Server administrators need to balance client capabilities, user interface, and security concerns when choosing the right free FTP software for their business.
It also supports Mac features like storing your login credentials in keychain and locating files in finder. You can select your preferred code editor and open files for editing with the click of a button. Platform: Windows, Mac Price: Free. Transmit is the most popular FTP client for Mac, particularly among web developers.
It’s no secret that, despite the persistent popularity of file transfer protocol (FTP), the evolution of cybersecurity threats, safety standards, and cloud-based storage systems has changed the file transfer landscape. These elements have fundamentally altered what web developers and server administrators are looking for from FTP software, and clients who haven’t adapted to these needs generally fail to support users’ top priorities: security law compliance and ease of use.
Feel free to download the FTP client from the Cyberduck website or you have options for downloads on the Microsoft and Mac App Stores. This is free, open source software but you can get rid of donation prompts and even receive a registration key if you’d like to donate more than $10 to the developers.
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Cyberduck is best free ftp client, free to download and open-source cross-platform FTP client, with Windows and Mac versions available.It will fit your file-transferring needs: SFTP, WebDav, Amazon S3, and more.
Popular open source Alternatives to Web FTP Client for Windows, Linux, Mac, PortableApps.com, BSD and more. Explore 6 websites and apps like Web FTP Client, all suggested and ranked by the AlternativeTo user community. List updated: 5/20/2019 5:35:00 PM.
Most internet users won’t need an FTP server to share files with other people, now that cloud-based services are so prevalent and accessible. However, many people still require FTP (or its more secure protocol alternatives, SFTP and FTPS) when carrying out web uploads and large file transfers.
As FTP is still part of the daily lives of many IT folks and even casual web developers, I’ve rounded up and reviewed the best free FTP clients available. For those who don’t need as many administrative functionalities or security measures, a free FTP client is probably equipped to serve the occasional or moderately sized file transfer, and I’ve included a “best-of” list below. However, for many corporations who need more rigorous encryption, better directory and file visibility, and more intensive management capabilities, paying for an FTP server software is a smart investment (and probably saves money in the long run, considering how expensive compliance violation fines and data security breaches can be).
In terms of paid software, I’d suggest SolarWinds® Serv-U®Managed File Transfer for its scalability, range of supported protocols, and comprehensive security controls.
Best Free FTP Clients
1.FTP Voyager
SolarWinds FTP Voyager is an entirely free FTP client Windows users will love. It supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP, meaning it meets the security needs of a wide range of organizations. Further, it enables users to connect to multiple servers simultaneously and conduct several transfers concurrently, an important feature for frequent uploaders that other free FTP programs are lacking.
Because SolarWinds designed FTP Voyager with Windows users in mind, the interface will be familiar to veterans of the operating system. Plus, the split screen gives clear visibility into the state of your directories by placing the local and remote servers side by side and automatically synchronizing folders, enabling direct comparison and drag-and-drop file transfer from the Windows desktop. Perhaps most crucially, it automates file transfer with its full-featured scheduler.
Lastly, if your business scales up and requires more extensive file transfer management, you may decide paid software is the best option for your organization. FTP Voyager integrates seamlessly with SolarWinds upgrades to Serv-U FTP Server and Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server.
2. Cyberduck
Cyberduck is another free FTP software respected by industry professionals. Luckily, it’s a free FTP client that can also benefit Mac users. The main advantage of Cyberduck is its widespread applicability: it serves Windows and Mac, and it acts as both server software and storage browser, meaning it supports FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV in addition to Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, Google Drive, and Dropbox.
Users also value its manual editing capabilities, which allow them to change any text or binary file on the server, and its security specs. Interoperable with its Cryptomator tool, Cyberduck is capable of end-to-end encryption, not only encrypting file and directory names but encrypting file content individually and obfuscating the directory tree.
The major downsides of Cyberduck are its lackluster interface (lacking split-screen server juxtaposition), slow transfer speeds, and donation prompt. Each time the program updates, a banner requesting a donation appears—which can be mildly irritating but isn’t a deal-breaker given the client’s utility. Still, if you’re looking for a program capable of transferring large folders, Cyberduck isn’t your best bet. That said, Cyberduck is a great option for occasional, highly secure file transfers.
3. FileZilla
As many people know, FileZilla is the legacy program on this list and has been the go-to free FTP client for years—which makes it well worthy of consideration. It’s open-source, works across operating systems, supports FTP, SFTP, and FTPS protocols, allows multi-threaded file transfer, includes the drag-and-drop feature, and has an easily navigable graphical UI. Other strengths include its directory comparison and directory bookmark features and its remote file search capability.
So, what’s the problem? FileZilla has been mired in controversy one too many times to be considered totally secure. Back in 2014, SourceForge, the software host from which FileZilla was downloaded, was criticized for bundling adware with its installer file, meaning users unintentionally installed additional software. More recently, FileZilla raised alarms for malware in 2018, leading some institutions to ban its use within their organizations as a safety risk.
FileZilla’s features are both useful and convenient, but users can find them in other programs with a strong history of data security, like SolarWinds FTP Voyager.
