My point here is this: every IT professional and practitioner needs a good FTP client (and possibly server) in their corner. Whether you're building a site or sharing files, FTP provides ease and capacity unavailable in simple computer-to-computer transfers. The popularity and long history of this protocol means there are lots of players in the game—FTP clients for Windows, FTP clients for macOS, FTP clients for mobile, free FTP clients and paid FTP clients—and the right one for you depends on the client's features and your needs. We're here to help you sort through the clutter with the following list. Don't have time to read through top FTP programs? My top pick is the SolarWinds® Serv-U® Managed File Transfer Server solution if you need reliable, business-level capabilities.
When you want the best security available over FTP, WSFTP is the best client you can get. It has been around for many years and has only become better and more bulletproof as an FTP client. Its history and longstanding user support means that the core codebase is efficient and reliable. When you want the best security available over FTP, WSFTP is the best client you can get. It has been around for many years and has only become better and more bulletproof as an FTP client. Its history and longstanding user support means that the core codebase is efficient and reliable. Many FTP clients have a drag and drop features in order to copy a file from one place to another. You can use these applications to synchronize local and remote folders quickly. Best FTP & SFTP Clients for Windows, Mac & Linux. Following is a handpicked list of Top FTP client, with their popular features and website links. Designed especially for Windows, SmartFTP is one of the best FTP software equipped with high-quality features. This FTP client is smart and multi-functional as it is an FTP, FTPS, SFTP, Google Drive, Amazon S3, SSH, OneDrive, SSH, WebDAV, Backblaze B2, Terminal Client. Welcome to the homepage of FileZilla®, the free FTP solution. The FileZilla Client not only supports FTP, but also FTP over TLS (FTPS) and SFTP. It is open source software distributed free of charge under the terms of the GNU General Public License.
Here you can jump ahead to FTP Client Software reviews:
What to Keep in Mind When Choosing FTP Client Software
File Transfer Protocol is necessary when you're communicating with a server. It's the FTP client software that initiates the request of the server. That's typically relevant when you're building or maintaining a website but could also matter when transferring large files that can't be stored on RAM. (This latter use has become less popular with the rise of cloud computing.) For smaller data transfers, going machine-to-machine is still fine.
A note on security: FTP was developed before cybersecurity was the concern that it is today, so data is sent unencrypted. That might be fine if you're just hosting whitepapers for download or transferring non-private information. But if you have any sensitive documents or your industry has privacy regulations, using an unsecured connection could be a PR headache at best and regulatory negligence charges at worst.
That's why Secure FTP, or SFTP, was developed. (FTPS is another, less common, encrypted form of FTP.) In fact, FTP and SFTP are often used interchangeably now, though you shouldn't assume this is the case when choosing your client; verify that you're getting SFTP if you need it.
Why pay for a top FTP program when there are so many popular free versions? As we've noted previously in this blog, 'Open-source is only free if your time is worthless.' That's a bit harsh, but the message is important: open-source and free proprietary options aren't going to provide the support and customization of a paid service and team. You'll spend a lot of time learning, customizing, and maintaining the program yourself, and it still might fail sometimes. This should be foremost on your mind if regular, secure, and reliable data transfer is mission-critical for your business and not just tangential.
Best FTP Client Overall
With SolarWinds Serv-U Managed File Transfer (MFT) Server, you get all the business-level capabilities you need at the affordable price you've come to expect from other Serv-U product offerings like Serv-U File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Server.
Like FTP Server, Serv-U MFT provides total control over your file transfers—even 3GB+ files—within your organization, over both web and mobile devices. It simplifies file transfer for users with single drag-and-drop features. I'd say the real advantage here is the intuitive dashboard that allows central control and customizable automation abilities (and the ability to look over activity logs as needed).
And of course, you get the crucial security features you need and expect for business functions, like Active Directory integration and authentication features. Files can be transferred over FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and HTTP/S protocols, over both IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Designed to deliver reliable and secure file transfers, this file transfer tool focuses on helping you ensure regulatory compliance for PCI DSS, HIPAA, and other standards that require secure data transfers. Serv-U MFT can take loads off your plate and keep your system running smoothly.
Serv-U MFT Server is designed to be easy to install and supports deployment on Windows and Linux® platforms.
Best Free FTP Client for Windows
WinSCP is like the Honda Civic of FTP clients—ubiquitous, relatively reliable, and affordable (free, in fact, because it's open-source), all-in-all a decent option for a variety of users. It supports the SFTP protocol for added security and supports SCP (as the name suggests), as well as WebDAV and Amazon S3. WinSCP has an integrated text editor and allows for remote editing, which is then uploaded to the server automatically when saving, making editing a snap. And there are three portable versions, including one for Linux.
A few drawbacks: it's built on Windows, so Mac users are out of luck. And if you use UNC to organize files on a LAN, WinSCP isn't compatible with that either. Plus, some users criticize WinSCP's odd keyboard command layout and the inability to customize shortcuts. (A minor gripe, but I bet it will annoy you after a while.)
