FileZilla is likely the first name that comes to mind. But, there are FTP clients with a variety of features, functionality, and design, so you can find the best FTP client for your needs.
Choosing a FileZilla Alternative
FileZilla is a free, open-source program for transferring files. It works with any operating system, has a simple interface and all of the basic features you would expect from a top FTP client.
However, you don’t have to use FileZilla. Today, there are numerous FTP clients you can choose from. To start, here is a list of what to look for in a client.
- Will the FTP client work with your operating system?
- Does it support secure protocols including FTPS and SFTP?
- Is the interface intuitive with the features you need? Drag and drop?
- Does it have a high uploading/downloading limit? If you transfer large files regularly. And are there connection limits?
- Do you require third party connections? Does the client allow that?
- Do the features include scheduling or automation capabilities?
- Does the client have a good search tool for finding files in the application?
We’ve put together a list of just some of the FTP clients from different categories to help you narrow your search.
1. Top Rated (2020): Cyberduck for Mac
Cyberduck is an open-source FTP client available for Windows or Mac and is on all the current lists of best FTP clients. It is particularly noted as a top-rated FileZilla alternative for Mac OS. It works with Finder and other Mac features. This client supports secure protocols (SFTP and FTP-SSL) and passwordless authentication with SSH keys.
Users like Cyberduck because it has a more modern look and is compatible with cloud services. While it is easy to use, Cyberduck doesn’t leave out the basics like search, resume, and drag & drop file management. Cyberduck is free to download and use, but they do ask for donations to help continue developing and supporting the product.
2. Low-Cost Pro FTP Client for Windows: Core FTP Pro
Core FTP Pro is a great low-cost alternative to FileZilla that offers great features for Windows users. Core FTP Pro features an easy to understand session log and file transfer window. Other notable features include automatic file encryption for transfers and full zip file compression for faster transfers that take up less space on your FTP server. You can schedule transfers for automation without scripting and do file synchronization — a key feature if you work with teams.
There is also a free (LE) version that many users find works fine and is similar to FileZilla but dedicated to Windows.
Both versions support FTPS, TLS, SSL, SFTP, auto-retry/resume, drag and drop. They also allow you to transfer multiple files and SSH keypair generation.
3. Advanced Features for Engineers: Forklift
Are you an engineer looking for a premium FTP client designed for Mac users? Forklift is a popular option that lets you connect to multiple servers. For those who work in Finder a lot, Forklift will feel similar but offers extended functionality. Start with a basic dual-pane interface and use drag and drop to move files. Or, adjust the user interface to meet your needs from a single pane to a more advanced configuration.
Forklift allows for remote editing of files and you can create multiple tabs and folders. You’ll love the quick view — look at any file without opening it. Forklift supports secure protocols as well as additional languages which is a plus for many companies working with clients and employees around the world.
4. Designed for Web Administrators: CoffeeCup Software’s Free FTP
Free FTP from CoffeeCup Software is the perfect FileZilla alternative for those looking to do simple and fast uploads. This no-cost FTP client has all the basic features that web admins rely on daily, from file transfer via secure protocols to file management.
Free FTP features intuitive file management with a drag and drop interface. You can easily monitor and pause transfers. Also, view the list of file transfer statuses by watching the status bar in the main window of the application. Web administrators need to be on top of more than just status — there’s also a history log for browsing and transfers.
Want something with a little bit more? There is a low-cost option available from Coffee Cup called Direct FTP. Get more power and editing capabilities plus all the speed and features of Free FTP.
5. The FTP Client Standard: WS_FTP
WS_FTP is a premium FTP client for Windows. This client has been around since the mid-1990s and is highly regarded and often said to be the standard to which other FTP clients are compared.
FTP and FTP-SSL file transfers are supported as well as SSH key pair generation for passwordless connections. This robust FTP client maintained by Ipswitch provides excellent encryption. WS_FTP offers multiple forms of encryption, including cryptography and integrated file encryption.
Another key feature is compatibility — WS_FTP lets you sync with a wide range of servers as well as schedule transfers and backups. You get faster file transfers with automatic file compression when using this FTP client. To top that off, customization is easy and drag and drop functionality moves files quickly. What more could you want?
6. Popular for Windows: WinSCP
Finally, we have an option that is popular for Windows. WinSCP is simplicity at its finest. It is an open-source, free FTP Client. This FTP client features an easy to use graphical interface. The dual-pane interface has customizable tabs and allows multiple sessions.
WinSCP is great for business with support for synchronization, additional languages, and automate tasks with rules. Files are encrypted and resume options let interrupted transfers complete. Administrative settings include advanced filters so you more easily manage files by choosing to see only what you need to. WinSCP is the perfect all-around FTP client for Windows.
7. FTP Client with Drive Mapping: WebDrive
WebDrive is a drive mapping utility that also pulls double duty as an FTP client. WebDrive allows you to access files from a remote FTP account directly on your local system via drive mapping. This is a wonderful option if you need an easy way to access, find, and work with multiple files while still utilizing an FTP connection for upload and download.
The Perfect FTP Client
From popular to premium options, there is an FTP client to meet everyone’s needs. Hopefully, we’ve shown you some choices to help you find the perfect one.
This article was originally published on the ExaVault Blog: 7 FileZilla Alternatives: What Type of FTP Client Are You Looking for?
