Quick Overview
- 1#1: FileZilla - Free open-source cross-platform SFTP, FTP, and FTPS client with drag-and-drop transfers and site management.
- 2#2: WinSCP - Powerful free SFTP, SCP, and FTP client for Windows featuring synchronization, scripting, and two-panel interface.
- 3#3: Cyberduck - Open-source SFTP, FTP, and cloud storage browser for Mac and Windows with bookmarking and external editor support.
- 4#4: Transmit - Fast and reliable SFTP, FTP, and cloud transfer app for macOS with batch processing and sync features.
- 5#5: Bitvise SSH Client - Comprehensive Windows SFTP and SSH client with graphical SFTP, tunneling, and command-line automation.
- 6#6: ForkLift - Advanced dual-pane file manager and SFTP client for macOS with visual filters and batch rename.
- 7#7: Commander One - Dual-pane SFTP and FTP file manager for macOS with PRO features for advanced file operations.
- 8#8: SmartFTP - Professional SFTP, FTP, and FTPS client for Windows with scheduling, automation, and thumbnail previews.
- 9#9: Core FTP LE - Free lightweight SFTP, FTPS, and FTP client for Windows supporting site-to-site transfers and scheduling.
- 10#10: Mountain Duck - Mounts SFTP servers and cloud storage as local disks for seamless file access on Mac and Windows.
We prioritized tools based on key factors like feature sets (including encryption, automation, and cross-platform support), user experience (ease of use and interface design), performance, and overall value to ensure a curated list that caters to diverse needs.
Comparison Table
Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) enables encrypted data exchange, and selecting the right software requires evaluating features and usability. This comparison table explores popular tools like FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck, Transmit, Bitvise SSH Client, and others, breaking down their strengths, compatibility, and best-use scenarios. Readers will gain a clear overview to choose the ideal SFTP tool for their workflow, from individual tasks to team collaboration.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FileZilla Free open-source cross-platform SFTP, FTP, and FTPS client with drag-and-drop transfers and site management. | specialized | 9.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 10.0/10 |
| 2 | WinSCP Powerful free SFTP, SCP, and FTP client for Windows featuring synchronization, scripting, and two-panel interface. | specialized | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 3 | Cyberduck Open-source SFTP, FTP, and cloud storage browser for Mac and Windows with bookmarking and external editor support. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 4 | Transmit Fast and reliable SFTP, FTP, and cloud transfer app for macOS with batch processing and sync features. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | Bitvise SSH Client Comprehensive Windows SFTP and SSH client with graphical SFTP, tunneling, and command-line automation. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | ForkLift Advanced dual-pane file manager and SFTP client for macOS with visual filters and batch rename. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 7 | Commander One Dual-pane SFTP and FTP file manager for macOS with PRO features for advanced file operations. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | SmartFTP Professional SFTP, FTP, and FTPS client for Windows with scheduling, automation, and thumbnail previews. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Core FTP LE Free lightweight SFTP, FTPS, and FTP client for Windows supporting site-to-site transfers and scheduling. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 10 | Mountain Duck Mounts SFTP servers and cloud storage as local disks for seamless file access on Mac and Windows. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
Free open-source cross-platform SFTP, FTP, and FTPS client with drag-and-drop transfers and site management.
Powerful free SFTP, SCP, and FTP client for Windows featuring synchronization, scripting, and two-panel interface.
Open-source SFTP, FTP, and cloud storage browser for Mac and Windows with bookmarking and external editor support.
Fast and reliable SFTP, FTP, and cloud transfer app for macOS with batch processing and sync features.
Comprehensive Windows SFTP and SSH client with graphical SFTP, tunneling, and command-line automation.
Advanced dual-pane file manager and SFTP client for macOS with visual filters and batch rename.
Dual-pane SFTP and FTP file manager for macOS with PRO features for advanced file operations.
Professional SFTP, FTP, and FTPS client for Windows with scheduling, automation, and thumbnail previews.
