FTPShell Client vs NcFTP

FTPShell Client is a Windows file transfer program for FTP, FTPS and SFTP. It uses SSL/TLS for FTPS and SSH for SFTP, and supports Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 and 11, as well as Windows Server 2003 through 2022. The client can synchronize folders, schedule transfers and automate file movement. It can unzip downloaded files and zip files before upload; a syntax-highlighting editor works with local or remote files. FXP enables transfers directly between remote servers. The Personal Edition is free for non-commercial use only. Pro adds task scheduling, remote file search, folder comparison and synchronization, and server-to-server transfers. Pro licenses are one-time purchases: $59.95, paid once with one year of updates, $79.95, paid once with two years, or $99.95, paid once with three years. Enterprise adds FTP script creation and execution, FTPS and SFTP support for scripts, command-line execution and scheduled FTP scripts. Enterprise options cost $199.95 as a one-time purchase, $269.95, paid once or $339.95, paid once for one, two or three years of updates, respectively. A 30-day trial is listed. License keys are sent by email, with delivery allowed up to 24 hours after payment.

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.