Air Explorer Pro offers a unique solution for managing files across a vast array of cloud storage services. This software provides extensive synchronization options and connects to almost any online storage platform you can think of. However, its interface can be challenging to navigate, and some features, such as local zipping, present operational hurdles. Let’s delve into the details of this powerful, yet complex, tool.
Connecting to the Cloud: Air Explorer Pro’s Broad Support
Air Explorer Pro stands out for its comprehensive support of online storage services. While other sync and backup programs integrate with cloud storage, few offer the breadth of compatibility found in Air Explorer Pro. Supported services include popular platforms like Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, as well as enterprise-grade solutions like Azure, Amazon S3, and various S3-compatible services. This wide-ranging support makes it a versatile tool for individuals and businesses alike.
A free version of Air Explorer is also available, suitable for occasional syncing to common consumer cloud services. However, it lacks support for enterprise-level storage, scheduled operations, and saved jobs, making it less practical for frequent or complex tasks.
Air Explorer Pro supports a host of online storage services.
Navigating the Interface: A Learning Curve
While Air Explorer Pro offers a wealth of features, its interface can be confusing for new users. The main window, controlled by buttons for Explore, Accounts, Search, Scheduler, Synchronize, and Options, requires frequent switching between tabs to complete tasks. The separation of the Scheduler and Synchronize functions, in particular, feels counterintuitive and adds unnecessary steps to the workflow.
For instance, to schedule a synchronization task, users must first define a “Current folders” operation in the Synchronize tab, save it, and then navigate to the Scheduler. Similarly, the Explore tab is used to set source and destination folders before creating a synchronization task. While this workflow becomes more manageable with practice, the lack of clear guidance within the application creates a steeper learning curve than necessary.
Air Explorer Pro’s main window on the accounts tab.
Synchronization Options and Features: A Deep Dive
Once familiar with the interface, users can access a powerful set of synchronization options. Air Explorer Pro offers four pre-configured synchronization operations, allowing users to customize them based on their specific needs. These options provide flexibility in managing files across different cloud platforms and local storage.
Air Explorer offers pre-configured and user-defined sync jobs
Scheduling options include Copy, Synchronize, and Zip Uploads. The Copy function transfers data to the destination, while Synchronize utilizes the defined synchronization settings. Zip Uploads compresses the source folder into a .zip file before uploading it. It’s important to note that Copy and Zip Uploads do not delete files from the destination that have been removed from the source, and there’s no built-in versioning or true backup functionality.
Performance and Reliability: Hits and Misses
In testing, Air Explorer Pro generally performed its core functions quickly and efficiently. Copy and synchronization operations were smooth and reliable. However, the Zip Uploads feature encountered some issues, including permission errors and problems with non-existent folders. While creating new tasks with the same parameters resolved these issues, it highlights a potential area for improvement.
Additionally, the Zip Uploads feature to a local destination failed during testing, further emphasizing the need for refinement in this area. While online Zip Uploads functioned correctly, feedback on job status within the Scheduler tab was limited and sometimes inaccurate.
Final Verdict: A Powerful Tool with Room for Improvement
Air Explorer Pro is a powerful and versatile synchronization tool with extensive support for cloud storage services. Its comprehensive features and customization options make it a valuable asset for managing files across multiple platforms. However, the complex interface and issues with local Zip Uploads detract from the overall user experience. The developers could significantly improve the product by streamlining the workflow, providing clearer documentation, and addressing the reliability issues with the Zip Uploads feature.
For users seeking a comprehensive cloud storage synchronization solution, Air Explorer Pro offers a compelling option, despite its shortcomings. The free version provides a good starting point for evaluating its capabilities. For users already satisfied with their current sync or backup solution, exploring cloud storage managers might offer an alternative approach to integrating cloud storage with existing tools.
