10 FTP programs / FTP clients for Windows & Mac

To upload or download files to an FTP server, you need an FTP client. Such programs establish TCP connections to server ports, which then control data exchange using commands. Many Internet browsers by default have existing clients; However, there are also special FTP programs for Windows, macOS and other operating systems, which facilitate file transfers with the FTP protocol significantly.

This is the way file transfer works with the File Transfer Protocol

To reach the FTP server, it is first necessary to make a connection via an FTP client. It makes a TCP connection to the server control port (port 21 by default) and can then send commands that the server answers. Other ports are then used to transfer files. There are two different transmission modes: In active mode, the client, which in turn uses a port above 1023, tells the server its own IP address when connecting through port 21, which tells the server which port to reach the client. In passive mode, the server does not receive an IP address from the client. B. because the firewall is blocking, and therefore offers a client port, so it can make connections.

If you use a web hosting solution with FTP access, you benefit from a very fast and easy file transfer between the device being used and the web server. FTP software with an easy-to-use user interface, which is lacking in browser-based clients, helps. With the FTP program, classification and management of files in the existing directory structure is done quickly and easily. The administrator manages the access rights of users who can access the FTP server simultaneously.

10 FTP clients in the overview

The market offers many FTP clients, some of which are very different in terms of function and operation. There are paid and free offers. Some are only compatible with Windows, others only with macOS or Linux. We introduce you to ten programs.

1. FileZilla

FileZilla is one of the most popular FTP applications for good reasons. Open source software is free and available from Windows 7, for Linux and macOS. Files can be easily exchanged between client and server via drag-and-drop immediately after the connection is made. FileZilla also supports very large file transfers (more than 4 GB) and allows the resumption of canceled data transfers. Upload and download speeds can be set by the user himself. In the server manager, the FTP server used including access information can be stored. Optionally, the FileZilla file transfer protocol can also be encrypted via SSL / TLS or SSH. FileZilla at a glance:

compatible with Windows, Linux and macOS
Supports SSL and SSH encryption
configurable transfer speed
allows connection to an FTP proxy server
detailed English documentation
Keepalive system to maintain network connections

can be used on all platforms
Supports large file transfers (up to 4GB)

Data entered is stored in plain text

2. WISE-FTP

WISE-FTP is a paid FTP program for the Windows operating system (XP or higher) that can be tested for free for 30 days before purchase without any restrictions. This software supports all common protocols such as FTP, SFTP, FTPS or FTPES and thus allows connection to any FTP server. Thanks to the integrated task scheduler, uploading and downloading files with WISE-FTP can be fully automated. Users only need to define the destination server and determine when and how often certain tasks should be run. File authentication and transfer is subject to the maximum security level thanks to the SFTP or FTPS protocol. In addition, data can be encrypted optionally via Rijndael, BlowFish or TripleDES. An overview of FTP client features:

compatible with Windows
Data encryption possible (Rijndael, BlowFish, TripleDES)
integrated task scheduler
strong FTP synchronization
custom, keyboard shortcuts that can be saved
Upload and download speeds are adjusted

integrated task scheduler
A variety of encryption algorithms are available

newer versions require a follow-up license

3. send

Transmit paid FTP clients are the first choice for macOS devices. The engine used allows very fast data transfers including adjustable bandwidth limits. Mac-convincing interface not only visually but also functionally. Thanks to the synchronization function, entire directories, for example, can be easily synchronized between server and client. Transmit supports encrypted transmission via SSL / TSL and SSH as well as the use of online storage services such as Amazon S3, Dropbox or WebDAV. Each server can be called by a user via Quick Connect or saved as a favorite, so it is listed on the application's home page. Transmit function in abstract:

compatible with macOS
Supports SSL and SSH encryption
Allows connection to FTP, SFTP, WebDAV and Amazon S3
Upload and download limits can be adjusted
Transfer data from server to server via FXP
some active connections possible

two-factor authentication
Interface to various cloud storage services

There was no request when deleting the file

4. NewFTP

With fresh FTP Windows users is a free FTP freeware program available that makes downloading and uploading web content a breeze. Thanks to multithreading support, multiple files can be transferred simultaneously, but the FTP client also has a queue system that allows regular file transfers in the order of preference. Also a feature to run on schedule is implemented. Additionally, users can set individual limits for transmission speeds (upload and download) in settings. Once started, the upload process that has been interrupted, can be continued at any time with Fresh FTP. To protect FTP clients from unauthorized access, users can set a password, which is requested when the program starts. General description of Fresh FTP features:

compatible with Windows
multithreading support
Adjustable upload and download limits
Schedule for file transfers
Resume of a canceled transfer
password protection

