backups. Like rclone, it’s open source and there’s no cost attached. It’s worth noting that you can use Duplicati free for both commercial and non-commercial use, licensed under LGPL.
The program’s web interface is friendly and responsive across different devices, including mobile devices. Nevertheless, you can still download the desktop application for Windows and MacOS among others.
Interestingly, Duplicati will work on headless computers like Network Attached Storage (NAS). You can create backups on any system using the web interface or the command line. Incremental backups and data deduplication are supported to help you save space.
The tool also features an auto-scheduler and auto-updater and you can encrypt files and folders with AES-256.
Duplicati supports FTP, SSH, WebDAV, Microsoft OneDrive, Amazon S3, Google Drive, box.com, Mega, and hubiC, to name a few – these are more or less the same cloud storages rclone supports.
This tool not only helps you backup data, but it also holds up well when faced with network troubles; you can easily resume interrupted backups. Duplicati routinely verifies backup material so that corrupt backups on corrupt storage systems can be identified on time.
4. Cryptomator
If you need an rclone alternative you can use on all major device systems – Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iPhone – Cryptomator is one of the best options to check out. It’s a freemium tool – so you don’t have to pay – but you can donate to foster development.
With Cryptomator, what you get is a simple digital protection tool. Rclone syncs your files to cloud storage, while Cryptomator syncs and locks your files to cloud storage. Cryptomator gives you access to your files on any device and only you hold the keys to access them.
The tool uses AES and a 256-bit key length to encrypt not only files but also filenames. All you need to do is create a password for your cloud folder – known as a vault. You have to enter this password to access the folder.
For extra security, Cryptomator provides you with a virtual encrypted drive to which you can transfer your data. Any file you transfer to this drive is automatically encrypted.
You can count on Cryptomator as one of the best alternatives to rclone as the tool is regularly audited by security researchers above the industry average.
5. RaiDrive
RaiDrive is a popular rclone alternative among Windows users thanks to its GUI. If you use Mac or Linux, you can’t use RaiDrive, it’s exclusive to Windows.
The tool connects to a panoply of cloud storages, more than 38 in number, which is impressive even if lower than rclone which supports more than 50.
Some of the basic features you get with RaiDrive include Fast Copy, Move, Delete, File access monitoring, and Bandwidth control. With add-ons, you can add extra features.
A notable add-on is the multi-user file lock that lets you prevent others from overwriting your files. Also, there’s the Local Disk add-on so you can share files on the local network and mount storages in folders.
For the most part, RaiDrive is a free rclone alternative – the Standard and Education plans are both free. However, there are limits to the number of drives you can connect and RaiDrives you can run – eight and four respectively.
With the paid Professional plan, you can connect to unlimited drives and run unlimited RaiDrives. The paid plan costs just $2 per month and there’s a seven-day trial before payment.
6. GoodSync
Compared to rclone, GoodSync offers very easy file backup and syncing ensuring your files are never lost. For its advanced features, GoodSync is an rclone alternative you pay to use.
The tool offers real-time backup with an option to schedule. In other words, you can automate the synchronization process and your files will backup without user interaction.
By monitoring data blocks, GoodSync only backups the new files and folders every time. By not copying everything, the tool saves time, storage, and also network resources.
Like most other rclone alternatives on this list, GoodSync uses AES-256 bit encryption to protect data and files during transmission. The platform supports a host of cloud storages.
Notably, GoodSync features a native RealDisk online storage. This native storage is fast and will come in handy when dealing with a large number of small files.
While rclone lacks an application for mobile, GoodSync features mobile apps for Android and iOS in addition to desktop apps for Windows, Linux, and Mac.
Here are the pricing options you get with GoodSync:
Individual Plans
- GoodSync Personal: $29.50 per year
- GoodSync Storage: Starts at $9.99 per year for 10 GB
Business Plans
- GoodSync Workstation: $39.95 per year
- GoodSync Server: $499.95 per year
- GoodSync Control Server: Custom pricing
Note that you can use GoodSync Free but with limitations.
7. Odrive
Odrive provides one location to unify all your cloud storage services. It supports more than 20 different storage apps. Although this is fewer than what you get with rclone, you’ll find all the storages you’ll need.
