Top 10 Free FTP Clients ComparedChoosing the right FTP client can make file transfers faster, more secure, and less frustrating. This guide compares the top 10 free FTP clients available in 2025, covering features, platforms, security, usability, and ideal use cases so you can pick the best tool for your workflow.
What to look for in a free FTP client
Before the comparisons, consider these key factors:
- Transfer protocols supported (FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, etc.)
- Security features (SSH key support, TLS/SSL, password managers)
- Cross-platform availability (Windows, macOS, Linux)
- Usability (GUI, command-line, drag-and-drop, bookmarking)
- Performance (large file handling, multi-threaded transfers, resume)
- Integration (edit-in-place, synchronization, cloud storage)
- License and update frequency
Comparison criteria
Each client below is evaluated on:
- Platforms: which OS it supports
- Protocols: FTP/FTPS/SFTP/WebDAV/etc.
- Notable features: unique strengths or limitations
- Best for: ideal user or scenario
1. FileZilla
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Protocols: FTP, FTPS, SFTP (SFTP via separate build on some platforms)
Notable features: easy-to-use interface, site manager, transfer queue, resume support, large community. Frequent updates and extensibility with network settings.
Best for: Users who want a reliable, full-featured FTP client with wide platform support.
2. WinSCP
Platforms: Windows
Protocols: SFTP, FTP, SCP, WebDAV, S3 (limited)
Notable features: integrated GUI and command-line, powerful scripting, synchronization, PuTTY integration, SSH key handling. Highly secure and scriptable.
Best for: Windows users needing strong automation and secure SFTP/SCP transfers.
3. Cyberduck
Platforms: macOS, Windows
Protocols: FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, Azure, Backblaze B2
Notable features: cloud storage integrations, clean UI, support for external editors, bookmarking. Open-source with a donation model.
Best for: Users who work with both FTP and cloud storage services.
4. ForkLift
Platforms: macOS
Protocols: FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, S3
Notable features: dual-pane file manager, app-like macOS integration, folder sync, remote connections as local drives. Free tier with paid upgrades.
Best for: macOS users who prefer a Finder-style, dual-pane file manager with remote mounts.
5. FreeFTP (Zero-Install/Portable)
Platforms: Windows (portable)
Protocols: FTP, FTPS, SFTP (depending on build)
Notable features: lightweight, portable, quick setup—ideal for USB use. May lack advanced features and modern UI.
Best for: Users needing a minimal, portable FTP tool.
6. gFTP
Platforms: Linux (some Windows builds)
Protocols: FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, HTTPS, SSH
Notable features: simple GTK interface, suitable for lightweight Linux desktops, basic transfer features.
Best for: Linux users on lightweight desktops who want a simple GUI FTP client.
7. Transmit (Reader/free tier & trial historically)
Platforms: macOS
Protocols: FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, S3
Notable features: polished macOS design, fast transfers, Panic Sync in paid versions. Free trial available; fully free features limited.
Best for: macOS users willing to try a free tier before upgrading for pro features.
8. Bitvise SSH Client
Platforms: Windows
Protocols: SFTP, SCP (SSH-based)
Notable features: robust SSH tunneling, graphical SFTP, strong key management, scripting. Desktop-oriented with enterprise features.
Best for: Windows administrators who need secure SSH/SFTP connections and tunneling.
9. MuCommander
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Protocols: FTP, SFTP, SMB, NFS, HTTP, S3 (via plugins)
Notable features: dual-pane, keyboard-centric, cross-platform Java app. Lightweight and extensible.
Best for: Users who like dual-pane managers and cross-platform consistency.
10. lftp (command-line)
Platforms: Linux, macOS (via Homebrew), Windows (via WSL/Cygwin)
Protocols: FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP, FISH, etc.
Notable features: powerful, scriptable, mirrors, segmented transfers, scripting for complex jobs. No GUI.
Best for: Power users and sysadmins who prefer command-line automation and remote scripting.
Quick feature comparison
| Client | Platforms | Protocols | GUI | Scripting/Automation | Cloud Integrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FileZilla | Win/mac/Linux | FTP, FTPS, SFTP | Yes | Limited | No |
| WinSCP | Windows | SFTP, FTP, SCP, WebDAV | Yes | Strong | Limited |
| Cyberduck | macOS, Windows | FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, S3, GCS | Yes | Basic | Yes |
| ForkLift | macOS | FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, S3 | Yes | Basic | Yes |
| FreeFTP (portable) | Windows | FTP, FTPS, SFTP | Yes | No | No |
| gFTP | Linux | FTP, FTPS, SFTP | Yes | No | No |
| Transmit | macOS | FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, S3 | Yes | Basic | Yes |
| Bitvise | Windows | SFTP, SCP | Yes | Strong | No |
| MuCommander | Win/mac/Linux | FTP, SFTP, SMB, NFS | Yes | Basic | Plugin |
| lftp | Linux/macOS/WSL | FTP, FTPS, SFTP, HTTP | No | Very strong | No |
Security considerations
- Prefer SFTP or FTPS over plain FTP.
- Use SSH keys where supported (WinSCP, Bitvise, lftp).
- Verify host fingerprints and enable TLS for FTPS.
- Keep clients updated to avoid vulnerabilities.
Recommendations by use case
- Best for cross-platform general use: FileZilla.
- Best for Windows secure automation: WinSCP.
- Best for cloud + FTP work: Cyberduck.
- Best for macOS power users: ForkLift or Transmit.
- Best for lightweight/portable needs: FreeFTP or gFTP.
- Best for command-line automation: lftp.
If you want, I can expand any client section with screenshots, step-by-step setup (SFTP with SSH keys, passive vs active FTP, configuring TLS), or include download links and current stable versions.
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