FileZilla Client vs NcFTP
FileZilla Client
filezilla-project.orgNcFTP
ncftp.comSide by side
| Figure | FileZilla Client | NcFTP |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · FTP and SFTP clients | 8.9 (#2) | 8.0 (#17) |
| Spec score · FTP Server Software | 8.7 (#5) | 8.0 (#17) |
| Client features | The maker has a dedicated FileZilla Client Features page. | The NcFTP browser supports progress meters, filename completion, command line editing, background processing, resumable downloads, bookmarks, cached directory listings, redialing, and directory tree downloads. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Supported platforms | cross-platform | 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. |
| Protocol coverage | ftp-ftps-sftp | ftp-only |
| Purpose | FileZilla describes itself as a free FTP solution. | NcFTP is a set of free application programs implementing the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). |
Plans
In their own words
FileZilla Client
FileZilla Client is a free FTP solution for file transfers, with support for FTP, FTPS, and SFTP. It is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. The project presents FileZilla Client separately from FileZilla Server, FileZilla Pro, and RemoteDrive, so those products should not be assumed to be part of the Client. Documentation includes installation instructions for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X, plus tutorials, usage guidance, and help with connection, transfer, and network configuration problems. The Wiki also includes guidance for key-based SFTP authentication. Support resources include a community forum, Wiki, FAQ, support section, and contact page. The project site links to source code, an issue tracker, nightly builds, translations, and version history. FileZilla Pro is a separate product whose overview lists support for cloud services including S3, Google Drive, and OneDrive. No paid price or billing schedule is stated for the Client, and no free-tier limits are stated.
NcFTP
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.