Core FTP vs Cyberduck

Core FTP is Windows software for transferring and managing files using multiple protocols. Its free client, Core FTP LE, provides FTP features without popup ads, advertising, spyware, or registration reminders. Transfers can use SSL, TLS, FTPS, HTTPS, or SFTP. The software also supports file synchronization, scheduled transfers, automation, site-to-site transfers, command-line operations, a portable version, and browser integration. Core FTP Pro can encrypt and decrypt files to servers and adds email notifications, external program execution, and IBM Information Exchange support with command-line updates. The client includes HIPAA-compliant security, and educational institutions qualify for a free FTP client site license. Client licenses are restricted to use with the client software, and listed license support is by email only. Paid Standard and Pro license listings vary by quantity and billing terms: a Standard single-user license is listed at $24.95 a month, while another Standard single-user listing is $24.95, paid once. Check each license’s terms before choosing, since the listings show different billing formats.

Cyberduck is a libre server and cloud-storage browser for macOS and Windows. It connects to FTP, SFTP, WebDAV, SMB, OpenStack Swift, Google Cloud Storage, Amazon S3, Azure, Backblaze B2, OneDrive, SharePoint, Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, and other services. Transfers include drag-and-drop uploads and downloads, recursive directory transfers, resumable transfers, and direct copying between servers. It can synchronize local and remote directories and preview the files affected before acting. Users can edit server-side text or binary files with an external editor, and copy or open HTTP URLs; S3 support includes CDN and pre-signed URLs. Cryptomator integration provides client-side encryption, including encrypted filenames and files. SFTP supports strong ciphers, public-key authentication, and two-factor authentication. Passwords are kept in the system Keychain, and certificates are checked against its trust settings. The free software is GPL-licensed and does not require registration or an account. A personal registration key is listed at $10 a month, billed as a minimum contribution shown by the vendor; a separate registration key contribution is $10, paid once. Retaining modification dates is not supported for all protocols.