NcFTP vs SmartFTP

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.

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.