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Best FTP and SFTP Clients in 2026

Moving files between systems can call for different protocols and transfer workflows. Compare protocol coverage and supported platforms with concurrent transfers, synchronization, and scheduled transfers to gauge how a client might fit your routine.

  1. 01 Cyberduck

    Cyberduck suits people who need to browse several server and cloud-storage services from Mac or Windows, or synchronize local and remote directories.

    From $10/mo Free plan Windows · macOS
    9.1 Visit Specs
  2. 02 FileZilla Client

    FileZilla Client suits people who need a free FTP, FTPS, or SFTP client on Linux, macOS, or Windows and want documentation or community support resources.

    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.9 Visit Specs
  3. 03 Core FTP

    Core FTP suits Windows users who need file transfers across supported protocols, including scheduled or automated transfers.

    From $16.95/mo Free plan Windows
    8.8 Visit Specs
  4. 04 WinSCP

    WinSCP suits Windows users who need to transfer and manage files on remote computers, including those who want scripting or a portable version.

    Free plan Open source Windows
    8.7 Visit Specs
  5. 05 FTP Rush

    FTP Rush suits people who need to transfer or synchronize files across servers and supported cloud services, including through scheduled or scripted tasks.

    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux · iOS
    8.6 Visit Specs
  6. 06 CrossFTP
    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.6 Visit Specs
  7. 07 FTP Commander

    FTP Commander suits Windows users who need basic transfers or remote file management.

    Free plan Windows · Android
    8.6 Visit Specs
  8. 08 Serv-U FTP Server

    It suits small businesses and project teams needing FTPS, scripted transfers, and a smaller number of users and domains on one server.

    From $4.58/mo Free trial Web · Windows · Linux · iOS
    8.5 Visit Specs
  9. 09 SmartFTP

    SmartFTP suits Windows users handling website publishing, managed transfers, synchronization, or backups across multiple protocols.

    Free trial Windows
    8.4 Visit Specs
  10. 10 FTPShell Client

    FTPShell Client suits Windows users who transfer files using FTP, FTPS or SFTP.

    Free plan Windows
    8.4 Visit Specs
  11. 11 CuteFTP
    Free trial Windows
    8.2 Visit Specs
  12. 12 FTPie
    Free plan Windows
    8.2 Visit Specs
  13. 13 lftp

    lftp suits Linux users who want command-line control over file transfers, including scheduled jobs, queues, mirroring or resumable downloads.

    Free plan Linux
    8.1 Visit Specs
  14. 14 sFTP Client

    It suits people who need file transfer across multiple protocols, with scheduling, automation, or SSH tools.

    Free trial Windows · macOS · Linux · Browser extension
    8.1 Visit Specs
  15. 15 Faro

    It suits desktop users handling transfers, shells, synchronization and ad hoc work across many server and cloud backends.

    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.1 Visit Specs
  16. 16 Fetch
    From $4/mo Free trial macOS
    8.1 Visit Specs
  17. 17 NcFTP

    NcFTP suits users who need FTP transfers on Linux, macOS or Windows, including people automating transfers with scripts.

    Free plan Windows · macOS · Linux
    8.0 Visit Specs
  18. 18 Viper FTP
    From $1.25/mo Free trial macOS
    8.0 Visit Specs
  19. 19 gFTP

    It suits Linux users who need a free client for several file-transfer protocols and want either GTK or text interfaces.

    Free plan Linux
    7.9 Visit Specs
  20. 20 FQB Transfer
    Free plan macOS
    7.7 Visit Specs
  21. 21 AndFTP
    Free plan Android
    7.7 Visit Specs
  22. 22 Robo-FTP
    Free trial Web · Windows · API
    7.7 Visit Specs
  23. 23 FTPGetter
    Free trial Windows
    7.6 Visit Specs
  24. 24 Yummy FTP Pro
    Free trial macOS
    7.6 Visit Specs
  25. 25 EditPlus
    From $9/mo Free trial Windows
    7.6 Visit Specs
How this list is ordered. Specifiction scores each tool on how fully its maker documents it, whether its prices are published, where the research puts it, the platforms it runs on and whether it can be tried for free (how we rank). Makers can also buy a numbered place (how Specifiction is paid for).

Transfer automation can be relevant for repeat tasks, while a portable version, free plan, and paid-from price add other practical distinctions. FileZilla Client, Cyberduck, and CrossFTP are among the options to weigh against those criteria. Consider the protocols and devices you need to support, as well as whether you expect to handle transfers manually, synchronize files, or automate recurring work.

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