Managing files across varied cloud services can often be cumbersome. The process of downloading, modifying, and re-uploading documents, or consistently switching between different applications, can disrupt your workflow. Cloud mounting solutions provide an effective remedy by seamlessly integrating your cloud storage directly into your File Explorer environment.
5 CloudMounter
The primary appeal of CloudMounter lies in its user-friendly interface that keeps complexity at bay. Setting it up is a breeze: you simply select your cloud service, and CloudMounter will direct you to your browser for authentication. Once you grant permission, your cloud storage is instantly available as a drive letter in File Explorer.
This application effectively manages multiple cloud services simultaneously. I successfully mounted Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive all at once, with each appearing as its distinct drive letter. This simplicity allows for straightforward file transfers between platforms, utilizing a drag-and-drop approach as though you were organizing files on your PC.
In addition, CloudMounter prioritizes security with its built-in encryption feature, enabling users to create secure vaults for confidential files, such as tax returns or client information. Utilizing AES-256 encryption locally before any files are uploaded adds a layer of protection; thus, even if a hacker compromises your cloud account, your sensitive information remains secured.
While CloudMounter is effective for day-to-day tasks, it does encounter challenges with transferring large files. For instance, during a test move of a sizable file from Dropbox to Google Drive, temporary files inflated and quickly consumed my local storage capacity.
As of now, it’s worth noting that CloudMounter’s offline functionality is currently exclusive to macOS; Windows support is still marked as “coming soon.”Hence, consistent internet access is essential for on-the-go cloud file access.
CloudMounter operates as a premium application with a 15-day trial period. After the trial, it reverts to a free version that restricts you to one cloud drive, while additional accounts are view-only.
Download: CloudMounter (Free trial, $29.99 lifetime license)
4 ExpandDrive
ExpanDrive has recently become available for personal use at no cost, making it a compelling option among cloud storage managers. It features two interface options: a traditional system tray mounter and a dedicated Storage Browser window. The latter is particularly beneficial for conducting searches across multiple cloud services or reviewing file versions.
ExpanDrive demonstrates impressive performance, with large files being transferred at speeds comparable to native file systems. Notably, it employs server-side copying for movements within the same cloud storage service, meaning that files in Google Drive can be reorganized without needing to download. Furthermore, it offers selective offline synchronization, where files automatically sync back once reconnected, adding to its user-friendliness.
However, there are a few traits to consider, especially regarding OneDrive mounting. Occasionally, files may seem absent from File Explorer despite appearing correctly in the Storage Browser. Additionally, during substantial transfers, like heavy video uploads, memory consumption can surge beyond 1GB, though this generally poses no problem for modern devices.
Download: ExpanDrive (Free)
3 Mountain Duck
Mountain Duck has gained popularity due to its excellent usability. While it performs standard mounting tasks effectively, its standout feature is robust integration with Cryptomator. This option provides enhanced security by creating zero-knowledge vaults that even obfuscate file names, making it top-notch for handling highly confidential documents.
When establishing a connection, Mountain Duck offers three sync modes: Online, which streams files directly from the cloud; Smart Sync, which caches files as they are accessed; and Offline, which downloads all files locally for complete offline access.
Mountain Duck excels in managing large file collections, efficiently maintaining performance during extensive transfers, thanks to its persistent caching functionality that allows for fast loading of folder structures and file lists after system reboots.
Nevertheless, users should be aware of some downsides, mainly regarding sync feedback. The application may show inconsistent progress updates, displaying outdated folder status icons. Additionally, OneDrive and SFTP connections may intermittently fail, requiring a restart for resolution. On average, Mountain Duck consumes around 400-600MB of memory while idle, with significant increases during large file operations. The pricing for a single-user license sits at $47, which some may consider steep compared to alternatives.
Download: Mountain Duck (Free trial, $47 license)
2 Air Live Drive
Air Live Drive adopts a straightforward online-only strategy, meaning it does not sync folders or maintain local copies, thereby conserving storage space. Any file opened for work is directly edited in the cloud, with changes saved as you close the document.
The application boasts a Windows 10-style interface that is clean and user-friendly, offering essential cloud drive management and settings for synchronization. Adding a new cloud drive is user-friendly; simply click Add Cloud Disk, select your cloud service, log in, and assign a drive letter for immediate access in File Explorer.
While Air Live Drive generally operates smoothly, certain limitations can emerge under specific conditions. For instance, on slower internet connections, performance may lag due to minimal caching—every interaction with files relies directly on cloud connectivity, which can delay the opening of larger spreadsheets if your connection isn’t robust.
The free version does impose some restrictions, limiting you to three drives from different providers. Another minor inconvenience is that connected drives may occasionally vanish after the system resumes from sleep mode. Although recent updates aimed to address this issue, manual reconnection may still be required at times.
Download: Air Live Drive (Free, $25 lifetime license)
1 RaiDrive
RaiDrive distinguishes itself with a robust free tier, allowing users to connect up to eight drives across major cloud services with full read and write capabilities. Although the app does display some upgrade prompts, they are not intrusive. Be mindful that RaiDrive does require account creation, making it unique among its competitors in this respect, which could be a deterrent for users avoiding account sign-ups.
The setup process is straightforward, with a wizard guiding you through the connection in just a few steps. RaiDrive is particularly adept at media streaming; for instance, I streamed 4K video from Google Drive on a gigabit connection without any interruptions. The application excels in sequential read operations, making it perfect for use as a media server.
Included in RaiDrive is a valuable file lock feature, preventing unintended edits to shared documents while you’re working on them; this is particularly useful in collaborative settings like Microsoft Office or LibreOffice. It employs TLS/SSL encryption to secure data transmissions and provides cache encryption for enhanced protection of temporary files stored locally.
The premium plans unlock additional features such as advanced encryption options and removal of advertisements. Starting at just $1.84 per month for the Starter plan, it presents exceptional value.
Download: RaiDrive (Free, Pro from $1.84/month)
These cloud mounting solutions effectively resolve the challenge of integrating cloud storage into your daily File Explorer activities. By eliminating the cumbersome process of downloading, modifying, and re-uploading files, you can handle your cloud documents as efficiently as any other file on your computer, without the hassle of toggling between different storage applications.
This practicality becomes especially significant when considering the extensive cloud storage accounts many users possess, which are often underutilized. For instance, with a Microsoft 365 subscription that includes 1TB of OneDrive space, you might find it challenging to leverage this capacity fully. Utilizing a proper mounting tool allows for effortless access and management of that storage directly within File Explorer, streamlining the handling of large files without compromising convenience.
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