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NcFTP

ncftp.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.0 #17 of 36 in FTP and SFTP clients

What it is

NcFTP is a free set of programs for transferring files over FTP. Its client includes an FTP browser, command-line tools for transfers and directory listings, and programs for background work. The browser offers progress meters, filename completion, command-line editing, bookmarks, cached directory listings, resumable downloads and directory tree downloads. It can redial and process work in the background. For scripts, ncftpget and ncftpput provide command-line transfers, while ncftpbatch handles queued FTP requests. Scheduled transfers and automation are supported. NcFTP runs on Linux, macOS and Windows, supports passive FTP, and can be configured to connect through a firewall or proxy. Its protocol coverage is FTP only: there is no built-in encryption or support for secure modes such as SFTP, SSL or SSH tunnels. By default, it attempts anonymous access; a username can be specified with the -u option. The maker lists client version 3.3.0, dated April 23, 2025. There is no registration or licensing fee, and donations are appreciated. Version 3 uses the Clarified Artistic License; LibNcFTP is also available as a C API for adding FTP client services to applications.

Spec sheet

Purpose
NcFTP is a set of free application programs implementing the File Transfer Protocol (FTP).Read 8 Oct 2026 · ncftp.com
Platforms
The download page offers binaries for FreeBSD 14, Linux, Mac OS X 10.9 or later, and Microsoft Windows, and says users can build from source for other platforms.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ncftp.com
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · ncftp.com
License
The NcFTP Client version 3 license is the Clarified Artistic License.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ncftp.com
Automation
The ncftpget and ncftpput utilities provide command line FTP transfers for scripts.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ncftp.com
Background transfers
ncftpbatch processes queued FTP requests in the background.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ncftp.com
Client features
The NcFTP browser supports progress meters, filename completion, command line editing, background processing, resumable downloads, bookmarks, cached directory listings, redialing, and directory tree downloads.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ncftp.com
Cost
The client has no registration or licensing fee; the maker says donations are appreciated.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ncftp.com
Current release
The maker lists NcFTP Client version 3.3.0, dated April 23, 2025.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ncftp.com
Firewall support
The client supports passive FTP mode and can be configured to connect through a firewall or proxy.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ncftp.com
Included programs
The client includes an FTP browser, command line transfer and listing utilities, and background FTP programs.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ncftp.com
Integration
The maker offers LibNcFTP, a C language API for adding FTP client services to applications.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ncftp.com
Login behavior
NcFTP attempts anonymous access by default, and users can specify a username with the -u option.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ncftp.com
Protocol coverage
ftp-onlyRead 20 Sep 2026 · ncftp.com
Scheduled transfers
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · ncftp.com
Security limitation
NcFTP has no built in support for encryption or secure FTP modes such as SFTP, SSL, or SSH tunnels.Read 8 Oct 2026 · ncftp.com
Transfer automation
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · ncftp.com

Plans and prices

NcFTP Client Free Free FTP client programs · donations appreciated Read 8 Oct 2026 · ncftp.com

Every NcFTP plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free FTP client programs for three desktop platforms.
  • Includes command-line tools for scripted transfers.
  • Supports queued and scheduled background transfers.
  • Passive FTP can be configured for firewall or proxy use.
  • Resumable downloads and directory tree downloads.

Limits

  • FTP only, with no built-in encryption.
  • Does not support SFTP, SSL or SSH tunnels.
  • Attempts anonymous access by default.

Who it suits

NcFTP suits users who need FTP transfers on Linux, macOS or Windows, including people automating transfers with scripts. It is not suitable when built-in encryption or secure FTP modes are required.

Verdict

NcFTP offers a broad set of FTP browsing, command-line and automation tools at no licensing cost. Its lack of built-in secure transfer modes is a decisive limitation for users who need encrypted connections.

Where Specifiction places it

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