Free lightweight SFTP, FTPS, and FTP client for Windows supporting site-to-site transfers and scheduling.
Mounts SFTP servers and cloud storage as local disks for seamless file access on Mac and Windows.
FileZilla
specializedFree open-source cross-platform SFTP, FTP, and FTPS client with drag-and-drop transfers and site management.
Powerful site manager for securely storing and quickly accessing unlimited SFTP connections with custom settings.
FileZilla is a free, open-source client for FTP, SFTP, and FTPS protocols, enabling secure file transfers between local machines and remote servers. It features a dual-pane interface for intuitive file management, drag-and-drop functionality, and support for queued transfers. Cross-platform compatibility on Windows, macOS, and Linux makes it versatile, with tools like site manager, filters, and directory comparison enhancing SFTP workflows.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no limitations
- Excellent SFTP support via SSH with strong encryption
- Cross-platform and lightweight with drag-and-drop ease
Cons
- Dated user interface that feels outdated
- Limited native file synchronization (relies on manual comparison)
- Occasional stability issues with very large transfer queues
Best For
Users seeking a reliable, no-cost SFTP client for secure file transfers across personal and professional remote servers.
Pricing
Entirely free with no paid versions or subscriptions required.
WinSCP
specializedPowerful free SFTP, SCP, and FTP client for Windows featuring synchronization, scripting, and two-panel interface.
Built-in scripting engine for automating complex file transfer tasks and batch operations
WinSCP is a free, open-source SFTP, SCP, FTP, and WebDAV client for Windows, designed for secure file transfers and remote file management. It features a dual-pane interface for intuitive navigation between local and remote directories, along with support for synchronization, public key authentication, and integration with PuTTY for SSH sessions. Advanced users benefit from its scripting engine and command-line automation capabilities.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no limitations
- Excellent multi-protocol support including SFTP/SCP with strong security features
- Powerful synchronization, scripting, and automation tools
Cons
- Windows-only, no native support for macOS or Linux
- Interface feels somewhat dated and cluttered for new users
- Advanced scripting requires a learning curve
Best For
Windows power users and IT professionals needing a reliable, scriptable SFTP client for secure file transfers and automation.
Pricing
Entirely free with no paid versions or subscriptions.
Cyberduck
specializedOpen-source SFTP, FTP, and cloud storage browser for Mac and Windows with bookmarking and external editor support.
Unmatched multi-protocol support combining traditional SFTP with direct cloud storage browsers like S3 and Backblaze B2 in one app
Cyberduck is a free, open-source file transfer client for macOS and Windows that excels in SFTP connectivity alongside support for FTP, WebDAV, and various cloud services like Amazon S3 and Google Drive. It enables secure file uploads, downloads, and management on remote servers using SFTP with features such as public key authentication, connection bookmarking, and external editor integration. The app offers a dual-pane browser interface for efficient transfers and is highly customizable for power users handling multiple protocols.
Pros
- Extensive protocol support including robust SFTP with key auth and compression
- Free and open-source with no usage limits
- Seamless bookmarking and macOS Keychain integration for quick secure access
Cons
- Dated interface that feels less modern compared to competitors
- No native folder synchronization (requires companion app Mountain Duck)
- Windows version can be less stable and polished than macOS
Best For
Mac and Windows users needing a versatile, free SFTP client with cloud storage integration for occasional to frequent file transfers.
Pricing
Completely free (open-source); optional donations encouraged; companion Mountain Duck app has paid license (~$39 one-time).
Transmit
specializedFast and reliable SFTP, FTP, and cloud transfer app for macOS with batch processing and sync features.
Droplets: Customizable mini-apps that turn any folder or URL into a one-click SFTP upload/download tool
Transmit is a premium macOS-exclusive file transfer client from Panic, specializing in secure SFTP connections alongside FTP, Amazon S3, WebDAV, and local disk syncing. It enables fast, reliable file uploads, downloads, and bidirectional synchronization with servers using robust SFTP protocol support. With features like multi-connection transfers, automation via Droplets, and a Finder-like interface, it's tailored for efficient remote file management.
