Commander One is a MAC FTP client. It offers a convenient option to copy files from one server to another, delete, etc. The software provides full support of FTP protocols. It helps the user to establish multiple connections at the same time. Features: You can map the FTP server as your local drive.

1. Mac Ftp Server Software
2. Best Ftp Server For Mac

What would you do if you needed to directly access the files on your site’s server?

WordPress is a robust content management system used by millions of people all over the world. However, this widely popular CMS doesn’t have a built-in FTP client to enable users to transfer files between their computer and their site’s web hosting server.

Top 8 Best WordPress Hosting Options Compared

Finding decent WordPress hosting can be a painful process. You need a solution that will do justice to…Read More

In this article, we’ll share the best FTP clients for both Mac and Windows and highlight both the pros and cons of each

What Is an FTP Client and Why Do You Need One?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used to transfer computer files from one host to another over a TCP-based network, such as the internet. For example, FTP allows you to upload files from your computer and transfer them to your WordPress site.

If you want to use FTP to transfer files from one host to another, you’re going to need an FTP client. An FTP client is software that allows you to manage files located somewhere else on the internet through your personal computer. For instance, you can use an FTP client to connect your computer to your WordPress hosting account.

WordPress is an effective CMS that doesn’t require the use of an FTP client. In fact, users can do pretty much everything from the WordPress dashboard, eliminating the need for an FTP client.

That said, an FTP client can help you resolve common WordPress errors that you can’t access and fix in the WordPress admin area. For example, incompatible plugins, poorly coded themes, or WordPress core updates can initiate the dreaded white screen of death and render your WordPress dashboard useless. That’s why having an FTP client on hand just in case is so helpful.

What to Look For in an FTP Client

Whether you need an FTP client for Windows or Mac (or possibly Linux), the key is to find a software that is easy to use no matter your skill level.

Here are some other features to look for in your FTP client software:

• Simple interface even beginners can understand and use
• One common access point
• Ability to preconfigure settings such as protocols, IPs, and ports and push them to users
• Support for SFTP
• Password encryption for added security
• Backup and syncing options
• Cross platform support (if needed)
• Drag and drop support
• Multiple languages available
• Remote file editing
• Directory comparisons

In order for you to use an FTP client, you’ll need an FTP username and password so you can connect to your WordPress website. You should have received this information when you first set up your website and your web hosting account.

If you aren’t sure what your username and password are, you can always check your hosting cPanel (or similar) or ask support.

Once you have the information needed to log into your favorite FTP client, you’re ready to go.

Now let’s take a look at the best FTP clients in the market to date so you can decide which one is best for you.

01. WinSCP (for Windows)

WinSCP is one of the most sought-out FTP client solutions for the Windows operating system. It’s a simple, open-source solution that makes downloading, uploading, and editing files easy. With the files on your computer on one side, and your server’s files on the other, the graphical user interface is easy enough for beginners to use.

Pros

• Advanced user support for FTP, SFTP, and SSH
• Language switcher (default English)
• Integrated text editor with drag and drop support
• Master password for enhanced security
• Foreground transfer can move to background transfer queue
• WebDAV support
• Scripting and task automation
• No default installation of adware

Cons

• Cannot toggle between 2 great interfaces (must change preferences)
• No way to edit keyboard shortcuts

WinSCP is one of the most powerful and affordable FTP client solutions for Windows users.

Platform: Windows
Price: FREE

02.Cyberduck (for Windows, Mac)

Cyberduck is a free FTP client designed for both Windows and Mac. In fact, unlike most cross platform FTP client solutions, Cyberduck integrates seamlessly with your native Mac environment, making it one of the best Mac FTP clients available. It even supports Mac features such as storing login credentials in keychain and locating files in the Finder.

Pros

• Simple interface for beginners
• Allows for remote file editing
• Works with several external code editors
• Open files and edit both text and binary files with a click of a button
• Wide range of protocols including FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV
• Advanced SSH functionality and bookmarking capability
• Client side encryption
• Supports API connections with cloud drives like Google Drive and Dropbox
• Multiple languages

Cons

• Tends to run slower than other FTP clients
• No portable version
• Download from anywhere other than official website can come with adware

Although Cyberduck works for both Windows and Mac users, this option is touted as one of the best for Mac users, as there are better Windows options available. That said, Cyberduck is an inexpensive solution that will get the job done whether you use Windows or Mac.