The tool saves files in your storage as simple cloud files that don’t consume disk space on your drive. Files only download to your device when you try to access them. Hence, you can sync storage with more data than your hard disk can hold.
With Odrive, you can protect files and folders with passwords and an expiration date. The tool lets you track how your web links to know how many times they were accessed and from what locations.
A unique feature is the Spaces that allow you to sync storage with other Odrive users. All you need to do is send an invite for them to accept. Likewise, they can send invites for you to accept.
Odrive is another freemium rclone alternative. You can do a lot with the free plan but can do more when you upgrade to a pro plan. The pro plan costs $8.25 per month and is charged at $99 per year.
If you’re a business, you can discuss with the sales team for a custom plan. Business plans start at $15 per user and require a minimum of five users.
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8. CloudMounter
CloudMounter is one of the major products in the Electronic Team, Inc. product catalog. With the tool, you can mount all your cloud drives locally on your device and browse them just like any local folder.
It supports about the same major cloud storage as rclone including Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, FTP, and WebDAV. With encryption, you can keep all files safe.
Notably, CloudMounter is a more preferred rclone alternative for Mac users than Windows users. It requires at least macOS 10.12 to run and is relatively lightweight with a 49.65 MB size.
Furthermore, the tool is available in multiple languages including English, Italian, Korean, Spanish, German, French, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, and Czech.
CloudMounter is a 100 percent premium tool, unlike rclone that’s available for free. However, you won’t be paying recurring subscriptions; you just have to pay a one-time fee to buy the tool. The pricing plans include:
Windows Pricing
- Personal License: $29.99
- Team License (for 5 PCs): $99.99
Mac Pricing
- Lifetime Personal License (1 Mac): $44.99
- Lifetime Team License (5 Macs): $129.99
9. Cyberduck
Cyberduck is a free cloud storage browser client for Windows and Mac OS X. The tool employs a GUI to access files from servers and manage data across several locations, including file access, editing, and storage.
With Cyberduck, you get to enjoy some features not found in other free rclone alternatives. Notably, the tool supports files up to 2 GB in size and uses SSL/TLS connections for secure file transfer.
Furthermore, Cyberduck integrates with Cryptomator – one of the rclone alternatives mentioned earlier. With the Cryptomator integration, you get access to extra features like filename encryption and file content encryption.
Another major Cyberduck integration is Mountain Duck – its sister platform. With Mountain Duck, you can mount cloud storages and servers as disks on your Windows File Explorer or Mac Finder.
Like rclone, Cyberduck features applications for MacOS and Windows desktops. Both tools don’t offer any mobile applications.
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10. SyncBack
SyncBack is the property of 2BrightSparks and it’s self-tagged the “best backup software”. It’s one of the oldest rclone alternatives on this list as the tool has been around since 2003.
For a tool that’s been around for almost 19 years, SyncBack comes with many advanced features. You can backup and restore backup files easily, schedule backups, and process unlimited filename lengths among others.
With the SyncBackSE version, you get to choose between easy and expert modes. Hence, SyncBack is an ideal rclone alternative for both beginners and experts.
You get even more options with the SyncBackPRO version. Notably, the SyncBackPRO version compares with rclone as it comes with extended support for cloud storages.
You can connect to over 15 cloud storages and also to the native SyncBack Management System (SBMS). An advantage of SyncBack over rclone is that it features a mobile app for Android.
There are three versions of the SyncBack software including SyncBackFree, SyncBackSE, and SyncBackPro. As you’d guess, the first is free to use while the other two require payment. Here are the pricing plans:
- SyncBackSE: $39.95 one-time payment
- SyncBackPro: $54.95 one-time payment
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11. Koofr
If you need a rclone alternative that’s very easy to use, do check out Koofr. This tool lets you combine all your files in one place.
You can sync files from cloud storages like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive for automatic backup. Furthermore, the tool lets you view and edit the files. You can also create new files.
Regular Microsoft Suite users will love this tool as it integrates with Microsoft Office for the web. Hence, you can work on shared documents in real-time with others.
Furthermore, Koofr is particular about privacy and security. The tool doesn’t track your activities and file transfer is secured using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption.
Koofr is better than rclone in terms of security. The tool supports modern browsers, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, WebDAV, and more. Interestingly, it also integrates with rclone.
Koofr isn’t a 100% free backup tool like rclone. Its pricing plans are based on the storage space you want to manage. They include:
- 2 GB Storage: Free
- 10 GB Storage: €0.5 per month
- 25 GB Storage: €1 per month
- 100 GB Storage: €2 per month
- 250 GB Storage: €4 per month
- 1 TB Storage: €10 per month
- 2.5 TB Storage: €20 per month
- 10 TB Storage: €60 per month
Note that all plans support unlimited sharing and individual file size (so long as your plan can contain it).
12. Insync
Insync is a platform said to have syncing superpowers. The tool supports cloud selective sync, local selective sync, one-way sync, and more. With all these, you can create the perfect syncing workflow.
Insync works for both desktop and server. The main advantage of opting for this alternative is that you don’t have to open many tabs to sync files.
It supports all the major cloud storage platforms you get with rclone and you can install Insync on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Aside from cloud storage, you can also sync external drives and SD cards
Insync is a premium rclone alternative. There are pricing plans for Sync & Backup and pricing plans for sync only. The plans include:
Sync & Backup Individual Plans
- Solo Sync & Backup: $49.99 one-time payment
- Personal Sync & Backup: $69.99 one-time payment
- Developer Sync & Backup: $99.99 one-time payment
Sync & Backup Team Plans
- Company Sync & Backup: $149.99 one-time payment
Sync Only Individual Plans
- Solo Sync: $29.99 one-time payment
- Personal Sync: $39.99 one-time payment
- Developer Sync: $59.99 one-time payment
Sync Only Team Plans
- Company Sync: $99.99 one-time payment
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13. UrBackup
This is a simple open source client and server backup system. UrBackup uses image and file backups to ensure data security and to speed up restore times. In essence, this tool is exclusively for file backups.
Once installed, it works in the background. In other words, backups of files and images are made while the system is functioning but without interrupting any of your activities. This is relatively different from how rclone works.
Incremental file backups are quick as UrBackup steadily monitors folders for changes from previous backups.
You can restore files using the web interface, or the Windows, Linux, and FreeBSD clients. Setting up a backup server using the intuitive web interface is simple.
While UrBackup is free to use, you have the option to pay for Change Block Tracking – a feature that monitors disk changes. It costs around $15.
14. WebDrive
WebDrive is another entry on our list. Like most other rclone alternative tools already mentioned, you get to manage your cloud storages directly from Windows Explorer and Mac Finder.
Notably, WebDrive supports FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, and NAS. The tool lets you back up your files and folders using your preferred backup software.
Using WebDrive’s File Manager, you can simply schedule complete or partial backups to an offsite server.
With support for registration codes, pre-set user connections, and automatic installs you can run WebDrive on many desktop clients in real-time. The enterprise option supports up to 500 computers.
WebDrive requires just a one-time purchase. Its pricing plans are based on the number of computers. They include:
Individual Plan (2 computers): $59.99 one-time payment
Multi-Plans
- 10 Computers: $379.95
- 25 Computers: $849.95
- 50 Computers: $1,299.95
- 100 Computers: $1,949.95
- 250 Computers: $3,699.95
Enterprise Plan (509 computers): custom pricing
15. Cloudevo Evorim
The Cloudevo tool connects several cloud storages into one big cloud. You can then mount this unified Cloud as a local drive on your computer.
It’s one of the best rclone alternatives because it is free and comes with impressive features. With Cloudevo, all files are encrypted with AES-256 which guarantees security.
To make your unified cloud even more secure, files are split up and uploaded to various cloud services. This is very similar to the mirror data feature you get with rclone.
An interesting Cloudevo feature is the offline mode. With offline mode, you can work on your Cloudevo drive as usual with cached files. The tool tracks everything and all modifications will be synced whenever you’re online.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, it comes down to the features you’re looking for. If rclone doesn’t meet your needs, you can check out any of the 15 alternative tools above that interest you.
Syncthing is the alternative that’s most similar to rclone. It’s free and open-source but while it’s a command-line program, the command-line functionality only runs in the background. The frontend is user-friendly.