Pros
- Stunning, intuitive macOS-native interface that feels like Finder
- Lightning-fast SFTP transfers with multi-connection support and rules-based sync
- Powerful automation tools like Droplets and Panic Sync for seamless workflows
Cons
- macOS only, no Windows or Linux support
- One-time fee may not suit infrequent users compared to free alternatives
- Lacks some enterprise-level features like advanced scripting or team collaboration
Best For
Professional Mac users who prioritize speed, aesthetics, and reliable SFTP for frequent server file transfers.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $45 for a perpetual license with free major updates.
Bitvise SSH Client
enterpriseComprehensive Windows SFTP and SSH client with graphical SFTP, tunneling, and command-line automation.
Seamless integration of a full-featured SFTP client with SSH tunneling and terminal access in one application
Bitvise SSH Client is a powerful Windows-exclusive SSH client that excels as an SFTP solution, offering secure file transfers via SFTP and SCP protocols through a graphical interface resembling Windows Explorer. It supports drag-and-drop operations, resume capabilities for interrupted transfers, and integration with SSH tunneling for secure remote access. Beyond basic SFTP, it includes a full terminal emulator and advanced authentication options, making it a comprehensive tool for secure file management.
Pros
- Robust SFTP GUI with drag-and-drop and resumable transfers
- Integrated SSH terminal and port forwarding for advanced users
- Completely free with no usage restrictions
Cons
- Windows-only, no native support for macOS or Linux
- Steeper learning curve for beginners due to advanced options
- Lacks some modern features like cloud integration found in competitors
Best For
Windows power users and IT professionals needing an all-in-one SSH and SFTP client for secure file transfers and remote management.
Pricing
Completely free for personal and commercial use, with no licensing fees required.
ForkLift
specializedAdvanced dual-pane file manager and SFTP client for macOS with visual filters and batch rename.
Dual-pane SFTP browser with real-time visual previews and inline editing
ForkLift is a dual-pane file manager for macOS that provides robust SFTP support for secure file transfers between local drives and remote servers. It enables efficient browsing, uploading, downloading, and synchronization of files with features like visual previews, batch operations, and folder comparison. Beyond SFTP, it integrates with FTP, WebDAV, cloud services, and local storage, making it a versatile tool for Mac users handling networked file operations.
Pros
- Intuitive dual-pane interface accelerates SFTP transfers and comparisons
- Reliable SFTP connections with fast speeds and resume capabilities
- Advanced sync tools with filters and presets for efficient backups
Cons
- Exclusive to macOS, lacking cross-platform support
- Requires a paid license with no perpetual free tier
- Occasional complexity in advanced settings for novice users
Best For
Mac professionals and power users who frequently manage files via SFTP and need an all-in-one file manager.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $29.95 for lifetime license; 30-day free trial available.
Commander One
specializedDual-pane SFTP and FTP file manager for macOS with PRO features for advanced file operations.
Dual-pane interface with SFTP mounting as a local drive for native-like file handling
Commander One is a robust dual-pane file manager for macOS that supports SFTP for seamless remote file access and management. Users can connect to SFTP servers to browse, upload, download, edit, and synchronize files using an intuitive two-panel interface similar to classic tools like Norton Commander. The Pro version unlocks full SFTP capabilities along with support for other protocols like FTP, WebDAV, and cloud storage.
Pros
- Dual-pane interface accelerates file transfers and comparisons
- Strong SFTP support with multi-tab connections and mounting as local drives
- One-time purchase model with no subscriptions
Cons
- Mac-only, no Windows or Linux support
- SFTP features locked behind paid Pro upgrade
- Overkill for users needing only basic SFTP client functionality
Best For
Mac power users seeking an all-in-one dual-pane file manager with reliable SFTP integration for frequent remote file operations.
Pricing
Free version for local files; Pro Personal at $29.99 one-time purchase unlocks SFTP and advanced features.
