Best cloud storage services with CLI for LXLE: (Tutorial)

Introduction

Linux LXLE is a lightweight, Ubuntu-based distribution ideal for reviving older hardware. When it comes to cloud storage, having a robust Command Line Interface (CLI) can significantly streamline workflows. In this article, we explore the best cloud storage providers that offer solid CLI support on LXLE. We cover pCloud, MEGA, Proton Drive, Filen, Tresorit, Icedrive, plus additional options like Dropbox and Google Drive (via Rclone). We include a comparison table, usage guides, typical issues, and our top recommendation for LXLE.

Top Recommendation for LXLE

Considering LXLE’s modest resource footprint, the top pick is pCloud. Its native Linux CLI client is lightweight, easy to install, and supports both standard and encrypted folders without requiring root privileges. The simplicity of pCloud’s CLI commands and the performance on older CPUs make it ideal for LXLE.

Comparison Table

Which One to Choose?

• pCloud – Best all-around for LXLE: lightweight, encrypted, and fast CLI.
• MEGA – Great for large free quota and end-to-end encryption slightly heavier CLI.
• Filen – Budget-friendly zero-knowledge with a solid CLI.
• Icedrive – Simple client-side encryption, clean CLI syntax.
• Dropbox/Google Drive – For mainstream integration use Rclone or official CLI but less focus on privacy.
• Proton Drive/Tresorit – Top privacy via zero-knowledge rely on Rclone for CLI integration.

How to Use Each One with CLI

pCloud (pcloudcc)

Install and mount your pCloud drive.

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install pcloudcc
# Configure your account
pcloudcc -u youremail@example.com -p YourPassword
# Mount to ~/pcloud
mkdir -p ~/pcloud
pcloudcc --mountpoint ~/pcloud

MEGA (megacmd)

Manage files and sync with MEGA.

# Install dependencies
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install megacmd
# Login
mega-login youremail@example.com YourPassword
# Sync local to remote
mega-sync /home/user/mydata /Root/mydata
# List files
mega-ls /Root

Filen (filen-cli)

Upload and download via Filen CLI.

# Download latest release from GitHub
wget https://github.com/filen-io/filen-cli/releases/download/vX.Y.Z/filen-linux-amd64.tar.gz
tar -xzf filen-linux-amd64.tar.gz
sudo mv filen /usr/local/bin/
# Login and list files
filen login youremail@example.com
filen ls
# Upload a file
filen upload /home/user/doc.pdf Documents/

Icedrive (icy)

Authenticate and mount encrypted drive.

# Download binary
wget https://github.com/Icedrive/cli/releases/download/vX.Y/icy-linux-amd64.tar.gz
tar -xzf icy-linux-amd64.tar.gz
sudo mv icy /usr/local/bin/
# Login
icy login youremail@example.com YourPassword
# Mount drive
mkdir -p ~/icedrive
icy mount ~/icedrive

Dropbox (dropbox-cli)

Get official CLI working on LXLE.

sudo apt-get install python3-gpg
wget -O dropbox.py https://www.dropbox.com/download?dl=packages/dropbox.py
chmod  x dropbox.py
# Run daemon
~/.dropbox-dist/dropboxd 
# Control via CLI
./dropbox.py status
./dropbox.py start

Google Drive Proton Drive Tresorit via Rclone

Use Rclone to unify multiple providers.

sudo apt-get install rclone
# Configure new remote
rclone config
# Follow interactive prompts to add drive, protondrive, or tresorit
# List files
rclone ls myremote:
# Sync
rclone sync /home/user/photos myremote:Photos

Typical Problems Troubleshooting

• Authentication failures – ensure correct email/password or API keys, and update the CLI tool to the latest version.
• Mount errors – create the mount directory and check FUSE permissions (sudo usermod -aG fuse USER then logout/login).
• Slow upload/download – test your network and switch to a closer server region when possible (MEGA, pCloud advanced settings).
• Conflict files – use sync flags (--checksum or --overwrite) to control behavior.
• Resource constraints – on LXLE, limit parallel transfers or use single-thread mode to reduce CPU/memory usage.

Conclusion

For LXLE users seeking CLI-driven cloud storage, pCloud stands out as the optimal choice due to its native, resource-friendly client and strong encryption options. MEGA and Filen follow closely for users needing larger free quotas or zero-knowledge encryption. When mainstream integration or multiple providers are required, Rclone unifies access to Proton Drive, Tresorit, Google Drive, and more. Evaluate your priorities—privacy, cost, or capacity—and select the solution that best matches your workflow.