Runner-Up, Best Free FTP Client for Windows
FileZilla might be the undisputed champ of open-source FTP clients if not for some unfortunate moves and PR. It works for Windows, macOS, and Linux, has drag-and-drop, tabbed interface, bookmarks, and remote editing as well as file search. Out since the early 2000s, FileZilla has racked up thousands of happy users and supporters.
But the program's host, SourceForge, earned some ill will when it started bundling FileZilla downloads with adware or using deceiving tactics to get users to download unwanted programs. Some users even claimed malware was loaded onto their computers. Current versions still contain ads on update pages, so be careful. And in 2014, it was revealed that fake versions of FileZilla were loaded with malware that was stealing login credentials, so you should make sure you are downloading a legit version.
Best Free FTP Client for macOS
At first glance, Transmit might not seem like a standout. Like other competitive FTP clients, it supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, Amazon S3, or WebDAV protocols, and integrates easily with Amazon Drive, Backblaze B2, DreamObjects, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft OneDrive, Microsoft OneDrive for Business, OpenStack Swift, and Rackspace Cloud Files cloud storage accounts. Transmit is also great for automated syncing.
What makes Transmit special? It does all this for macOS. In a field dominated by Windows FTP clients, this is easily the best FTP client for macOS. And as proprietary freeware, you get the updates and guidance of a paid service without spending a dime.
Runner-Up, Best Free FTP Client for macOS
Cyberduck is another big name among the best free FTP clients, especially among FTP clients for macOS. (There is also a Windows version, but because Cyberduck was built on macOS, its features are macOS-leaning.) It supports FTP and SFTP, WebDAV, OpenStack Swift, Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, and Microsoft Azure. Users love its simple and friendly graphic interface with drag-and-drop (for bookmarks too) and its support of dozens of languages. Cyberduck doesn't have a built-in text editor but integrates with whichever your favorite is. And it allows for remote previewing of some files without downloading them.
However, that simple and easy user interface might not be sufficient for some power users. And though this is a free open-source program, it will prompt you for donations until you donate, which can get irritating.
Honorable Mentions
FireFTP is unique in that it's not a standalone desktop program, but an add-on for the Mozilla Firefox browser (although the creators now recommend using Waterfox). This adds a lot of convenience for Firefox power users, but not much advantage for everyone else. If you prefer trees of directories and lists of files to a more dressed-up user interface, FireFTP's two-pane display is for you.
CuteFTP is one of the most popular paid FTP clients on the web. Reviews tout its ease of use and simplicity. Standouts include the automation of file transfers and the built-in editor (Scintilla). Thanks to a feature called Tappin, you can easily share files between desktop and mobile devices. Available for Windows, CuteFTP is free to try and costs $59.99 standalone, with an additional $30 for a year of maintenance and support.
CloudMounter works a little differently because it's not exactly an FTP client. It's more like a direct connection to your FTP server as if the server were a removable drive. So instead of complicated software and interfaces, all you have to do is open up Finder. Few other FTP clients can say that they make it as easy as plugging in a thumbnail drive. CloudMounter is free to try and costs $29.99 (or an additional $10 for a 'lifetime upgrades guarantee'). It's primarily known for its macOS version but is also available for Windows and Linux according to its website.
One More Time: The Best FTP Client
The best FTP software depends all on your needs and budget, but I highly recommend looking at paid services to ensure regulatory compliance, security, and reliability. Check out SolarWinds Serv-U MFT for the most reliable option—and with all the security issues that can arise with transfers, you shouldn't take that reliability lightly.
Related Articles
Best SIEM Tools – the best FTP Client software can support sending server logs to SIEM tools for help with deeper security analysis and compliance reporting. Check the list of best SIEM software.
Best Website Monitoring Tools – If you're reading this article, you likely have a website to run. Monitoring is another important part of that and has a similar cost/benefit analysis between free and paid software.
Best Log Management Software – Time to update your strategy for log management? Here's our list of tools with suggestions for every budget.
FTP clients whether on Windows 10/8/7, macOS, Linux, or Android allow the users to upload and download files from a remote or local FTP server. Furthermore, if we are using the latest browsers they already have FTP client extensions that can be used to access remote files and don't require installation of any dedicated software on the system. However, for better features, it would be great if we go for some dedicated FTP client programs available with some additional features to make the transfer of data easy.
Here we are presenting the best software in the free category to use as an FTP client for Windows 10 that can be used on Windows 8 and 7 as well.
1. FileZilla – top Windows 10 FTP client
FileZilla software doesn't need an introduction, it already popular and one of the best FTP clients for Windows 10 using by a wide range of professionals and regular users to access FTP servers. Playstation 3 linux download. FileZilla is an open-source and free to use FTP client software that is not limited to FTP but also supports SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), optionally via SSL / TLS (FTPS).
It offers a tabs interface, using that a user can have multiple FTP connections at the same time. FileZilla can also resume interrupted transfers and transfer files that are larger than 4 GB. It has two portions for showing files and directories from the server and local machine. This allows users to drag and drop files & folders to easily upload to the server or vice versa.
Those who don't want any strings attached can use the portable FTP client version called FileZilla Portable. Keep it in a USB drive to connect the FTP server anywhere using any Windows computer without installation. Download FileZilla Portable
The thing which remains frowned upon by the users is its storing of FTP sites username and passwords in an unencrypted format, hence, if you have saved the password on FileZilla client, then any person with access to your computer can retrieve it.
Therefore, to doge that, it is recommended to create a Master Password, thus only you will be able to access the Filezilla client or the one who has the password.
The developers of the program also offer a Server version of FileZilla to create their own FTP server on Windows. Know more about it-How to set up and use FTP server on Windows 10 using FileZilla. While the server version is limited to Windows, the client is cross-platform and available for Linux, Windows, and macOS as well. Know more– How to install FileZilla on Ubuntu and CentOS
Best Ftp Client Pc
2. WinSCP
If you are on Windows 10, then WinSCP is the best free FTP client available to download from Microsoft Store. However, others can visit the official website to have the installer directly. Apart from FTP and SFTP (secure file transfer protocol), it also supports the older SCP protocol over SSH, WebDAV, and S3 protocols.
Although Filezilla and WinSCP share a lot of things in common, however, one thing which the user would not find in FileZilla is the automatic synchronization between the local and server directory.
Best Ftp Client Mac
Furthermore, it directs the processing of files on the server, and the access data is stored in encrypted form. Just like FileZilla, the user can use it via USB drive by downloading the WinSCP portable version.
Apart from all this, the WinSCP features drag&drop, URL, shortcut icons, jump list; batch file scripting, and command-line interface, integrated text editor; shares site settings with PuTTY; explorer and commander interfaces.
The commands list and how they work are given on the official website's page of this tool. WinSCP is only available for Windows operating systems. See more- How to transfer files between Windows and Linux computer using WinSCP
3. SolarWind FTP Voyager FTP Client
SolarWind that deals in enterprise software offer an FTP client with an impressive interface and all the core capabilities a user needs. FTP Voyager is also a free Windows 10 FTP client and looks similar to FileZilla in terms of two-windows design, however, the overall design is more modern and easy to navigate, thanks to big icons.
Multiple tabs are supported to connect multiple servers; drag and drop are there, automatically synchronize folders and supported protocols are FTP, FTPS, and SFTP.
The user can also schedule transfers to initiate them automatically at some specific given time. Furthermore, it is possible to transfer files into specific folders using their file extensions including file preview.
A new user to FTP client software can easily handle FTP voyager to upload files to hosting servers.
4. Cyberduck: OpenSource FTP client
Cyberduck FTP client for Windows 10 offers similar features FileZilla and WinSCP originally available for macOS and has been for Windows as well, is other popular free and open-source FTP client software. Handbrake converter download. It is not just limited to the FTP server for uploading and downloading but also supports a good range of Cloud storage such as Amazon S3, OneDrice, Backblaze B2, Dracoon, Files.com, Openstack Swift, Google Cloud Storage, and Rackspace including WebDAV servers such OwnCloud.
Well, in terms of interface, it is very basic, unlike above WinSCP and FileZilla, the users will find a single window instead of two windows partition design to easily navigate and drag & drop files for transferring.
It comes with a feature called Cryptomator offers client-side encryption to secure your data on any server or cloud storage.
Users can directly download Cyberduck from Microsoft Store on Windows 10 but need to pay for it there. However, on the official website, it is freely available for macOS and Windows 10/8/7.
5. Mobaxterm– Free FTP server & client
If you don't want very extensive features in your FTP client but want all the basic things, then MobaXterm is the all-rounder. Because it is not designed for a single purpose instead, it can deal with lots of things.
Apart from an inbuilt FTP client, the users can use the MobaXterm for Remote desktop (RDP, VNC, Xdmcp) and
Remote terminal (SSH, telnet, rlogin, Mosh). Yes, whether you are a professional, a developer, or a regular user, it comes with all the necessary tools we need for day-to-day server handling and networking.
The features such as X11-Forwarding, automatic SFTP browser, SSH tunneling helps the user to uninstall multiple software from such as FileZilla, Putty, and others. It comes with Plugin support that can further enhance its capabilities.
Even Windows 10 WSL can directly be accessed using the MobaXterm. Those are looking for a free FTP server, no need to go anywhere else, that is also inbuilt along with TFTP, SSH/SFTP, Telnet, NFS, VNC, Cron, Iperf, and HTTP servers. Wick 1 0.
If this not is enough then the paid version without any limitation on the number of macros, SSH sessions, enhanced security settings, and others are there.
6. Core FTP
Core FTP is a freemium product, therefore, a free version – Core FTP LE for Windows is available to download and fulfill the demands of users.
The free version comes with all essential features and supports SFTP (SSH), SSL, TLS, HTTPS, and FTPS protocols.
Those are in web development, the Core FTP will not let them down because of a wide range of features such as IDN, browser integration, .htaccess & .htpasswd editing, drag & drop support, FTP transfer resume, File masking (wildcards), FTP/HTTP Proxy, Socks 4&5 support and more… The interface of the program is almost similar to FileZilla. Type fu 4 7 13. Monity 1 4 5.
For more features, the user can opt pro version of the Core FTP that offers HIPAA compliant security, File Synchronization, Email notification of transfer status, IBM Information Exchange support, and more…
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