SmartFTP
enterpriseProfessional SFTP, FTP, and FTPS client for Windows with scheduling, automation, and thumbnail previews.
Visual Compare tool for side-by-side folder synchronization with color-coded difference highlighting
SmartFTP is a professional-grade Windows FTP/SFTP client that supports secure file transfers via SFTP, FTPS, SCP, and other protocols, along with integration for cloud services like Google Drive and Amazon S3. It offers advanced tools for synchronization, automation, multi-threaded transfers, and site management, making it suitable for handling large-scale file operations. The software features a modern tabbed interface with preview capabilities, filters, and scripting for efficient remote file management.
Pros
- Robust SFTP support with key authentication, compression, and integrity checks
- Powerful synchronization, backup, and automation scheduling tools
- Integrated thumbnail preview, text/hex editor, and visual file comparison
Cons
- Exclusive to Windows platform, no macOS or Linux support
- No free version; requires purchase after 30-day trial
- Steep learning curve for advanced features and customization
Best For
Professional IT admins and developers on Windows needing advanced SFTP automation and multi-protocol file transfers.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $79 (Standard), up to $149 (Enterprise); annual subscriptions from $39.
Core FTP LE
specializedFree lightweight SFTP, FTPS, and FTP client for Windows supporting site-to-site transfers and scheduling.
Integrated visual folder comparison and manual synchronization for easy SFTP file management
Core FTP LE is a free Windows-based file transfer client that supports FTP, FTPS (SSL/TLS), SFTP (SSH2), SCP, and HTTP/S protocols for secure file management. It features a dual-pane interface with drag-and-drop functionality, site manager, file filters, and basic synchronization tools, making it suitable for straightforward SFTP transfers. The LE (Limited Edition) version omits advanced Pro features like scripting and scheduling but remains lightweight and reliable for basic needs.
Pros
- Completely free with no ads or limitations on core SFTP functionality
- Lightweight and fast performance on Windows systems
- Supports key SFTP features like public/private key authentication and compression
Cons
- Windows-only, no cross-platform support
- Dated interface that feels outdated compared to modern clients
- Lacks advanced LE features like scripting, scheduling, and autosync found in Pro
Best For
Windows users needing a simple, no-cost SFTP client for occasional personal or light professional file transfers.
Pricing
Free (LE version); Pro upgrade at $44.95 one-time for advanced features.
Mountain Duck
specializedMounts SFTP servers and cloud storage as local disks for seamless file access on Mac and Windows.
Mounts SFTP servers as fully functional local drives for transparent file access and editing
Mountain Duck is a versatile mounting tool that allows users to access SFTP servers, cloud storage, and other protocols as local drives on Mac and Windows systems. It provides seamless integration with the native file explorer, enabling drag-and-drop operations, editing files directly, and working with remote files as if they were local. Ideal for SFTP workflows, it supports secure connections with public key authentication and works reliably over various network conditions.
Pros
- Seamless mounting of SFTP servers as local drives for native file manager access
- Strong support for SFTP features like public/private keys and password auth
- Cross-platform compatibility on Mac and Windows with background volume management
Cons
- Paid one-time license without free tier for testing
- Performance can lag on slow networks or with very large files
- Lacks advanced SFTP-specific tools like batch transfers or built-in synchronization
Best For
Developers and sysadmins who require SFTP servers mounted as local volumes for everyday file operations without switching apps.
Pricing
One-time purchase of €39 per platform (Mac or Windows); no subscription required.
Conclusion
The reviewed SFTP tools offer diverse strengths, with FileZilla leading as the top choice, boasting free open-source functionality and cross-platform usability. WinSCP stands as a strong alternative for Windows users, excelling in synchronization and scripting, while Cyberduck impresses with its cloud integration and cross-platform browser support. Each tool caters to distinct needs, ensuring there’s a fit for every user, from casual transfers to advanced operations.
No matter your workflow, FileZilla’s accessibility and reliability make it a standout—start exploring its features to simplify your SFTP tasks today.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison