Core FTP vs SmartFTP

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.

SmartFTP is a Windows client for transferring files between local computers and internet servers. It supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP over SSH, WebDAV, Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, Google Drive, OneDrive, SSH, and terminal access, with cloud connections varying by edition. Listed uses include website publishing and maintenance, uploads and downloads, managed file transfers, and local or remote backup and synchronization. Professional includes FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, file synchronization, transfer integrity, and an integrated editor. Ultimate adds Google Drive, OneDrive, a terminal client, and password-manager integrations. Enterprise adds scheduled transfers plus Amazon S3, Google Cloud Storage, Backblaze B2, and Box. All editions include transfer resume, integrity verification, and on-the-fly compression. Windows downloads include x64 and Arm64 builds for listed Windows versions and servers. SmartFTP has no free plan, but offers a 30-day Enterprise evaluation without limitations. Subscription and perpetual license prices are listed separately, including $79.99 a year for Professional Subscription and $1,995.95 as a one-time purchase for Enterprise.