File Manager vs FTP

We’ll discuss what’s the difference between uploading files to your cPanel account using File Manager vs FTP.

You usually have three ways of uploading files, two of which are most used, those are

• File Manager
• FTP
• SSH

* Note: We will not cover SSH here. People that use SSH for uploading files most likely know the difference.

File Manager vs FTP

So, what’s the main difference between using File Manager’s Upload and FTP?

Let’s go through the specifics of both:

File Manager – Easy to Use

• Uses HTTP
• Doesn’t require any additional software
• Available from everywhere
• Full control over your Files

FTP – Robust, Customizable

• Uses Protocol, specifically made for file upload/download
• Can handle large files
• You can use your favorite FTP client
• Doesn’t require that you keep a tab opened in your browser.

In other words, the comparison is between HTTP and FTP.

HTTP uses headers. Each of them is a plain text which contains information about the request. When uploading files through HTTP you’re actually sending the file as text. This is slow, it’s not stable and it’s not recommended as the HTTP Server needs to handle it for you.

FTP, on the other hand, is made entirely for this purpose – to upload/download files. It’s way more optimal in every aspect.

I’m confused – what to use – File Manager or FTP?

It’s not necessary to always use FTP for each file that you upload.

cPanel’s File Manager is very convenient for uploading small files fast.

What about FTP? – FTP will serve better when used for uploading large files.

We recommend the following:

• Files less than 1 GB – File Manager
• Files over 1 GB – FTP

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