Best Premium FTP Clients
Serv-U FTP Server
Another tool from SolarWinds, Serv-U FTP Server enables file transfers from the web and mobile devices, has no trouble with large file transfers, and ensures data is never at rest in DMZ networks with a secure gateway. For both Windows and Linux, the Serv-U FTP Server client supports FTP and FTPS over IPv4 and IPv6 networks, making it a versatile, powerful program.
Beyond transfer specs, Serv-U FTP Server offers a host of compliance and management benefits. First, the Gateway add-on allows users to comply with PCI DSS and other industry regulations. Second, its security goes beyond smudging file directories and encrypting the content—it empowers users to limit concurrent sessions, block IP addresses when sessions time out and define access rights for users and groups. Its other management controls include transfer quota settings and automated file movement and deletion after transfer, functions which keep the directory organized and protect performance.
While the Serv-U FTP Server client is a premium option, it’s fairly inexpensive per server compared to other software and offers a fully functional 14-day free trial.
Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server
For those whose needs exceed the capacity of free tools, Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server is the client I’d recommend above every other. Not only does it have all the features included in SolarWinds Serv-U FTP Server, but it builds upon them to provide even more centralized file transfer management, automation, and oversight capabilities.
This managed file transfer (MFT) server program executes transfers supported by FTP, FTPS, SFTP, and HTTP/S over IPv4 and IPv6 networks while assisting with compliance demonstration for PSI DSS, HIPAA, FISMA, SOX, and other regulatory frameworks. This means file transfer is both safe and simple. With ad-hoc peer-to-peer file sharing, users can send or request files large and small from their browsers or their phones.
Serv-U Managed File Transfer Servereasily integrates with existing infrastructure like Active Directory and LDAP servers, so users can sync accounts to simplify authentication and customize limits and permissions by user, group, domain, or server. Further, Serv-U Managed File Transfer provides unparalleled monitoring capabilities, allowing users to track file server startup, configuration, and domain activity logs in the management console. This helps administrators troubleshoot with real-time updates while also creating a thorough record to satisfy internal vetting and external auditing.
Finally, its security measures once again level up with automated processes—sending emails, deleting files, or writing log messages—that take place when triggered by defined events. Serv-U Managed File Transfer Server also offers a two-week free trial with complete functionality.
Modern FTP Clients for Secure File Transfer
Organizations have many options when it comes to FTP clients and the right tool for each will vary with its file transfer, security, and budgetary needs. When choosing the FTP program that suits your organization, keep in mind any trade-offs between command lines and file editing and user interface, as well as any security sacrifices you make for ease of use or cost.
Because of the safety concerns that have plagued some open-sourced tools, it’s important to ensure your organization has powerful data protection and can demonstrate compliance when audited. For organizations with needs beyond simple transfers, a paid software can marry the FTP, management, and monitoring capabilities that free alternatives simply can’t.
Serv-U FTP Server and Serv-U Managed File Transfer Serverare two premium offerings with superlative graphics UIs, operability across protocols and operating systems, safe and easy file transfers, and access rights management. I found these two SolarWinds products to offer the best balance of intuitive interface and comprehensive FTP and security functionalities, so, if you’re not sure yet about paying for an FTP client, it’s worthwhile to download the free trial and test the software for fit.
Digest:
Given the importance of data security, it’s vital that IT administrators manage their Active Directory to have a thorough understanding—and control—of who has access to assets across enterprise networks. This is particularly useful when it comes to centralizing permissions and compliance reporting.
On the data storage note, it’s also good to know how to centralize and secure a database using management system software. This guide will walk you through database types, database management system (DBMS) functions, and a handful of DBMS tools.
With FTP i.e. File Transfer Protocol, you can exchange data over a defined network namely IP/TCP protocol. FTP demands two PCs as client and server for transferring data. FTP server manages incoming network connection requests from other computers and FTP client software establishes connection between computer and client. In short, FTP client software in a computer handles uploading and downloading of files on a defined server.
Every computer virtually supports FTP transfer after they are connected to the IP/TCP based network. After the connection is set up between computers, you can adjust or modify the files as per the requirement. There are various FTP client and server software currently available in the market. In this blog, we are covering the best FTP client for Windows 10. But do you know, how to use an FTP client?
How to use an FTP client?
To use FTP client, you must collect FTP login details of server, username, password, and remote directory to access the program. You must have received this information on your email during registration of your hosting account.
Best Windows 10 FTP clients Of 2019
Now, if you want to share your files with friends and family, take a backup of your data on web server or transfer a folder to the client, you can use FTP client. In this blog, we are covering 10 best free FTP Client for Windows 10.
1. SmartFTP
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.
SmartFTP is a fast and consistent source for transferring and sharing files between server and local computer. Also, the software is competent and secure for website development, for uploading and downloading files and securing private files on the server. Also, it works well with Windows 10 and successfully used for synchronizing remote and local files for backup.
Read Also:How To Setup And Manage An FTP Server On Windows 10?
2. Total Commander
Next in line is Total Commander, which is oozing with tons of features like side by side supports two file windows along with various languages and Unicode, and augmented search function. Also, the software allows you to compare files and meanwhile manage directories. You can also quickly View panel with the help of bitmap display, use multi-rename tool and parallel port link.
The software has in-built FTP client with HTTP and FXP proxy support. Also, it has custom columns, friendly interface, and thumbnail view. With Total Commander, you can compare editor, isolate trees, and logging, and manage password for plugins and FTP. You can purchase the software by clicking on the link below.
3. WS_FTP Professional
The popularity of WS_FTP Professional can be attributed to its amazing features and security. This FTP client is the securest and simplest means to transfer sensitive data as the software has the best encryption levels and world-class security features. Moreover, it is easy to use and diminishes administrative responsibilities. Also, you can compress files into .zip format automatically.
Its OpenPGP file encryption and authenticated cryptography along with strong file search options makes this software one of the best FTP client 2018. Other features include transfer via drag and drop, greater speed and programmed transfers. The backup feature of this software allows you to save all your significant data.
4. CuteFTP
If you are looking for an influential FTP client but in the premium class, then you can switch to CuteFTP software. Its power-packed performance can be attributed to its powerful features and secure and reliable base. Also, it offers premium backing to FTP clients making it the best FTP client. The software is available for both Mac and Windows.
You can transfer your important files with ease via CuteFTP as it uses SSL and SFTP protocol for file transfer. Similarly, you can send multiple folders or divide the files while transferring. This is the best free FTP client software, reliable and feature-rich and hence, highly recommended.
Read Also:How To Turn Windows File Explorer Into An FTP Client
5. WinSCP
What is better than an award-winning FTP client software? In most probability, an open source and free source for file transfer. Well, WinSCP is everything you need as it is available for free of cost, is open source and has won award for its excellent performance. It is more than a secure FTP Client r as it is an open source FTPS, SCP and SFTP server.
With WinSCP, you can script and manage basic files and folders. Also, it is dependable, quick, and lightweight and it allows remote text editing. Some of its advanced features includes graphical user interface, Windows integration, language translation, command line interface, integrated text editor, batch file scripting and explorer and Commander Interfaces.
6. Cyberduck
The USP of this FTP client is user-friendly interface that makes this software easy to use. It is popular among beginners as the software is simple and delivers high-quality features. The most significant of all is bookmarking and SSH functionality that makes this FTP client the best choice for first-timers. It is available for free but offers every advanced feature that you search in a secure FTP software.
It supports FTP, Amazon S3, WebDAV, SFTP, and OpenStack Swift. Once you download this free FTP Client, you are eligible for getting aid for using Rackspace Cloud Files and Google Cloud Storage. Its amazing graphical interface makes it user-friendly and allow users to browse files easily.
7. FileZilla
Open Ftp Site In Windows 10
Available for Windows, Linux and mac, FileZilla is one of the most admired FTP Client. The software is available for free and is highly reliable and quick. Also, it is an open source FTP, FTPS and SFTP clients and offers graphical interface making it easy and user-friendly. It gives all-inclusive documentation and hence delivers quick solutions to your problems.
Some of its advanced features are tabbed user interface, supports IPv6, can transfer huge files and folders, allow bookmarks, has drag and drop choice along with filename filters, remote file editing, network configuration wizard and synchronized directory browsing.
8. CrossFTP
Unlike other FTP Client software, CrossFTP has various features that defines its unique identity. For instance, it allows password encryption, quick searches, web searches and has sound and event notifier. Also, it allows you to bookmark your favorites, batch transfer, internalization, zoom preview, tabbing interface and ability to compress, browse and extract archives.
It is a free FTP client software with user-friendly interface and offers various noteworthy features. Thanks to all its features, the software let file transfer easy and fast. And you can also pre-program schedules for uploading files.
Read Also:10 Best Context Menu Editors for Windows 10
9. Classic FTP
Again, this software is free and open source and is highly dependable, safe, and easy to use. It is available for both Mac and Windows. It ensures file security via FTP SSL connection and is go well together with all key FTP servers. Its drag and drop option makes file transfer easy and convenient.
Open Source Ftp App Windows Mac 10
It is cross-platform and is equipped several notable features that you can admire after downloading it for free. It is one of the most underrated FTP Client software in the market but has every significant feature required for proper functionality.
10. FireFTP
A Firefox plugin used as FTP software to the web browser of Mozilla, FireFTP is a free and cross-platform software. However, this application is not isolated in nature and demands some support to work. But then it offers the best tools that are difficult to find in other applications. It works on Windows, Linux and Mac OS and delivers high-quality performance after installation.
Some of the noteworthy features that cannot be ignored in this power-packed FTP software includes file compression, drag and drop options, proxy support, IPv6 support, timestamp synchronization, and File Hashing. Also, it supports different protocols and has user-friendly interface. This free FTP software is available in more than 20 languages.
Conclusion
Whether you are working professionally or pursuing a course, you have deal with large files to deal with. It is important that we keep them safe and secure and transfer files with the utmost reliability. A decent FTP client allows you to administer, save and send files with extreme caution. You can upload and download huge data online with the help of FTP clients.
So, this was all about the best FTP client for Windows 10 that are currently dominating the market. Make sure to download them and share your experience in the comment section below.