×
best ftp and sftp clients for windows and linux

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It has been around for years and years, used to transfer files between computers on a network.

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 and you can move, transfer, upload, download or copy files using SFTP or SSH Clients that have the capabilities of allowing different protocols.

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.

Here’s a List of the Best FTP & SFTP

1. Files.com – FREE TRIAL

Files.com operates its file transfer services in the manner of a cloud drive. The customer gets an account with storage space on the Files.com server and an administrator can then set up a sub-account for each user. This enables access controls to files and folders which can be imposed either by the administrator or by the filespace user account owner. Those accounts are then available as individual secure FTP servers.

Files.com

Files.com has its own proprietary secure file transfer protocol. However, it has a library of integrations and one of those implements a command line SFTP server. Other secure file transfer options are WebDAV, Amazon S3, and the AS2 system, which is used for EDI message transfers. The default method of access to the secure file server is through a desktop app, which is available for Windows and macOS, or through any standard Web browser.

Files.com Features

  • Individual user accounts
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Compatible with single sign-on (SSO) systems
  • File activity logging
  • Version controls
  • A Business Associate Agreement (BAA) for HIPAA compliance
  • A Data Processing Agreement (DPA) for compliance with GDPR and CCPA
  • Access invitations for collaboration
  • Integration into productivity suites
  • Email attachment controls

The integrations library provides a method to sync a desktop file directory with a Files.com account or sync accounts on a list of cloud storage systems, including OneDrive and Google Drive. You can also integrate the tool into your email system to store attachments and send out a link instead of actually mailing copies of documents. An access invitation via a link is the main method of sharing files on the Files.com system. Register for a free trial to find out more about pricing.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Files.com is our top pick for an SFTP client for Windows and Linux because this cloud-based platform offers more flexibility for secure file transfers than a traditional SFTP client or server. This package provides client tools and also a server. The traditional SFTP client is provided by a Files.com desktop app for Windows and macOS. Users of those operating systems and also Linux computer owners can access their individual Files.com file spaces through any Web browser. This is a very flexible tool that provides stronger control over documents than sending copies out to others. You email an access link instead, which means your control over the file continues.

Official Site: https://signup.files.com/signup/

2. ExaVault – FREE TRIAL

ExaVault is a Cloud FTP service that provides secure file transfers with SFTP/SCP and WebDAV. This is a good system for storing files on the cloud as a backup, for syncing, or as a primary file location for team collaboration. An email integration provides shadow Inboxes that can keep your users connected even if your premises are wiped out.

ExaVault Home Folders

The ExaVault system can be accessed in many ways. Your users can each have a personal account on the platform and get to it through any standard Web browser. You can also set up syncing with computer drives or cloud storage accounts.

The system includes integration to embed ExaVault storage capabilities and there is also a widget available, which is an API that you can use to provide file transfer functions in your own websites.

ExaVault Features 

  • Provides FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV
  • Web-based client
  • Syncing for workstations and cloud accounts
  • User accounts for access controls
  • White-labeling
  • Web email inboxes and attachment capture
  • Link invites for file access

The service’s only explicit client is the Web interface, so that will work for any operating system, including Windows and Linux. However, the background processes that can be implemented with ExaVault blur the definition of a file transfer client.

Download a 10-day free trial: https://exavault.files.com/signup

3. SolarWinds Solar-PuTTY – FREE TOOL

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. 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

  • Tabbed interface with one console to manage multiple sessions simultaneously
  • Integrated ‘Windows Search’ tool to easily search IP addresses, saved sessions, tags or usernames
  • Supports graphical SFTP file transfer
  • Also doubles as a SSH Client, SCP Client and Telnet
  • NO need for installation
  • Can save credentials or private keys for Auto-login
  • Script automation
  • Auto Re-connection
  • Color Codes for each PuTTY session
  • File encryption

Solar-PuTTY is a great free tool. 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:

https://www.solarwinds.com/free-tools/solar-putty/registration

4. FTP Voyager

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

  • Connection to multiple servers simultaneously
  • Establish multiple file transfers
  • Secure file transfers using FTP, FTPS and SFTP protocols
  • Drag and drop feature for quick file transfers from Windows desktop
  • Automatic synchronization of folders
  • Scheduling of file transfers at a predetermined time
  • Allows transfer of larger files

Download for Free:

https://www.solarwinds.com/free-tools/ftp-voyager-ftp-client-for-windows/registration

5. WinSCP

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

  • Open-source, Free
  • Supports SFTP for enhanced security
  • Supports SCP, Amazon S3, WebDAV, FTP and FTPS protocols
  • Integrated text editor allows remote editing
  • Offers GUI as well as a command line interface for file transfers
  • Stores session information such as username, IP address, etc.
  • Scripting and task automation
  • Port forwarding
  • File encryption and Master Password

If you are looking for a very basic file manager, and SFTP/FTP client for Windows computers- WinSCP is a great choice.

Download for Free:

https://winscp.net/eng/download.php 

6. FileZilla

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.

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

  • Open-source, Free
  • Multi-threaded transfers: Supports FTP, SFTP and FTPS (FTP over SSL) protocols
  • Cross-platform: Available for Windows, Linux and Mac OX S
  • Uses tabbed graphical interface
  • Complete support documentation with FAQs, forum and support page
  • Available in many languages
  • Remote file search tool
  • Remote file editing
  • Filename filters
  • Bookmarking feature
  • Supports resume and transfer of larger files, more than 4GB
  • Drag and drop support
  • Supports IPv6
  • Great Site Manager and transfer queue
  • Directory comparison

Download for Free:

https://filezilla-project.org/download.php?type=client 

7. CyberDuck

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

  • Cryptomator: Client side data encryption for better security
  • Supports FTP, SFTP or WebDAV
  • Supports transfer to cloud platforms such as Google Drive, Microsoft Azure and Dropbox
  • Filename encryption
  • Open-source, free
  • Does not require account or registration
  • Preferred code editor
  • Bookmarking
  • Drag and Drop feature
  • Filter Field for quick search
  • Quick Look allows a quick preview of files
  • Resume and Transfer files
  • Synchronize local directories with remote directories
  • Supports multiple languages
  • URL generator allows easy file sharing
  • Includes integrations such as Keychain password protector and Bonjour auto-discovery platform.

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:

https://cyberduck.io/download/

8. MonstaFTP

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

  • Supports FTP, SFTP and SCP protocols
  • Code-friendly editor lets you edit your remote files on-screen
  • Allows uploading of zip archives and extract on your server
  • Intuitive interface: works seamlessly on all devices and screen sizes

Download:

https://www.monstaftp.com/download

9. CoffeeCup Free FTP

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

  • Supports FTP, SFTP, FTPS and HTTP protocols
  • Easy File Management
  • ZIP Archive feature
  • Drag and Drop Feature
  • Allows you to set permissions for files and folders on your server
  • Statusbar shows important information regarding your session
  • Combo Bookmarks

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://www.coffeecup.com/free-ftp/ 

Conclusion

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.