Core FTP vs gFTP

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.

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.