Platform: Windows, Mac
Price: FREE

03.CuteFTP (for Windows, Mac)

CuteFTP strays away from being a free and open source FTP client solution and instead offers users advanced functionality and premium support. It comes fully loaded with the power and security users expect in an FTP client and is great on both Windows and Mac.

Pros

• Superior support
• Supports OpenPGP encryption and file compression
• FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV support
• One Time Password authentication
• Scheduling and automation features like backups and syncing
• Built-in wizard to help novice users
• Integrated, color-coded HTML editor
• Segmented downloading

Cons

• Steep learning curve for beginners
• No connection support for cloud IaaS provider
• No file comparison feature

Overall CuteFTP is a powerful FTP client solution for those needing added features such as accessing and sharing files from a computer a mobile device. It’s also a good option for those who need to transfer large files.

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Platform: Windows, Mac
Price: Starting at $59.99

04. Transmit (for Mac)

Transmit, developed by Panic, Inc., is an FTP client designed exclusively for Mac users. As such, it is the most popular FTP client solution for Mac users, especially among web developers. It is super reliable and has blazing fast speeds, and of course comes packed with great features.

Pros

• Folder syncing between local and remote servers
• Add transmit shortcuts to Finder as favorites for easy access
• Supports SSH, FTP, FTPS, SFTP, Amazon S3, and WebDAV protocols
• Cloud connections like Amazon Drive, Microsoft Azure, Dropbox, and Google Drive
• Built-in code editor
• Dashboard widget
• Drag and drop uploading
• Bandwidth limiting
• Advanced file skipping options
• Multiple languages
• 2-factor login

Cons

• Despite popularity, no Windows or Linux version
• Installs adware by default

Transmit is the perfect solution for Mac users looking for a highly-reliable FTP client.

Platform: Mac
Price: $45

05.Filezilla (for Windows, Mac, Linux)

Filezilla is the most popular open-source FTP client available for all three major operating systems – Windows, Mac, and Linux. This FTP client is easy to use, features a friendly user interface and comes with comprehensive documentation that answers every question a novice would have regarding the usage of FTP clients.

Pros

• Support for FTP, FTP over SSL/TLS, and SSH FTP
• Remote file searching
• Bookmarking
• Support for IPv6
• Secure transfers
• Remote file editing
• Portable version available

Cons

• Dated drag and drop interface
• Will install adware upon installation and display ads upon running

Filezilla is one of those FTP clients that can be used by everyone regardless of platform or skill level.

That said, there have been many complaints that bundled adware is installed when downloaded and ads display every time the software is opened. Though there is an option to opt out of this when installing the software, many beginners are unaware of this and may miss clicking the checkbox. Despite these concerns however, Filezilla is an affordable option and should remain on this list.

Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux
Price: FREE

06.Free FTP (for Windows)

Free FTP was designed to be both powerful and user friendly. You can connect to your server with a click of a button and upload or download files by dragging and dropping them to your server or computer. The organized interface ensures you always know the status of your work and you can always pause or cancel your file transfers.

Pros

• FTP, SFTP, FTPS, and more
• Convenient history feature for finding files
• File and folder permissions
• Statusbar for quick status view
• Make Zip Archive feature for site backups

Cons

• Must upgrade to paid version to access additional features like a built-in code editor, preview function, Snippet Library, and customizable syntax highlighting for HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, ASP, and Python

Free FTP is a great choice for those looking for a basic FTP client solution. It’s secure, easy to use, and can be used by people of all levels. That said, for those that need advanced features, investing in the premium version is the only option.

Platform: Windows
Price: FREE (premium version $39)

07.WS_FTP Professional (for Windows)

WS_FTP Professional offers users a safe and easy way to upload and download files. It transfers with encryption so data is always secure, is easily customizable, and makes drag and drop transferring a cinch.

Pros

• Transfer with 256-bit AES, FIPS 140-2 validated cryptography and OpenPGP file encryption
• Drag and drop functionality
• Locate and transfer files using integrated Google, Copernic, or Windows desktop search engines
• Schedules post-transfer actions like deleting, moving, or renaming files
• File archives
• Enable email notifications, backups, syncing, and compression
• Support for IIS and Apache web servers

Cons

• No data transfer graphs or visual displays
• Higher price than other popular solutions

WS_FTP Professional is an excellent premium solution that has everything you could need in an FTP client. It is faster than many of the competitors, includes enterprise-grade security measures, and can be worth the high price tag for some.

Platform: Windows
Price: $49.95

Wrapping It Up

When it comes to choosing an FTP client solution, the first thing you need to establish is what platform you’re using. After all, it won’t matter how much you like a solution if it’s not compatible with your platform.

From there, you’ll need to look at your overall budget. Free solutions such as WinSCP and Cyberduck offer plenty of built-in solutions, especially if you’re a beginner. However, with free solutions like Filezilla, you’re likely to get bundled adware with a download and have to deal with display ads, which can be annoying.

On the other hand, premium FTP clients like CuteFTP, Transmit, or WS_FTP Professional have powerful security, editing, and speed features that are worth investing in.

Luckily, for those that need an in-between solution, there’s also FTP clients like Free FTP that give users a chance to use the free features and upgrade to a more powerful solution if need be.

Which FTP client do you use? Are there certain features that are most important to you? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!

FTP clients are software designed specifically to transfer files between PC and servers over internet. These tools support protocols like FTP, SFTP, HTTP/HTTPS, and more. Many FTP clients have a drag and drop features in order to copy a file from one place to another. You can use these applications to synchronize local and remote folders quickly.

Following is a handpicked list of Top FTP client, with their popular features and website links. The list contains both open source(free) and commercial(paid) software.

1) WinSCP

WinSCP is an FTP software for Microsoft Windows. It enables you to smoothly copy any file between the local system and the remote server. This software has a primary file manager and file synchronization functionality.

Features:

• It offers easy to use Graphical User Interface (GUI).
• Supports scripting and task automation.
• It has integrated text editor
• WinSCP interface can be translated into many languages
• Provides Command-line interface.
• Security through file encryption.
• Port forwarding is possible.
• It can be downloaded in the form of standalone portable executables.

Link:https://winscp.net/eng/index.php

2) Transmit

Transmit is a tool that helps you to upload, download, as well as manage files on a wide range of servers. It has an extremely easy to use UI (User Interface). This file transfer protocol tool can be used for macOS.

Features:

• It has improved remote URL copy facility.
• Supports Amazon S3 API V4.
• Copy and paste files.
• Provides authentication using NTLM (New Technology LAN Manager) and HTTP Digest authentication.
• Languages supported by this tool are English, French, German, and Chinese.
• Provides more text size-related options
• This FTP client sync progress bar to know how much file synchronization is completed.
• It offers various authentication methods to verify the user.

Link:https://panic.com/transmit/

3) FileZilla

FileZilla is a free FTP solution for transferring data over the internet. The software helps you to filter filename easily. It offers drag and drop facility to copy desired files from local machine to the server.

Features:

• You can easily browse the synchronized library.
• It offers remote file search
• Comparing directory is possible.
• You can edit remote files with ease.
• Available in numerous languages.
• Supports FTP, SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and FTP over SSL/TLS (FTPS).
• You can configure the speed of file transfer.
• Offers network configuration wizard.

Link:https://filezilla-project.org/

4) Core FTP LE

Core FTP is a secure FTP program design for Windows. It provides security using FTP client encryption. Tool supports FTP, SFTP SSL/TLS, and HTTP/HTTPS. It has a user-friendly interface that enables you to search for remote files.

Features:

• Support drag and drop feature.
• You can control the transfer bandwidth.
• Transfer file by just one mouse click.
• Provides command line support.
• Transfer data from one site to another.
• You can use the international domain (top-level domain)
• Automatic retry of files in which transfer is failing.
• It provides browser integration.
• Assign file permissions
• It has an advanced directory listing

Link:http://www.coreftp.com/

5) Cyberduck

Cyberduck is a software that supports FTP, SFTP, Microsoft Azure, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc. It has easy to use interface that enables you to connect to servers, share files, and provides cloud storage.

Features:

• It enables you to access Microsoft Azure cloud storage on your PC.
• DropBox can be used without synchronizing documents to local disk.
• Offers filename and file content encryption
• Quickly copy or select the file URL from the web browser.
• You can browse images with ease.
• Importing bookmarks from third-party software is possible.
• Browse a large folder structure without any hassle.
• You can drag and drop bookmarks

Link:https://cyberduck.io/

6) Coffeecup

Coffeecup is a free FTP client that enables you to connect the server with one button click. You can upload or download any file by dragging and dropping into a computer or server. The software keeps managing your website seamlessly.

Features:

• You can set permission to files and folders.
• Support secure file transfer using SFTP, SSH (Secure Shel), HTTPS, etc.
• Local and remote files can be managed with ease.
• You can quickly backup your website.
• Accurately manage the history of created folders.

Link:https://www.coffeecup.com/free-ftp/

7) WS_FTP Professional

WS_FTP Professional offers the easiest way to upload and download files. It provides an FTP transfer facility using encryption technology. This software is easy to use and can reduce the administrative burden.

Features:

• Supports a wide range of File Transfer Protocols, including SSL/FTPS, SSH/SFTP, and HTTP/S.
• Uses Windows 10 security features.
• Automatic backup of your website.
• Users can connect unlimited local connections simultaneously.
• More than one file can be transferred at the same time.
• Server to server transfer is possible.
• Provides security using PGP (Pretty Good Privacy).
• Users can connect unlimited remote connections simultaneously.

Link:https://www.ipswitch.com/ftp-server

8) Commander One

Commander One is a MAC FTP client. It offers a convenient option to copy files from one server to another, delete, etc. The software provides full support of FTP protocols. It helps the user to establish multiple connections at the same time.

Features:

Mac Ftp Server Software

• You can map the FTP server as your local drive.
• It enables you to link the entire Amazon S3 (Amazon Simple Storage Service) account
• Mount more than one Dropbox accounts.
• You can work with Google docs and Sheets.
• It supports the encryption file between Mac, cloud storage, and the remote server.
• Compressor extract archives without any hassle.
• Convenient selection of a file.
• Provides access to shared computers over the network.

Link:https://mac.eltima.com/ftp-manager.html

9) CuteFTP

CuteFTP is a suite of file transfer protocol applications. The versions of this software are available for Windows and Mac. You can use this app to transfer a file via FTP between PC, shared system.

Features:

• It supports OpenPGP encryption, password manager, one-time password authentication protocol.
• You can schedule a file transfer.
• Supports fully automated transfers.
• Quickly monitor local folders for any change.
• You can connect to a new site with step by step wizard.
• Supports more than 100 concurrent transfers.
• You can view thumbnails of remote images.
• Works with more than one remote site simultaneously.

Link:https://www.globalscape.com/cuteftp

10) GoodSync

GoodSync is a backup and file synchronization tool. This software can be used to sync files between computer and storage devices or between computer and server. It enables the user to run parallel threads to achieve file transfer speed.

Features:

• Real-time data can be transfer with no hassle
• Performs automated schedule and real-time backup without user interaction.
• Encrypts the files using AES-256.
• It can detect files that are renamed or moved from one location to another.
• You can control the bandwidth speed.
• Provides logs of actions performed and changes report
• It can fix access denied errors.
• This tool can compare two files by MD5.
• You can specify paths for removable drives.

Link:https://www.goodsync.com/

11) FTP Voyager

FTP Voyager is an FTP client for Microsoft Windows and Linux operating system. This tool can transfer files of all sizes with no problem. FTP Voyager is facilitated to send file transfer over a secure shell data stream.

Features:

• You can schedule and transfer multiple files concurrently.
• Drag-and-drop folders transfer from your desktop.
• Connect to more than one server at the same time
• Automatically sync directories.
• Upload or download any file using FTP, SFTP, and FTPS.

Link:https://www.serv-u.com/free-tools/ftp-voyager-ftp-client-for-windows

12) ForkLift

ForkLift is a file transfer client design specifically for macOS. This tool enables users to manage files across multiple networks and servers easily.

Features:

• Compare both local and remote sources and identify matching, deleted, or modified files.
• Preview panel that displays information of selected files.
• Search file and filter by name, kind, extension, and tags on a remote server.
• Ease of access to favorites, menu commands, and devices.
• Rename a large number of files on remote files or remote server.
• Control every file operation easily from the keyboard.
• Supported languages are English, Chinese, French, Spanish, Hungarian, and more.

Link:https://binarynights.com/

13) Fetch FTP

FetchFTP is a file transfer client for Macintosh. It supports FTP and SFTP, FTPS, and more. You can use this tool to view overall progress and time remaining while transferring more than one file. Fetch FTP helps you to filter out needed directories.

