Click to viewWhether you do your work on the web, run a home FTP server, or you just prefer a quick download from time to time, a solid, full-featured FTP client can be a lifesaver. You've got tons of options-both free and shareware-for your FTP needs, so finding the right FTP client can be difficult. On Tuesday you shared your favorite FTP clients, and today we're back with the five most popular choices. Read on for a detailed look at the five best FTP clients for your money, then cast your vote for the app you like best.
FileZilla, Free FTP Client for Windows and Mac FileZilla puts this reviewer in an interesting position. While it's a good, free FTP client that’s been used by millions of people, in the past few years it’s fallen out of favour. FileZilla, Free FTP Client for Windows and Mac FileZilla puts this reviewer in an interesting position. While it's a good, free FTP client that’s been used by millions of people, in the past few years it’s fallen out of favour.
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WinSCP (Windows)
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WinSCP, aka Windows Secure Copy, is a free, open-source FTP client. Supporting both SFTP and SCP protocols (upshot: secure transfers), WinSCP is fast and lightweight while still supporting advanced features like remote text editing. When you open a plain text file, WinSCP can open the file in your text editor of choice. Every time you save the file, it transparently saves and uploads the changes to the remote server. Added bonus: a portable version is available. WinSCP's synchronized browsing feature is also worth a look.
Transmit (Mac OS X)
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Transmit is a shareware ($30) FTP client packed to the brim with innovative features. It covers all of the usual suspects, including remote file editing and folder sync, and it's also got tons of Mac-centric features like a Dashboard widget, .Mac syncing of your favorites (bookmarked FTP servers), droplets for quick drag-and-drop uploading to favorite locations, inline previews, and Automator support. Transmit can even do server-to-server transfers from one server's tab to another's. Despite its $30 price tag, Transmit has even got some Windows users wishing for their own version.
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FireFTP (All Platforms with Firefox)
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FireFTP is a Firefox extension that integrates a powerful FTP client directly into our favorite browser. FireFTP isn't the most feature-rich client of the bunch, but if all you need is a simple FTP client for the occasional upload or download, FireFTP is more than up for the job. Even better: You don't have to install a separate program for FTP, since it all runs from the warm and fuzzy comfort of the 'fox. If you're running Firefox Portable on your thumb drive, you can take FireFTP with you wherever you go.
FileZilla (All Platforms)
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FileZilla is a free, open-source FTP client for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Due to its price tag (or lack thereof), cross-platform support, and ease of use, FileZilla is a go-to option for many users new to FTP. Users stick around because FileZilla is a fast, full-featured (it also has remote file editing), and reliable FTP client in constant development. There's even a portable version you can toss on your thumb drive to use FileZilla on the go. Finally, if you're a Windows user you can even use FileZilla to build your own home FTP server.
Cyberduck (Mac OS X)
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Cyberduck is a free, open-source FTP client for Mac OS X with support for most of the usual suspects in transfer protocols in addition to WebDAV and Amazon S3. It also supports Quick Look, Growl, and remote editing with your text editor of choice. Mac users who aren't happy with FileZilla and don't want to shell out any cash for Transmit can flock to the duck for full-featured FTP and then some.
Now that you've seen the best, it's time to warm up your clicking finger and pick a favorite.
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Which Is the Best FTP Client?( surveys)
Honorable mentions go out to SmartFTP, FlashFXP, CuteFTP, and WS_FTP. Got more to say about your FTP client of choice that you can't get across in a poll? Let's hear about it in the comments.
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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.
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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:
Best Mac Ftp
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
Cons
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
Cons
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 Free Ftp Client For Windows03.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
Cons
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.
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
Cons
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
Cons
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
Cons
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
Cons
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.
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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!
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