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SPECIFICTION
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gFTP

gftp.org

Free plan Linux
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Spec score 7.9 #19 of 36 in FTP and SFTP clients

What it is

gFTP is a free, multithreaded file transfer client for *NIX-based machines, known to run on Linux distributions. It supports FTP, explicit and implicit FTPS, SSH2 SFTP, and FSP. Users can choose a GTK interface or a text interface, launched with the gftp-gtk and gftp-text commands. The text interface can download a directory and its subdirectories in one run, and transfer automation is listed. SSH2 SFTP support requires the OpenSSH client. For FTPS connections to servers using self-signed certificates, the FAQ describes disabling SSL peer verification or adding the CA public key to the OpenSSL certificates directory. The documented build process uses Meson and Ninja, with GTK 3 as the default UI build. Settings and bookmarks go under the gftp configuration directory in line with the XDG Base Directory Specification. The client logs the log-window contents to gftp.log and purges the file when the program starts. The project lists 56 language translations and directs bug reports to GitHub issues. Its plan costs nothing.

Spec sheet

Purpose
gFTP is a free, multithreaded file transfer client for *NIX based machines.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Supported platforms
linuxRead 20 Sep 2026 · github.com
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · github.com
Bug reports
The project directs users to its GitHub issues page for bug reports.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Build
The documented build process uses Meson and Ninja, with GTK 3 as the default UI build.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Configuration
gFTP follows the XDG Base Directory Specification and stores its settings and bookmarks under the gftp configuration directory.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Interfaces
It provides GTK and text interfaces, available through the gftp-gtk and gftp-text commands.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Logs
The FAQ says gFTP logs the log-window contents to gftp.log and purges that file when the program starts.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Platform
The project says gFTP is known to run on Linux distributions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Protocol coverage
multi-protocolRead 20 Sep 2026 · github.com
Protocols
It supports FTP, explicit and implicit FTPS, SSH2 SFTP, and FSP.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
SFTP requirement
SSH2 SFTP support requires the OpenSSH client.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
TLS certificate setting
For FTPS connections to servers using self-signed certificates, the FAQ says to disable SSL peer verification or add the CA public key to the OpenSSL certificates directory.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Transfer automation
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · github.com
Transfers
The text interface can download directories and their subdirectories in one run.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Translations
The project describes gFTP as having 56 language translations available.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

gFTP Free Free file transfer client Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every gFTP plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports FTP, FTPS, SSH2 SFTP, and FSP
  • Offers both GTK and text interfaces
  • Text mode downloads directories and subdirectories
  • Transfer automation is listed

Limits

  • SSH2 SFTP requires the OpenSSH client
  • Project is known to run on Linux distributions
  • Startup purges the gftp.log file

Who it suits

It suits Linux users who need a free client for several file-transfer protocols and want either GTK or text interfaces. Text-interface users can download directory trees in one run.

Verdict

gFTP covers several protocols and offers graphical and text interfaces at no listed charge. Linux users should note the OpenSSH requirement for SFTP and the documented certificate handling for self-signed FTPS servers.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to gFTPAll alternatives →