Features:

• Edit any file by just one mouse click.
• Support drag and drop folders and files between servers and your Mac.
• You can synchronize folders using the mirror command.
• It has WebView that enables you to preview files in your web browser.
• Upload file between server using copy and paste.
• Preserves file modifications date across uploads as well as downloads.
• You can synchronize shortcuts between two Macs using Dropbox.
• Provides extensive online help.
• Compatible with macOS.

Link:https://fetchsoftworks.com/

14) Pure FTPD

DescriptionPure-FTPD is software that can translate server messages into numerous languages including, English, French, Spanish, German, etc. It fully supports LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) authentication.

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Features:

• Beginners can install this software in less time.
• You can limit the number of simultaneous users.
• It allows you to connect server only from a particular range on IP address.
• You can disallow downloads if the system load is high.
• More than one FTP server can be hosted on the same server.
• Compatible with your existing specification of client and server.
• You can quickly external setup software like database archival and virus scanners.
• It has built-in secure cryptographic techniques for security.

Link:https://www.pureftpd.org/project/pure-ftpd/

15) Wise FTP

WISE-FTP is an FTP client for professionals. It has a user-friendly interface. This tool contains an integrated HTML editor. You can connect to any FTP servers like FTPES, FTPS, SFTP, etc.

Features:

• You can delete, rename, or copy from the FTP server to the local PC.
• It offers planners to schedule your uploading and downloading files.
• Easy to synchronize files directories, folders, and subfolders.
• Security is maintained through the SSH file transfer protocol.

Link:https://www.wise-ftp.de/en/

16) CrushFTP

CrushFTP is easy to use file transfer solution can be run on Windows, Solaris, BSD, Unix, etc. It has a built-in zip method that enables users to download any files in a compressed format. The software can manage and monitor the server from anywhere with almost any device.

Features:

• It provides a thumbnail preview for images, documents, PDF, etc.
• You can customize website forms for the users.
• Built-in report to monitor user activity.
• You can quickly log in from the browser.
• The server admin can grant permission to the user.
• It offers real-time synchronization of data.
• Jobs or tasks can be configured so that you can run at a specified time.
• Supports a wide range of plugins.

Link:https://www.crushftp.com/index.html

17) FlashFXP

FlashFXP platform that enables you to share files with your co-workers and friends using FTP. This tool is available in many languages, including Chinese, Dutch, French, German, etc. This software is also available in the portable edition.

Features:

• You can limit download and upload speed.
• Enables you to connect the server through FTP, FTPS, HTTP, and more.
• You can compare folders visually.
• It offers folder bookmarking.
• You can switch to a command-line interface.
• Rollback transfer of data.
• It provides an automatic transfer resume.
• You can calculate the size of the files.

Link:https://www.flashfxp.com/

18) SmartFTP

SmartFTP is an FTP client that allows you to transfer files between a computer and a server. It helps you to publish and maintain your website. You can use this tool to upload and download documents, music files, movies, etc.

Features:

• This tool enables you to synchronize files or folders with ease.
• You can customize the commands the way you like.
• It enables you to preview the source file.
• Visually compare files
• Multiple Connections are possible
• Supports UTF-8 (Transformation Format 8-bit blocks)
• Schedule tasks that run at a specific time.

Link:

Link:https://www.smartftp.com/en-us/

19) CrossFTP

CrossFTP is a file transfer protocol client to handle data sync/transfer on Windows, Linux, and Mac. It enables you to handle database and file backup.

Features:

• You can connect many site connections inside a single window.
• The latest version of this software protects your password through encryption.
• Enables you to compress, browse, and extract archives.
• Find the file on the web by just one click.
• Transfer data batch-wise.
• Zoom facility to preview
• Offers sound and event notifiers.
• It provides a convenient history information.

Link:http://www.crossftp.com/

FAQ

💻 What is FTP?

FTP stands for 'File Transfer Protocol.' It is an internet service which is designed to establish a connection to the specific server or computer. Therefore, users can transfer file (download) or transfer data/files to their computer or the FTP server.

âš¡ What is SFTP?

SFTP (full form SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a part of the SSH protocol suite. It provides secure file transfers over SSH to provide access to all the shell accounts on a remote SFTP server.