File transfer according to schedule is possible
password protection

English user interface

5. Cyberduck

Cyberduck is a free FTP program that supports all Windows operating systems Windows 7 or higher and macOS 10.7 or higher. This allows uncomplicated connections to all FTP, SFTP or WebDAV servers and cloud services such as Amazon S3, Azure or OpenStack. The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing new servers to be added quickly. The number of simultaneous file transfers can be limited if necessary, and resuming canceled transfers is easy with software. Cyberduck also offers good bookmark settings via drag-and-drop, which can even be imported from other programs if needed. Facts gathered from freeware FTP clients:

compatible with Windows and macOS
Supports SSL and SSH encryption
allows connections to FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Azure, OpenStack, Amazon S3 and more
The number of simultaneous transfers is adjusted
Archive and expand tar / zip files via SSH
client-side encryption by cryptomator
Segmented uploads for files larger than 5 GB

clear and easy to use interface
Client-side encryption by cryptomator

occasional termination

6.FireFTP

The FireFTP FTP program is a special feature in this list: Unlike other FTP clients, FireFTP is not a stand-alone application but a browser extension. Initially it was developed for Firefox - and more than 26 million downloads are a clear indication of the success of this small program. However, in 2017, the client was removed from the arsenal add-on from the open source browser, which is why it can only be used with the Firefox Watershox branch. Once installed, the FTP client extension allows the establishment of SSL / TLS secure FTP connections, where the number of simultaneous data transfers and upload and download speeds can be limited. An overview of browser add-on functions:

can be used on all platforms
Supports SSL / TLS encryption
directory synchronization
adjustable download and upload speeds
Integrity checking (XMD5, XSHA1)
connection and transfer disconnected automatically

entire platform
complicated installation
Open source

only available for the Waterfox browser

7. Commander One Pro

The Mac Commander One file manager can be used as an FTP client after upgrading to the rechargeable Pro Edition. In addition to the FTP, FTPS and SFTP protocols, this software also supports data exchange via WebDAV and Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive, Amazon S3 online storage solutions. To ensure an efficient and fast upload and download process, Commander One allows the transfer of several files simultaneously, with the queue function of bandwidth congestion prevented. Optionally, users can also set limits for simultaneous connections when making connections with their respective FTP servers. The main features of the FTP program for macOS in summary:

compatible with macOS
Allows connections to FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, Google Drive, OneDrive and Amazon S3
integrated process manager
terminal emulator itself
Different themes available
automatically save all server settings and credentials in macOS keychain

automatically saves server data in macOS key chains
equipped with its own terminal

There is no function to synchronize directories

8. SmartFTP

SmartFTP Shareware can be tested for 30 days before purchase. The FTP client can be installed on all Windows operating systems from XP and supports FTP, FTPS and SFTP protocols as well as WebDAV, Amazon S3, Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive services. In addition, connections to multiple servers are possible, so that data can be transferred by FXP from server to server. Very useful is the integrated search function, which is very beneficial on larger FTP servers. At the end of the trial period, users can choose between the Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions, which have different functionalities. The SmartFTP Enterprise Edition includes the following features:

compatible with Windows
Supports SSL and SSH encryption
Allows connections to FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and Amazon S3
Schedule for transfers
Resume of a canceled transfer
simultaneous connection to multiple servers

Resumption of data transfer that was canceled
integrated remote browser

relatively expensive

9. goods lifter

The ForkLift FTP program has been one of the most powerful Mac computer solutions for years. Paid software not only supports various protocols such as FTP, SFTP, SMB, AFP and NFS, but also provides an interface to online services such as Amazon S3, Google Drive or Backblaze B2. Users can connect to several servers at once and easily drag and drop files between them. Additionally, complete directories can be synchronized with one click (in one or both directions), which allows, for example, changes to local files to be transferred to an FTP server at lightning speed - in addition, files can be renamed in batches. The FTP client functional palette in summary:

compatible with macOS
allows connections to FTP, SFTP, SMB, Google Drive and Amazon S3, among others
Password protection for server information
Simple file organization using tags
directory synchronization
Preview (image, PDF, text) or playback function (video, audio file)

Password protection for server data
convenient preview / playback function

10. WinSCP

WinSCP is an open source program for Windows (from XP), which supports not only the FTP and SFTP protocols but also the SCP encryption protocol. The user benefits from exchanging encrypted files when connected to the SSH server, and the transmission of logon data is also coded in this case. With the WinSCP directory it can be synchronized and files copied, deleted or moved. Depending on the taste, the user can choose one of two user interfaces: The Explorer interface is based on the well-known Windows folder structure, while the Norton Commander interface is based on the eponymous file manager. Connections that are frequently used can be saved as favorites with WinSCP. Facts at a glance: