The best FTP (File Transfer Protocol) clients often combine ease of use, reliability, and a rich set of features. Here are some of the most highly regarded FTP clients for various operating systems:
1. FileZilla(Windows, macOS, Linux)
– FileZilla is a free, open-source FTP client that is popular for its user-friendly interface and support for FTP, FTP over SSL/TLS (FTPS), and SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP).
2. WinSCP(Windows)
– WinSCP is a free and open-source client that offers support for SFTP and FTP. It’s known for its integration with Windows (drag-and-drop, URL, shortcut icons) and also offers a scripting interface and command-line functionality.
3. Cyberduck(Windows, macOS)
– Cyberduck is an open-source client known for its easy-to-use interface and integration with cloud storage services like Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, Google Drive, and Dropbox, in addition to FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV.
4. Transmit(macOS)
– Transmit is a macOS-only FTP client that is praised for its speed and reliability. It also supports cloud services and has a very intuitive user interface.
5. CuteFTP(Windows, macOS)
– CuteFTP is a commercial FTP client that offers robust features for both beginners and advanced users. It supports FTP, FTPS, HTTP, HTTPS, and SFTP protocols and includes a built-in editor and automation tools.
6. FlashFXP(Windows)
– FlashFXP is a commercial FTP and FTPS client known for its performance and security features. It offers local and remote file editing and priority transfer queues.
7. SmartFTP(Windows)
– SmartFTP is a commercial client that supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, Google Drive, OneDrive, SSH, and Terminal client. It is known for its modern interface and rich feature set.
8. Core FTP(Windows)
– Core FTP is a secure FTP client with SSL/TLS, SSH/SFTP, HTTP/HTTPS support. It’s available in both free and pro versions and offers features like site-to-site transfers and browser integration.
9. CrossFTP(Windows, macOS, Linux)
– CrossFTP is a versatile client that supports FTP, FXP, SFTP, FTPS, WebDAV, S3, and cloud storage browsing. It’s available in both free and pro versions.
10. Commander One(macOS)
– Commander One is a dual-panel file manager and FTP client for macOS. It supports FTP, SFTP, FTPS, and integrates with many cloud services.
When choosing an FTP client, consider the specific features you need, such as protocol support, security options, user interface preferences, and whether you prefer a free or paid application. It’s also a good idea to ensure that the client is regularly updated to address any security vulnerabilities and to add new features.