FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It has been around for years and years, used to transfer files between computers on a network.
Apr 5th, 2015: 1.7.1 - Fixed the issue regarding closing the SFTP handle. Changed the Pepper API from 39 to 41. Mar 30th, 2015: 1.7.0 - Remember the fingerprint. Mar 29th, 2015: 1.6.1 - Improved the performance against reading a large file (Thx: fedoracooper). Mar 24th, 2015: 1.6.0 - Improved the performance. Cyberduck is free software, but it still costs money to write, support, and distribute it. As a contributor you receive a registration key that disables the donation prompt. Or buy Cyberduck from the Mac App Store or Windows Store. Free software is a matter of the users freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change and improve the software. How to Manually Access your SFTP Site through Cyberduck 1. Click Open Connection. Enter the following information: a. Select SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) from the drop down. For the Server, enter sftp.quantumworkplace.com c. Enter Username d. Click Connect 5. If the Unknown fingerprint dialog box.
For these file transfers, you need to use an FTP client that will connect to an FTP server that runs on a remote device.
Some vendors provide software for both – FTP client and FTP server in the same package. But many DO NOT.
Besides, with emerging security concerns of FTP, another protocol, SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol), was soon introduced to address these issues and perform secure file transfers.
It is an entirely different protocol that uses different ports. And, it also adds great file management and file transfer abilities to SSH. All file transfers in SFTP are encrypted using SSH protocol.
Now since myriads of FTP and SFTP clients are flooding the market, it can get quite overwhelming to understand which one is the best.
So, here we have curated a list of Top 8 FTP and SFTP clients for Windows and Linux in 2020. Many are free and some are paid after the trials expire.
SolarWinds is one of the prominent software companies that has developed a FREE SFTP client- which is Solar-PuTTY. The program in itself is user-friendly. Fs 1 5 7 – note manager software. It allows you to remotely connect to any server or device in a network through Windows systems.
As it features a tabbed interface, you get to conveniently manage multiple sessions from a single console. Not just that, it also lets you save private keys or credentials of any session for quicker login the next time. For quick recognition, just use the color coding feature for every session.
There’s also an efficient ‘Windows Search’ tool integration, using which you can search your tags, IP addresses, saved sessions, usernames, etc. within seconds. And as connection establishes, you can even automate all scripts.
Not only does it support graphical SFTP file transfer, but Solar-PuTTY also supports SSH, SCP and Telnet protocols. Lastly there’s no need for installation, you can simply run the executable file.
Solar-PuTTY Features
Editor’s Choice
Solar-PuTTY is the best SFTP client and also a great choice for script automation. Apart from this, the tabbed interface, Windows Search integration and feature to save credentials or private keys are some of its best highlights!
Download for 100% Free:
SolarWinds is a leading developer when it comes to designing free FTP clients. It has deployed myriads of free tools in the market featuring intuitiveness and user-friendliness.
Here’s another powerful FTP Client, Serv-U Managed FTP Voyager. It is a free tool that is packed with features, is fast and quite responsive altogether.
FTP Voyager can handle FTP, SFTP and FTPS file transfers. Its enhanced security is proven by its FIPS 140-2 validation and U.S. Army Certificate of Networthiness (CoN).
It is deliberately made for Windows and Linux systems, and includes various advanced features such as synchronization of folders, scheduling of file transfers and more.
FTP Voyager Features
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As the name suggests, the WinSCP file manager only runs on Windows systems. It is an extremely popular, free SFTP and FTP client that lets you connect your local and remote servers seamlessly. It has a very unique dual-pane module for file transfers.
Here you can manage multiple sessions at a time, and also personalize your main page with different sessions, commands and tabs.
WinSCP is quite user-friendly, as it has a nice graphical user interface to make it more visually appealing. Not just that, you can even automate scripts and tasks by setting the rules.
WinSCP Features
If you are looking for a very basic file manager, and SFTP/FTP client for Windows computers- WinSCP is a great choice.
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FileZilla is again a very popular FTP client, which also supports SFTP and FTPS (FTP over SSL) protocols. The best thing about FileZilla is that it is cross-platform and available for Windows, Mac OS X, *BSD and Linux systems as well. Dropshare 5 6 equals.
It is an open-source, free software featuring intuitive graphical user interface along with a bunch of impressive features. Along with IPv6 support, FileZilla client also includes a tabbed user interface, so you can manage multiple sessions over a single window.
Apart from this, it offers a flexible drag and drop interface, so you seamlessly upload or download files. It also supports resume and transfer of larger files, greater than 4 GB- which is a huge bonus!
FileZilla has a powerful site manager and transfer queue for effortless management and transfer of entire websites. Moreover, the directory comparison feature lets you compare files, their sizes, dates, etc. on a local and remote directory.
The only drawback is that many Windows users have witnessed adware in FileZilla’s downloadable program. But that can be resolved by simply unchecking the box to opt-out from the adware while you are installing the program.
FileZilla Features
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CyberDuck is another potential FTP and SFTP client that is compatible with Mac and Windows computers. It also supports WebDAV, Amazon S3, and more.
Its interface is perfect for newbies and advanced users as it is easy to use. One thing that makes CyberDuck stand out is how seamlessly it integrates with your Mac environment.
With just a click of a button, you can open files and edit them. Plus, you can even choose your preferred code editor.
For enhanced security of your data, this program uses Cryptomator interoperable vaults that perform client side data encryption. Plus, it also connects your website to cloud storage such as Dropbox or Google Drive and lets you share files quickly via web URLs.
As compared to other FTP clients, CyberDuck’s user interface looks quite modern and intuitive.
CyberDuck Features
Fonepaw video converter ultimate 2 9 0 8. Though it is free software, if you want to get a registration key or don’t want to see any donation prompts, you need to donate $10 to the developers.
Download for Free:
Developed in PHP and AJAX, MonstaFTP is a web-based FTP and SFTP client, unlike other clients which are desktop software.
MonstaFTP also boasts a modern interface for user-friendliness, making it a perfect choice for beginners and pro users. You can use it to manage your website via browser, upload/download files, edit code, and much more.
The biggest benefit of MonstaFTP is that it is a file manager in the cloud. You can access your install from anywhere, through any device, which is not the case with other desktop software.
MonstaFTP comes in Lite Edition and Business Edition. Lite Edition is free and has basic FTP functionality such as file transfers, folders or file uploads or downloads. Whereas, Business Edition is a paid version where you can customize your UI, restrict access to certain IP addresses and much more.
MonstaFTP Features
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CoffeeCup is an impressive, free FTP client, recognized by the name ‘Free FTP’. The program is intuitive, fast and user-friendly.
With just a click of a button, you can connect to a server and simply use drag and drop feature to seamlessly download or upload files to your server or computer.
‘FTP Activity Pane’ shows you a clear status of your file downloads and uploads. Plus, you can even pause or cancel the file transfers. Not just FTP, but CoffeeCup Free FTP can handle SFTP, FTPS and HTTP protocols as well!
At the bottom, you’ll see a Status Bar filled with critical information about what’s exactly happening in your FTP session. It also encompasses amazing file management features for both local as well as remote environments.
Besides, the use of Bookmarks is the most impressive thing about this Free FTP client. Using this feature, you can save your place in a folder on the remote server, or your local device or both.
In just one click, you can even archive the entire remote directory in a local zip file. Such a feature comes most handy while backing up your website.
CoffeeCup Free FTP Features
As the name implies, Free FTP is a free FTP client. But CoffeeCup also offers Direct FTP which is a paid FTP client packed with high-end features.
Download for Free: https://thirslococon1970.mystrikingly.com/blog/how-to-use-parallel-desktop-on-mac.
Last but definitely not the least, the IPswitch WS_FTP Professional is a paid FTP client packed with myriads of advanced features. Thus, it is more suitable for advanced users.
It is a safe and easy FTP client that allows secure uploads and downloads of files with OpenPGP file encryption, 256-bit AES and FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography.
Not just SFTP, but it also supports other protocols such as SSH, HTTP and SSL.
Apart from this, the IPswitch client has an easy drag and drop feature, customizable display, integrated desktop search engines and schedule feature for post-transfer actions.
IPswitch WS_FTP Professional Features
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Most users just need a basic free FTP client with simple functionalities, but there are some advanced users who might need the premium offerings of paid versions. It all comes down to your personal preference.
If you like dual-pane view in the interface for your local and remote files, the WinSCP and FileZilla are two impressive, free FTP clients.
Whereas, if you would just like to see remote files on your server, without any local files or folders, you can opt for CyberDuck- it is clean, free and fast.
For high-grade security, reliability and regulatory compliance, you can try Serv-U Managed FTP Voyager.
Maybe you’ve used an FTP or SFTP client before or maybe you’re looking for one which should meet all your needs. We’ve reviewed many of them and picked the top ten FTP client you can use on Windows computer, and few more when you’re seeking for more alternatives.
When it comes to access or edit files on your server, maybe you need to access or manage your WordPress website’s files, and with an FTP client, the process is straightforward and very simple. An FTP client comes handy when you have to deal with your server, your hosting server or manage your cloud storage account, a good FTP client can save your time. Fortunately, these days finding alternatives is easier and a google search away. But we’ve not mentioned the overrated (not always) client like FileZilla etc. Instead, we tested those who are living under the rock and ready breath on your computer.
The advanced, free and with lot’s of features —Cyberduck is our favorite FTP client, psst! It also supports SFTP, Amazon, WebDav and around 10 more connections including Google Drive and Dropbox. You get all the unusual and pretty much everything you ever want with an FTP/SFTP client. This website runs on cloud hosting powered by DigitalOcean, and from the Day I used this client, I never looked for any alternative, and there is no reason to dump it and use another FTP client. But that depends on person to person. Talking about features, it has all those basic and even more like editing files using your favorite Text Editor (Notepad or Notepad++) and changing file permissions. It is available for MAC and Windows operating system.
Note: The only problem I faced was when I slowly double click on a folder to rename it, and it may sometimes consider this a folder opening action that causes the program to crash.
At first glance, it would seem that you are using a file explorer of Windows 10. But in reality, it is a very good Ftp Client that supports multi-windows, history, and sort of other necessary and even useless. So many buttons may annoy you, and from my perspective, it’s probably not a user-friendly client. It comes with a 30-day free trial. With a very familiar look (as the interface is like once we see on Windows Explorer) makes the possibility that working on it would be easier. Along with many connection types, it supports SFTP, Telnet, ssh and storage like onedrive and Google Drive.
Talking of Interface and the features it gives the best of them while it might be little overwhelming for a new user (like me) to play with all those buttons it does have.
It’s a less powerful FTP and sFTP client that run on Chrome (extension) and native application are available for Windows, Linux and MAC OS. I didn’t try its native applications for Windows, but I installed the Chrome extension that is around 3MB in size. You can simply enter your SMTP details and access your server files right from your Chrome web browser. There will be all simple and necessary actions and features. Hopefully, if you do like Google Chrome extensions, this is recommended sFTP client
Install / chrome extension
It looks like this simple WebDAV supports even the older operating system from Windows 2000 to Windows 10. It also supports FTP, Amazon, and tons of other file storage services. The interface will remind you those Windows XP icons and along with lightweight installer it comes will all basic features, such as Edit, move, copy, rename, etc. CarotDAV is super lightweight and also comes in a portable version which is less than 2 MB, but that doesn’t mean it has all the features.
Another lightweight/standalone FTP or SFTP client for Windows and can share site setting with the Putty (A ssh client). It provides a graphical interface to deal with files and folder on a server and has similar interface (if compare to SmartFTP) but a lighter solution for those looking for an easy way.
Install (Various OS) Terragen 4 3 23 cm.
It is a hell combination of simplicity and features, the program supports windows 10/8 and 7. A user friendly interface that will not take any longer to get used to it. The Pro version comes with built-in HTML editor that makes writing code directly to your server files super easy. It also comes with a bookmarking feature that you can use to pin directory or service and access them quickly for the next time. Most of the features are available in the free version of the software, and the Pro plan comes with code completion features that we talked earlier in the beginning.
It is basically a multi-window interface that makes possible to view your computer files and your server files at the same time and transfer files between them. There will also be a terminal feature that may help you deal with SSH based servers, so if you want one client that supports multiple FTP/sFTP connections and SSH terminal, this can be a game changer for you and save a lot of your time. It also has some shortcut button, for example, the “Archive” button can create a backup of files and store them in a ZIP or RAR format, a nifty way to backup your site data or servers.
Install (various OS)
The team recently launched the transmit 4 that comes with a brand new look and tons of new features. It supports file transfer from one server to another, so if you are dealing with more than one server it comes really handy. It can also send SSH commands that again make it even powerful (sorry Putty). Having a twin-turbo engine makes transferring smaller files ultra-fast maybe that’s what you need, and also support multi-connection helps doing things quickly and faster. As for now transmit only support Mac OS operating system, umm bad news for windows users.
Install (Mac)
Ultimately open source FTP client hosted over SourceForge and supported multiple operating systems. It comes with built-in tools to play audio and view images, or even you can GZIP compress in one click. While it is a lightweight gtk+ based FTP client that doesn’t mean it could not provide advanced features like multi-window interface and task manager. Again it supports FTP commands directly from the interface without digging into anything.
Install (Windows, Linux and MAC)
Smartphones are taking place all over the world, and now they are capable of doing great and amazing kinds of stuff. FTP client are not limited to computer operating system, so it’s we will nice if you can access your FTP server on your Android phone and on-the go, anywhere and anytime. And FTP is a mobile app that can do exact same operations you could do on a real computer.
Install (android)
Finally a Firefox addon to bring the ability to access any FTP server inside the Firefox browser. For sure Firefox browser supports various operating system that also means you can install this add-on multiple operating systems. You will need a Firefox browser to use this FTP client. You might know that Firefox officially offers a total of five extensions but recently due to a quit they’re retiring four of the extension, and they won’t be able to install from the next year and same month.
Install (Firefox Browser)
Unlike setup based programs these client are web-based so there is no need to install anything on your computer. With just a web browser, you can access your Ftp account on the go and manage or start editing files right from your browser. Below are some web-based ftp clients is mentioned.
Perhaps the best, and fast FTP client is CyberDuck that actually supports many other connections such as SFTP (ssh based FTP), or even some Cloud Storage accounts. Its simplicity and usability makes it stand out from the competitors. If you’re looking for alternatives you can check CarotDAV, that is even more simpler and does the job all the time. The once mentioned on this page are more suitable for establishing an FTP or SFTP connection, and there are more powerful client are available if you’re just looking for a Google Drive client (like Insync). Also, when you’re dealing with an SSH based FTP server and when you’re master with commands Putty comes handy as it is lightweight and click to open tool available for Windows. But as it is solely based on coding, you may want to dump and use
There are more niche specific client out there, if you feel something is missing in this article, we’d love to talk about it.
Personal Note: I was trying to install WordPress on DigitalOcean Server, but by default they lock the WordPress setup behind a password that can be changed or removed using a SSH client like Putty, I wish there was something easier to do it, so I took help from ServerPilot to create a server and install WordPress on it, and hopefully after than accessing the server using a SFTP client “CyberDuck” made it easy to manage the site’s file directly. Some hosting comes with built-in FTP managers but they always not meet your expectations.
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